NameCensus.

UK surname

Skilton

A locational surname derived from a place name likely related to the Old English words "scill" meaning hut and "tun" meaning enclosure or settlement.

In the 1881 census there were 808 people recorded with the Skilton surname, ranking it #4,617 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,314, ranked #4,569, up from #4,617 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Dorking, London parishes and Plymouth St Andrew (incl. Eddystone Lighthouse in 1841). In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Tandridge, Mole Valley and Tunbridge Wells.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Skilton is 1,372 in 2002. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 62.6%.

1881 census count

808

Ranked #4,617

Modern count

1,314

2016, ranked #4,569

Peak year

2002

1,372 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Skilton had 808 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #4,617 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,314 in 2016, ranked #4,569.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,319 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Skilton surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Skilton surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Skilton 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 498 #5,020
1861 historical 499 #5,242
1881 historical 808 #4,617
1891 historical 896 #4,594
1901 historical 1,191 #4,125
1911 historical 1,319 #3,618
1997 modern 1,306 #4,385
1998 modern 1,340 #4,435
1999 modern 1,360 #4,416
2000 modern 1,366 #4,381
2001 modern 1,324 #4,420
2002 modern 1,372 #4,359
2003 modern 1,321 #4,423
2004 modern 1,342 #4,377
2005 modern 1,319 #4,390
2006 modern 1,289 #4,480
2007 modern 1,272 #4,565
2008 modern 1,294 #4,530
2009 modern 1,309 #4,578
2010 modern 1,301 #4,701
2011 modern 1,324 #4,564
2012 modern 1,310 #4,543
2013 modern 1,340 #4,524
2014 modern 1,349 #4,526
2015 modern 1,327 #4,554
2016 modern 1,314 #4,569

Geography

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Where Skiltons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Dorking, London parishes, Plymouth St Andrew (incl. Eddystone Lighthouse in 1841) and Hammersmith. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Tandridge, Mole Valley, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Guildford. 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 Dorking Surrey
2 London parishes London 1
3 Plymouth St Andrew (incl. Eddystone Lighthouse in 1841) Devon
4 London parishes London 3
5 Hammersmith London (West Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Tandridge 003 Tandridge
2 Mole Valley 005 Mole Valley
3 Tunbridge Wells 005 Tunbridge Wells
4 Maidstone 017 Maidstone
5 Guildford 011 Guildford

Forenames

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First names often paired with Skilton

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Skilton

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

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Skilton surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Skilton household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Skilton is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Skilton is most concentrated in decile 2 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

2
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Skilton falls in decile 10 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.

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Skilton 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 - British

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

Meaning and origin of Skilton

The surname SKILTON is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated from a place name, possibly Skilton near Ganton in the North Riding of Yorkshire. The name likely derives from the Old English words "scil," meaning a shed or shelter, and "tun," which refers to a farmstead or village.

The earliest known written record of the SKILTON surname dates back to the late 13th century. In the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire from 1273, a certain Willelmus de Skelton is mentioned. This early spelling variation highlights the name's evolution over time.

In the famous Domesday Book, compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror, there are references to several places with similar names, such as Schelton and Skelton. While these may not directly relate to the SKILTON surname, they suggest the presence of settlements or locations that could have influenced the name's development.

One notable figure bearing the SKILTON name was Robert Skilton, a prominent merchant and alderman in London during the 16th century. He was born around 1520 and played an active role in the city's affairs, serving as Sheriff of London in 1564.

Another historical figure was Sir John Skilton, a military officer who fought in the English Civil War during the 17th century. He was born in Gloucestershire in 1600 and served as a colonel in the Parliamentarian forces, participating in several battles against the Royalists.

In the literary world, the name SKILTON is associated with Mary Skilton, an English author who lived in the 18th century. She is best known for her novel "The Orphan of the Forest," published in 1785, which gained popularity during her lifetime.

Moving forward, in the 19th century, we find Samuel Skilton, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Manchester, England. He was born in 1810 and made significant contributions to the local community, founding several charitable organizations and supporting educational initiatives.

Another notable figure was William Skilton, a renowned architect from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Derbyshire in 1865 and designed several iconic buildings, including churches and public institutions, across various regions of England.

These examples illustrate the rich history and diversity of individuals who have borne the SKILTON surname throughout the centuries, reflecting its enduring presence in various walks of life, from commerce and military service to literature and architecture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Skilton families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Skilton 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. Surrey leads with 410 Skiltons recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.85x.

County Total Index
Surrey 410 10.85x
Middlesex 111 1.43x
Kent 80 3.02x
Essex 65 4.25x
Suffolk 24 2.54x
Devon 23 1.42x
Hampshire 11 0.69x
Sussex 10 0.76x
Berkshire 9 1.55x
Lincolnshire 9 0.73x
Hertfordshire 7 1.31x
Huntingdonshire 7 4.55x
Staffordshire 7 0.27x
Stirlingshire 4 1.40x
Durham 3 0.13x
Glamorgan 3 0.22x
Warwickshire 2 0.10x
Cornwall 1 0.11x
Cumberland 1 0.15x
Derbyshire 1 0.08x
Lanarkshire 1 0.04x
Lancashire 1 0.01x
Norfolk 1 0.08x
Royal Navy 1 1.08x
Somerset 1 0.08x
West Lothian 1 0.86x
Yorkshire 1 0.01x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Dorking in Surrey leads with 67 Skiltons recorded in 1881 and an index of 264.09x.

Place Total Index
Dorking 67 264.09x
Croydon 26 12.40x
Wotton 26 1413.04x
Ashtead 24 975.61x
Coulsdon 24 349.35x
Hammersmith London 22 11.52x
Leatherhead 19 200.85x
Plymstock 16 189.35x
Tonbridge 16 16.77x
Aveley 15 581.40x
Sheldwich 15 887.57x
Limehouse London 14 16.44x
Betchworth 13 278.97x
Kedington 13 520.00x
Kingston On Thames 13 14.32x
Frindsbury 12 120.36x
Buckland 11 1009.17x
Camberwell 11 2.22x
Cheam 10 247.52x
Epsom 10 54.32x
Godstone 10 147.71x
St Pancras London 10 1.60x
Capel 9 252.81x
Edmonton 9 14.40x
Farnham 9 30.63x
Putney 9 25.46x
Reigate Foreign 9 21.99x
Wimbledon 9 21.21x
Battersea 8 2.80x
Haverhill 8 575.54x
Lambeth 8 1.18x
Newdigate 8 451.98x
Preston Next Faversham 8 128.62x
St Andrew Holborn 8 30.43x
Strood 8 53.02x
Banstead 7 68.36x
Caterham 7 41.92x
Chedburgh 7 1044.78x
Godmanchester 7 120.27x
Ridgwell 7 402.30x
Romford 7 28.93x
Streatham 7 12.17x
Sturmere 7 707.07x
Watford 7 16.89x
Harrow On The Hill 6 38.73x
Leigh 6 431.65x
Morden 6 320.86x
Plymouth Charles The 6 8.44x
Rochester St Nicholas 6 72.90x
Thames Ditton 6 76.43x
Bethnal Green London 5 1.48x
Burslem 5 6.67x
Chigwell 5 34.60x
Eastwood 5 373.13x
Farnborough 5 29.96x
Horley 5 78.99x
Hurst 5 65.62x
Reigate Borough 5 57.34x
Stamford St Mary 5 199.20x
Battle 4 45.35x
Denny 4 26.30x
East Meon 4 96.39x
Frimley 4 37.17x
Ipswich St Mathew 4 15.11x
Isleworth 4 11.60x
Islington London 4 0.53x
Lewisham 4 2.84x
Shoreditch London 4 1.19x
Burton By Lincoln 3 400.00x
Felstead 3 57.14x
Horsham 3 11.81x
Rochester St Margaret 3 10.75x
St Marylebone London 3 0.72x
Stoke 3 16.83x
West Thurrock 3 58.94x
Winkfield 3 31.06x
Merstham 2 83.33x
Roath 2 3.26x
Send Ripley 2 40.65x
Woolwich 2 2.05x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 44
Emma 22
Sarah 22
Elizabeth 21
Eliza 17
Ann 14
Ellen 14
Annie 13
Emily 12
Alice 11
Harriet 11
Jane 8
Susan 8
Charlotte 7
Kate 7
Louisa 7
Margaret 7
Maria 7
Rose 7
Clara 6
Martha 6
Ada 5
Agnes 4
Catherine 4
Edith 4
Frances 4
Harriett 4
Fanny 3
Florence 3
Hannah 3
Lilian 3
Sophia 3
Amelia 2
Anne 2
Caroline 2
Christiana 2
Daisy 2
Eleanor 2
Jesse 2
Jessie 2
Julia 2
Maud 2
Minnie 2
Rhoda 2
Rosa 2
Rosina 2
Susannah 2
Blanche 1
Elizebath 1
Tiny 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 54
George 31
Thomas 31
James 28
Henry 23
Charles 22
Edward 17
John 17
Joseph 15
Alfred 14
Arthur 11
Frederick 10
David 9
Frank 9
Walter 9
Richard 7
Albert 6
Ernest 6
Edwin 5
Harry 5
Benjamin 4
Mark 4
Percy 4
Robert 4
Stephen 4
Caleb 3
Peter 3
Sidney 3
Wm. 3
Archie 2
Chas. 2
Samuel 2
Aleck 1
Christopher 1
Daniel 1
Edgar 1
Emanuel 1
Ephraim 1
Francis 1
Herbert 1
Heychiak 1
Isaac 1
Jas. 1
Jno. 1
Louis 1
Majar 1
Martin 1
Obed 1
Samul 1
Spencer 1

FAQ

Skilton surname: questions and answers

How common was the Skilton surname in 1881?

In 1881, 808 people were recorded with the Skilton surname. That placed it at #4,617 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Skilton surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,314 in 2016. That gives Skilton a modern rank of #4,569.

What does the Skilton surname mean?

A locational surname derived from a place name likely related to the Old English words "scill" meaning hut and "tun" meaning enclosure or settlement.

What does the Skilton map show?

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