NameCensus.

UK surname

See

A surname derived from the Chinese character 薛, meaning "marsh mallow" or "dockweed," or referring to a place name.

In the 1881 census there were 230 people recorded with the See surname, ranking it #11,748 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 399, ranked #11,902, down from #11,748 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Brampton, Yelling and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Liverpool, Ealing and Hackney.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for See is 399 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 73.5%.

1881 census count

230

Ranked #11,748

Modern count

399

2016, ranked #11,902

Peak year

2016

399 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • See had 230 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #11,748 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 399 in 2016, ranked #11,902.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 253 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

See surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

See surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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See 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 253 #8,709
1881 historical 230 #11,748
1891 historical 1 #34,674
1901 historical 243 #13,358
1997 modern 369 #11,690
1998 modern 388 #11,612
1999 modern 381 #11,873
2000 modern 380 #11,837
2001 modern 381 #11,637
2002 modern 381 #11,865
2003 modern 368 #11,963
2004 modern 347 #12,516
2005 modern 343 #12,546
2006 modern 363 #12,123
2007 modern 362 #12,271
2008 modern 356 #12,534
2009 modern 361 #12,663
2010 modern 383 #12,394
2011 modern 364 #12,713
2012 modern 374 #12,324
2013 modern 390 #12,151
2014 modern 397 #12,076
2015 modern 393 #12,059
2016 modern 399 #11,902

Geography

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Where Sees are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Brampton, Yelling, London parishes, Huntingdon St Mary and Wisbech St Peter. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Liverpool, Ealing, Hackney, Richmond upon Thames and South Kesteven. 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 Brampton Huntingdonshire
2 Yelling Cambridgeshire
3 London parishes London 1
4 Huntingdon St Mary Huntingdonshire
5 Wisbech St Peter Cambridgeshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Liverpool 059 Liverpool
2 Ealing 034 Ealing
3 Hackney 004 Hackney
4 Richmond upon Thames 002 Richmond upon Thames
5 South Kesteven 015 South Kesteven

Forenames

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First names often paired with See

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for See

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

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the See surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every See 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 includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, See is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

See is most concentrated in decile 10 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

See falls in decile 9 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

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

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for See is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of See

The surname "SEE" is of German origin, and it is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, specifically around the 11th or 12th century. The name is derived from the Old High German word "sēo," which means "lake" or "sea." This suggests that the earliest bearers of this surname likely lived near a body of water, such as a lake or a coastal region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname "SEE" can be found in the Codex Diplomaticus, a collection of historical documents from the 11th century. This record mentions a person named "Conrad von der See," which translates to "Conrad from the Sea" or "Conrad by the Sea." This document provides evidence that the surname was in use during this time period and was likely a descriptive name given to individuals who lived near a body of water.

The surname "SEE" also has connections to various place names throughout Germany. For example, the town of Seeburg, located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, derives its name from the Old High German word "sēo" and the suffix "-burg," meaning "castle." This suggests that the name "SEE" may have been associated with individuals who resided in or near this town or other similar locations.

One notable historical figure with the surname "SEE" was Johann Friedrich von der See (1579-1645), a German military commander who served during the Thirty Years' War. He was born in the town of Hildesheim and played a significant role in various battles and sieges throughout his military career.

Another individual of note was Johann Michael See (1768-1847), a German composer and organist. He was born in Weingarten, Baden-Württemberg, and is known for his contributions to sacred music, particularly his compositions for organ and choral works.

In the 16th century, the surname "SEE" appeared in records from the city of Nuremberg, where it was sometimes spelled as "Sehe" or "Seehe." This variation in spelling was common during this time period and highlights the evolving nature of surnames.

The Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey conducted in England in 1086, does not contain any references to the surname "SEE," as it was primarily a German name. However, it is worth noting that the name may have been introduced to England at a later date through migration or trade connections with German-speaking regions.

Throughout history, there have been several other notable individuals bearing the surname "SEE," including Georg Michael See (1753-1822), a German botanist and naturalist, and Johann Friedrich See (1645-1701), a German composer and organist who was active in the late 17th century.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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See families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the See 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. Middlesex leads with 57 Sees recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.61x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 57 2.61x
Huntingdonshire 48 110.65x
Cambridgeshire 24 17.34x
Norfolk 21 6.25x
Yorkshire 18 0.83x
Surrey 16 1.50x
Warwickshire 11 2.00x
Suffolk 6 2.25x
Lancashire 5 0.19x
Bedfordshire 3 2.65x
Durham 2 0.31x
Gloucestershire 2 0.47x
Leicestershire 2 0.83x
Lincolnshire 2 0.57x
Cheshire 1 0.21x
Derbyshire 1 0.29x
Essex 1 0.23x
Glamorgan 1 0.26x
Kent 1 0.13x
Midlothian 1 0.34x
Northamptonshire 1 0.49x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hammersmith London in Middlesex leads with 18 Sees recorded in 1881 and an index of 33.44x.

Place Total Index
Hammersmith London 18 33.44x
Brampton 13 1444.44x
Hackney London 11 8.98x
Paddington London 10 12.45x
Warboys 9 720.00x
Welney 9 1168.83x
Fulham London 8 25.24x
Ramsey 8 230.55x
Tydd St Giles 8 1212.12x
Birmingham 7 3.81x
Huntingdon St Mary 7 642.20x
Southwark St George Martyr 7 15.92x
Aldeburgh 6 379.75x
Eston 6 127.12x
Clerkenwell London 5 9.70x
Walsoken 5 247.52x
Wimbledon 5 41.84x
Aston 4 2.64x
Cheetham 4 20.68x
Terrington St Clement 4 263.16x
Biggleswade 3 80.86x
Caxton 3 714.29x
Hemingford Grey 3 454.55x
Huntingdon All Sts 3 1000.00x
Newton 3 555.56x
Rotherham 3 24.57x
Sutton 3 121.46x
Whittlesey St Mary St 3 62.11x
Bluntisham 2 246.91x
Bradford 2 3.82x
Buckden 2 256.41x
Holbeach 2 51.41x
Islington London 2 0.94x
Lambeth 2 1.05x
Leicester St Margaret 2 3.39x
March 2 43.20x
Sculcoates 2 5.83x
Whickham 2 33.44x
Wisbech St Peter 2 28.82x
Benwick 1 163.93x
Blackrod 1 31.06x
Camberwell 1 0.72x
Chesterton 1 23.42x
Downham Market 1 43.29x
Eckington 1 12.03x
Hougham 1 22.57x
Leverington 1 109.89x
Leyton Low 1 11.40x
Llandaff 1 7.90x
Nassington 1 185.19x
Queensferry 1 333.33x
Runcorn 1 8.99x
Spitalfields London 1 6.09x
St Ives 1 44.44x
St Pancras London 1 0.57x
St Peter Le Poer 1 909.09x
Walpole St Peter 1 117.65x
West Heslerton 1 384.62x
West Walton 1 156.25x
Westbury On Trym 1 6.89x
Woking 1 15.58x
Wotton Under Edge 1 39.53x
Yeadon 1 20.45x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 13
Mary 11
Sarah 11
Emma 6
Ellen 5
Jane 5
Alice 4
Ann 4
Eliza 4
Louisa 3
Susan 3
Anna 2
Annie 2
Charlotte 2
E. 2
Hannah 2
Lucy 2
Minnie 2
Abigal 1
Ada 1
Adelaide 1
Ader 1
Agnes 1
Amy 1
Carolina 1
Catherine 1
Edith 1
Elizth. 1
Florence 1
Harriet 1
Harriett 1
Harriott 1
Lizzie 1
Lois 1
Lydia 1
Margret 1
Margrett 1
Martha 1
Maud 1
Nancy 1
Rachel 1
Rebecca 1
Roseanne 1
Ruth 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Charles 18
John 15
William 12
George 9
Isaac 6
Frederick 5
Edward 4
Richard 3
Thomas 3
Walter 3
Abraham 2
Arthur 2
Fisher 2
G. 2
Joseph 2
Matthew 2
Alfred 1
Ben 1
Benjm. 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Francis 1
Frank 1
Fredrick 1
Geeson 1
Gibson 1
Gilbert 1
Harry 1
Henry 1
James 1
Jas. 1
Jessie 1
Lacy 1
Patrick 1
Samuel 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

See surname: questions and answers

How common was the See surname in 1881?

In 1881, 230 people were recorded with the See surname. That placed it at #11,748 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the See surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 399 in 2016. That gives See a modern rank of #11,902.

What does the See surname mean?

A surname derived from the Chinese character 薛, meaning "marsh mallow" or "dockweed," or referring to a place name.

What does the See map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of See 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.