NameCensus.

UK surname

Snell

An English occupational surname referring to a swift person or a sneaky, active, or brisk individual.

In the 1881 census there were 5,619 people recorded with the Snell surname, ranking it #788 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 6,357, ranked #1,063, down from #788 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes and St Pancras. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Mid Devon, Cornwall and Stroud.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Snell is 7,335 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 13.1%.

1881 census count

5,619

Ranked #788

Modern count

6,357

2016, ranked #1,063

Peak year

1911

7,335 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Snell had 5,619 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #788 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 6,357 in 2016, ranked #1,063.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 7,335 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Snell surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Snell surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Snell 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 4,004 #711
1861 historical 3,651 #769
1881 historical 5,619 #788
1891 historical 5,868 #804
1901 historical 6,695 #824
1911 historical 7,335 #708
1997 modern 6,549 #992
1998 modern 6,802 #991
1999 modern 6,805 #1,001
2000 modern 6,784 #995
2001 modern 6,636 #995
2002 modern 6,791 #993
2003 modern 6,595 #1,001
2004 modern 6,606 #1,004
2005 modern 6,455 #1,012
2006 modern 6,372 #1,025
2007 modern 6,366 #1,036
2008 modern 6,385 #1,038
2009 modern 6,526 #1,038
2010 modern 6,605 #1,044
2011 modern 6,514 #1,049
2012 modern 6,343 #1,056
2013 modern 6,433 #1,058
2014 modern 6,427 #1,067
2015 modern 6,371 #1,062
2016 modern 6,357 #1,063

Geography

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Where Snells are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes, St Pancras and Crediton, Colebroke, Shobrooke, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Cruwys Morchard. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Mid Devon, Cornwall, Stroud and Teignbridge. 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 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 St Pancras London (North Districts)
5 Crediton, Colebroke, Shobrooke, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Cruwys Morchard Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Mid Devon 011 Mid Devon
2 Mid Devon 010 Mid Devon
3 Cornwall 030 Cornwall
4 Stroud 005 Stroud
5 Teignbridge 004 Teignbridge

Forenames

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First names often paired with Snell

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Snell

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

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Snell surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Snell 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 comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Snell is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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 located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Snell is most concentrated in decile 6 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

6
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Snell falls in decile 4 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Snell 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 Snell, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Snell

The surname Snell originated in England and dates back to the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "snell," meaning "quick" or "active," which was likely used as a nickname for someone with a lively or energetic demeanor.

During the Middle Ages, the use of surnames became more widespread, and many were derived from personal characteristics, occupations, or places of origin. The Snell surname may have arisen as a descriptive name given to an individual with a notably quick or lively personality.

One of the earliest known references to the Snell name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire from 1195, where a person named William Snell is mentioned. This suggests that the surname was already in use by the late 12th century in parts of northern England.

In the 13th century, the Snell surname appeared in various records across different regions of England. For instance, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 include entries for individuals named Snell in counties such as Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Notable historical figures with the Snell surname include Willemus Snell (fl. 1326), a 14th-century English landowner and merchant from Yorkshire. Another prominent bearer of the name was Ralph Snell (c. 1516-1563), a prominent English clergyman and theologian who served as a chaplain to Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, Robert Snell (1618-1663) was an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the development of calculus. He worked closely with Sir Christopher Wren and was appointed as the Gresham Professor of Astronomy in London.

George Snell (1619-1681) was an English politician and Member of Parliament for Gloucester during the reign of King Charles II. He was also a successful merchant and landowner in the county of Gloucestershire.

In more recent history, Wilbur Snell (1901-1948) was an American aviator and businessman who established several airlines and played a crucial role in the early development of commercial aviation in the United States.

The Snell surname has been associated with various place names throughout England, such as Snell's Nook in Yorkshire, Snell's Green in Buckinghamshire, and Snell's Hill in Gloucestershire. These places may have derived their names from individuals with the Snell surname who resided or owned property in those areas.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Snell families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Snell 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. Devon leads with 1,251 Snells recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.87x.

County Total Index
Devon 1,251 10.87x
Cornwall 706 11.27x
Middlesex 693 1.25x
Surrey 387 1.44x
Suffolk 358 5.31x
Yorkshire 292 0.53x
Lincolnshire 200 2.26x
Essex 150 1.37x
Somerset 150 1.68x
Kent 144 0.76x
Lancashire 129 0.20x
Gloucestershire 125 1.15x
Nottinghamshire 94 1.26x
Glamorgan 88 0.91x
Berkshire 86 2.07x
Norfolk 83 0.98x
Hampshire 79 0.70x
Durham 78 0.47x
Wiltshire 77 1.57x
Monmouthshire 58 1.45x
Derbyshire 41 0.47x
Channel Islands 40 2.44x
Cheshire 38 0.31x
Dorset 37 1.02x
Staffordshire 30 0.16x
Warwickshire 30 0.22x
Northumberland 29 0.35x
Sussex 29 0.31x
Worcestershire 25 0.35x
Cambridgeshire 16 0.46x
Hertfordshire 16 0.42x
Lanarkshire 14 0.08x
Northamptonshire 14 0.27x
Buckinghamshire 13 0.39x
Oxfordshire 13 0.38x
Royal Navy 10 1.52x
Midlothian 8 0.11x
Fife 7 0.21x
Bedfordshire 6 0.21x
Leicestershire 5 0.08x
Perthshire 4 0.16x
Rutland 4 0.99x
Aberdeenshire 3 0.06x
Dunbartonshire 3 0.20x
Herefordshire 2 0.09x
Radnorshire 2 0.45x
Isle of Man 1 0.10x
Kincardineshire 1 0.15x
Montgomeryshire 1 0.08x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. St Pancras London in Middlesex leads with 111 Snells recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.49x.

Place Total Index
St Pancras London 111 2.49x
Liskeard 74 70.62x
Bermondsey 66 4.01x
St Stephen In Brannel 60 105.04x
Stoke Damerel 58 7.20x
Lambeth 55 1.14x
Paddington London 54 2.66x
Plymouth St Andrew 54 6.09x
Plymouth Charles The 52 10.25x
Bury St Edmunds St James 51 28.34x
Deptford St Paul 51 3.50x
Tiverton 51 25.72x
Camberwell 48 1.36x
Chelsea London 45 2.70x
Kensington London 45 1.46x
Tormoham 45 9.24x
Falmouth 43 19.40x
Menheniot 42 161.54x
Islington London 41 0.76x
St Austell 41 19.16x
Holy Trinity 40 3.03x
Lavenham 37 105.02x
Colyton 35 79.17x
St Marylebone London 35 1.19x
Bedminster 32 3.83x
Croydon 32 2.14x
Crediton 31 28.42x
Castle Combe 30 320.17x
Roche 30 94.31x
Great Grimsby 29 5.17x
Leeds 29 0.94x
Exeter St Sidwell 28 10.62x
Newington 28 1.37x
Hackney London 27 0.87x
Ludgvan 27 54.10x
Newton Abbot St Mary 27 27.96x
Zeal Monachorum 27 304.74x
Kilmington 24 252.63x
St Cleer 24 44.20x
Walcot 24 5.06x
Burrington 23 157.00x
Long Melford 23 36.74x
Toxteth Park 23 1.03x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 22 2.15x
Chawleigh 21 165.35x
Clerkenwell London 21 1.61x
Mile End Old Town 21 2.41x
Chudleigh 20 54.64x
Great Yarmouth 20 2.84x
Portsea 20 0.90x
Preston 20 352.11x
Reading St Mary 20 6.01x
St Dennis 20 85.54x
St Peter Port 20 6.60x
Stonehouse East 20 34.24x
Swansea Town 20 2.53x
West Ham 20 0.83x
Brixham 19 14.24x
Exeter St David 19 19.32x
Landulph 19 198.74x
Birmingham 18 0.39x
Ipswich St Helen 18 22.54x
Westminster St John 18 2.67x
Aberystruth 17 4.82x
Greenwich 17 1.93x
Honiton 17 26.68x
St George Bloomsbury 17 5.36x
Westbury On Trym 17 4.63x
Antony 16 26.46x
Bromley London 16 1.31x
East Stonehouse 16 7.05x
Ryhope 16 14.01x
Snettisham 16 67.94x
Bradninch 15 46.20x
Hammersmith London 15 1.10x
Hampstead London 15 1.74x
Sampford Courtenay 15 87.16x
Swimbridge 15 64.46x
Whittington 15 12.52x
Quethiock 14 152.51x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 382
Elizabeth 224
Sarah 168
Ann 112
Jane 104
Emma 100
Annie 97
Ellen 81
Eliza 76
Alice 71
Emily 64
Charlotte 49
Louisa 47
Florence 41
Kate 41
Maria 41
Hannah 40
Fanny 36
Harriet 36
Martha 35
Susan 35
Edith 31
Ada 30
Bessie 29
Catherine 27
Margaret 25
Caroline 24
Lucy 24
Frances 22
Harriett 21
Clara 18
Jessie 18
Anne 17
Anna 16
Amelia 15
Grace 15
Rose 15
Laura 14
Lydia 14
Minnie 14
Beatrice 13
Matilda 13
Susannah 13
Agnes 12
Elizth. 12
Ethel 12
Maud 12
Rebecca 12
Julia 11
Esther 10

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 429
John 329
George 195
James 169
Thomas 149
Henry 107
Charles 102
Frederick 82
Samuel 82
Edward 69
Robert 65
Joseph 57
Richard 57
Alfred 56
Walter 54
Arthur 50
Harry 38
Albert 36
Frank 32
Edwin 26
David 24
Ernest 24
Francis 18
Herbert 17
Benjamin 16
Fred 15
Wm. 15
Thos. 14
Tom 14
Edmund 12
Andrew 11
Isaac 10
Sydney 9
Daniel 8
Abraham 7
Nicholas 7
Sidney 7
Chas. 6
Geo. 6
Matthew 6
Philip 6
Elijah 5
Lewis 5
Mark 5
Percy 5
Willie 5
Fredk. 4
Fredrick 4
Harold 4
Jacob 4

FAQ

Snell surname: questions and answers

How common was the Snell surname in 1881?

In 1881, 5,619 people were recorded with the Snell surname. That placed it at #788 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Snell surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 6,357 in 2016. That gives Snell a modern rank of #1,063.

What does the Snell surname mean?

An English occupational surname referring to a swift person or a sneaky, active, or brisk individual.

What does the Snell map show?

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