UK surname
An English surname originating from the Old French word "sauver" meaning "to save or rescue."
In the 1881 census there were 42 people recorded with the Saving surname, ranking it #27,721 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 51, ranked #34,838, down from #27,721 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Winslow, Bridekirk and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Saving is 164 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 21.4%.
1881 census count
42
Ranked #27,721
Modern count
51
2016, ranked #34,838
Peak year
1861
164 bearers
Map years
1
1861 to 1861
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Saving surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Saving surname density by area, 1861 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 42 | #25,706 |
| 1861 | historical | 164 | #14,188 |
| 1881 | historical | 42 | #27,721 |
| 1891 | historical | 58 | #29,439 |
| 1901 | historical | 55 | #28,064 |
| 1911 | historical | 46 | #28,224 |
| 1997 | modern | 54 | #32,210 |
| 1998 | modern | 60 | #31,931 |
| 1999 | modern | 58 | #32,268 |
| 2000 | modern | 62 | #31,939 |
| 2001 | modern | 60 | #31,985 |
| 2002 | modern | 59 | #32,468 |
| 2003 | modern | 57 | #32,704 |
| 2004 | modern | 56 | #33,067 |
| 2005 | modern | 51 | #33,701 |
| 2006 | modern | 51 | #33,992 |
| 2007 | modern | 50 | #34,347 |
| 2008 | modern | 48 | #34,629 |
| 2009 | modern | 47 | #34,856 |
| 2010 | modern | 49 | #34,886 |
| 2011 | modern | 46 | #35,047 |
| 2012 | modern | 45 | #35,105 |
| 2013 | modern | 52 | #34,780 |
| 2014 | modern | 55 | #34,649 |
| 2015 | modern | 51 | #34,834 |
| 2016 | modern | 51 | #34,838 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Winslow, Bridekirk, London parishes, Rockcliff and Quainton, Shipton Lee. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winslow | Buckinghamshire |
| 2 | Bridekirk | Cumberland |
| 3 | London parishes | London 1 |
| 4 | Rockcliff | Cumberland |
| 5 | Quainton, Shipton Lee | Buckinghamshire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Saving surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Saving, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Saving surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Saving household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Saving is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Saving is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Saving, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Saving is of English origin, with roots dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "sæfing," which referred to a small stream or brook. This suggests that the name may have initially been associated with individuals residing near such water sources.
One of the earliest known bearers of the Saving surname was Walter de Savinge, mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire in 1279. This historical document was a survey conducted during the reign of King Edward I, providing valuable insight into the names and locations of individuals at that time.
In the 14th century, the surname appeared in various forms, including Savynge, Savyng, and Savinge. These variations were likely due to regional dialects and pronunciation differences. The name was prevalent in areas such as Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Warwickshire, where several records can be found.
Notably, the Saving surname is featured in the renowned Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and properties commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This ancient manuscript serves as a vital source for tracing the origins and distribution of surnames across England.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Saving surname. One such figure was John Saving (1550-1618), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Provost of Eton College from 1604 until his death.
Another prominent bearer of this name was Sir Thomas Saving (1620-1689), a wealthy English landowner and Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire in the latter part of the 17th century.
In the 18th century, Samuel Saving (1732-1804) gained recognition as a renowned English architect and surveyor. He was responsible for designing several notable buildings, including the Blackfriars Bridge in London.
Moving into the 19th century, William Saving (1790-1863) was a respected British painter known for his landscape and genre works. His paintings are still admired and can be found in various art galleries across the United Kingdom.
Lastly, one cannot overlook the contributions of Sir Alfred Saving (1856-1931), a distinguished British engineer and inventor. He is credited with developing several groundbreaking technologies, including early versions of the internal combustion engine and the bicycle pedal.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Saving surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Buckinghamshire leads with 32 Savings recorded in 1881 and an index of 129.24x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Buckinghamshire | 32 | 129.24x |
| Berkshire | 6 | 19.52x |
| Leicestershire | 1 | 2.20x |
| Middlesex | 1 | 0.24x |
| Northamptonshire | 1 | 2.60x |
| Oxfordshire | 1 | 3.95x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Winslow in Buckinghamshire leads with 31 Savings recorded in 1881 and an index of 13478.26x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Winslow | 31 | 13478.26x |
| Cookham | 6 | 625.00x |
| Aylestone | 1 | 277.78x |
| Chelsea London | 1 | 8.10x |
| Evenley | 1 | 1428.57x |
| Great Missenden | 1 | 322.58x |
| Lt Rollright | 1 | 10000.00x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Saving surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Saving surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Saving households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 8 |
| Ag Labr | 4 |
| Chimney Sweep | 2 |
| Genl Servt Domestic | 2 |
| Ag Lab (Indoors) | 1 |
| Ag Lab (Under Carter) | 1 |
| Ag Labr Wife | 1 |
| Domestic Servant | 1 |
| Dress Maker | 1 |
| Dressmaker | 1 |
| Formerly Greengrocer | 1 |
| Genl Labr | 1 |
| Genl Serv | 1 |
| Hawker | 1 |
| Housemaid Domestic | 1 |
| Mantle Maker | 1 |
| No Occ | 1 |
| Paper Maker Labourer | 1 |
| Shoe Rivetter | 1 |
| Shoemaker Late | 1 |
| Upholsterer | 1 |
| Upholsterers Assistant | 1 |
| Wife Of The Above | 1 |
| Works In Garden (N D) | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 42 people were recorded with the Saving surname. That placed it at #27,721 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 51 in 2016. That gives Saving a modern rank of #34,838.
An English surname originating from the Old French word "sauver" meaning "to save or rescue."
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Saving bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.