NameCensus.

UK surname

Scarry

A variant of the occupational surname "Scarry", referring to someone who terrified or scared others.

In the 1881 census there were 38 people recorded with the Scarry surname, ranking it #28,285 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 119, ranked #27,704, up from #28,285 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Wolverhampton, Mole Valley and Manchester.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Scarry is 120 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 213.2%.

1881 census count

38

Ranked #28,285

Modern count

119

2016, ranked #27,704

Peak year

2015

120 bearers

Map years

2

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Scarry had 38 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #28,285 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 119 in 2016, ranked #27,704.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 49 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Scarry surname distribution map

The map shows where the Scarry surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Scarry surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Scarry over time

The 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 25 #28,853
1861 historical 31 #30,058
1881 historical 38 #28,285
1891 historical 47 #30,566
1901 historical 33 #30,384
1911 historical 49 #27,894
1997 modern 107 #25,924
1998 modern 111 #25,990
1999 modern 111 #26,182
2000 modern 112 #25,978
2001 modern 102 #27,093
2002 modern 107 #26,849
2003 modern 102 #27,383
2004 modern 100 #27,964
2005 modern 99 #28,177
2006 modern 94 #29,264
2007 modern 92 #29,929
2008 modern 95 #29,822
2009 modern 103 #29,127
2010 modern 108 #28,996
2011 modern 108 #28,811
2012 modern 113 #28,016
2013 modern 112 #28,675
2014 modern 116 #28,253
2015 modern 120 #27,561
2016 modern 119 #27,704

Geography

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Where Scarrys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Wolverhampton, Mole Valley, Manchester, Hartlepool and North Tyneside. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Wolverhampton 020 Wolverhampton
2 Mole Valley 008 Mole Valley
3 Manchester 050 Manchester
4 Hartlepool 007 Hartlepool
5 North Tyneside 004 North Tyneside

Forenames

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First names often paired with Scarry

These lists show first names that appear often with the Scarry surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Scarry

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Scarry, 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

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Scarry surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Scarry household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Young Asian Family Terraces

Within London, Scarry is most associated with areas classed as Young Asian Family Terraces, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These households with dependent children typically live in terraced housing and are of (non-Chinese) Asian extraction. Individuals with Bangladeshi origins are particularly in evidence. Employment is often in elementary occupations or as process, plant or machine operatives, and part-time work is common. Students are much in evidence.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Scarry is most concentrated in decile 8 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Scarry falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Scarry is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

This describes the area pattern most associated with Scarry, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Scarry

The surname Scarry is of English origin, dating back to the late medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "scearra," which means "a cut" or "a notch." This could suggest that the name originally referred to a person who lived near a distinctive geological feature, such as a cliff or rocky outcrop.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Scarry can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, where a certain William Skarry is mentioned. This spelling variation highlights the fluidity of surnames during that era, as they were often adapted based on local pronunciation and scribal interpretation.

The Scarry name is closely linked to the village of Scarborough in North Yorkshire, which was originally called "Skarðaborg" in Old Norse, meaning "rock town." It is possible that some early bearers of the Scarry surname migrated from this area, carrying their name with them to other parts of England.

During the 16th century, the name appeared in various records, such as the Parish Registers of Warwickshire, where a Thomas Scarry was christened in 1583. In the same century, a John Scarry was listed as a freeman of the City of London in 1588, indicating the name's presence in the capital.

One notable figure bearing the Scarry surname was Richard Scarry (1919-1994), an American writer and illustrator best known for his children's books featuring lovable animal characters. His works, such as "Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever," have delighted generations of young readers worldwide.

Another individual of historical significance was Sir John Scarry (1560-1622), a Member of Parliament for Worcestershire during the reign of King James I. His involvement in local politics and governance highlights the prominence of the Scarry name in that region.

In the 18th century, a John Scarry (1712-1789) made a name for himself as a successful merchant and landowner in Yorkshire, his estate and business dealings leaving a lasting impact on the local economy.

The Scarry surname has also been associated with various place names throughout England, such as Scarry's Hill in Gloucestershire and Scarry's Farm in Oxfordshire, further underscoring the name's deep-rooted presence in the country's history and geography.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Scarry families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Scarry surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 11 Scarrys recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.50x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 11 2.50x
Yorkshire 10 2.72x
Derbyshire 7 12.07x
Perthshire 6 36.08x
Staffordshire 2 1.60x
Lincolnshire 1 1.69x
Middlesex 1 0.27x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Pudsey in Yorkshire leads with 9 Scarrys recorded in 1881 and an index of 459.18x.

Place Total Index
Pudsey 9 459.18x
Claylane 7 864.20x
Perth East Church 6 382.17x
Eccleston In Prescot 5 226.24x
Newchurch 3 83.33x
Hammerwich 2 1111.11x
Barton Upon Irwell 1 30.21x
Farnworth 1 38.02x
Great Hale 1 1111.11x
Huddersfield 1 18.69x
Islington London 1 2.79x
Windle 1 40.49x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Scarry surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 4
Bridget 2
Catherine 2
Sarah 2
Ann 1
Barbara 1
Margaret 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Scarry surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Michael 4
Patrick 4
James 3
John 3
Thomas 2
William 2
Martin 1

Top occupations

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 Scarry households.

FAQ

Scarry surname: questions and answers

How common was the Scarry surname in 1881?

In 1881, 38 people were recorded with the Scarry surname. That placed it at #28,285 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Scarry surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 119 in 2016. That gives Scarry a modern rank of #27,704.

What does the Scarry surname mean?

A variant of the occupational surname "Scarry", referring to someone who terrified or scared others.

What does the Scarry map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Scarry bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

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.