NameCensus.

UK surname

Springer

An occupational surname referring to a lively, energetic person or a travelling acrobat or tumbler.

In the 1881 census there were 197 people recorded with the Springer surname, ranking it #12,955 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,087, ranked #5,378, up from #12,955 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lymington, Christ Church Spitalfields and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Reading, Barnet and South Hams.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Springer is 1,087 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 451.8%.

1881 census count

197

Ranked #12,955

Modern count

1,087

2016, ranked #5,378

Peak year

2016

1,087 bearers

Map years

8

1861 to 2016

Key insights

  • Springer had 197 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #12,955 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,087 in 2016, ranked #5,378.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 340 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Springer surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Springer surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Springer 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 65 #21,747
1861 historical 129 #17,271
1881 historical 197 #12,955
1891 historical 238 #13,202
1901 historical 256 #12,934
1911 historical 340 #10,490
1997 modern 881 #6,068
1998 modern 934 #5,982
1999 modern 943 #5,983
2000 modern 946 #5,942
2001 modern 904 #6,061
2002 modern 945 #5,952
2003 modern 939 #5,886
2004 modern 972 #5,731
2005 modern 992 #5,594
2006 modern 996 #5,585
2007 modern 1,006 #5,583
2008 modern 1,022 #5,547
2009 modern 1,056 #5,521
2010 modern 1,060 #5,600
2011 modern 1,044 #5,611
2012 modern 1,008 #5,700
2013 modern 1,041 #5,652
2014 modern 1,079 #5,501
2015 modern 1,073 #5,462
2016 modern 1,087 #5,378

Geography

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Where Springers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lymington, Christ Church Spitalfields, London parishes and Newchurch. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Reading, Barnet and South Hams. 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 Lymington Hampshire
2 Christ Church Spitalfields London (East Districts)
3 London parishes London 1
4 Newchurch Hampshire
5 London parishes London 3

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Reading 008 Reading
2 Barnet 037 Barnet
3 South Hams 004 South Hams
4 Reading 007 Reading
5 Reading 013 Reading

Forenames

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First names often paired with Springer

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Springer

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Springer 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

Springer 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

Springer falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Springer is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

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

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Springer

The surname Springer has its origins in the German language, deriving from the word "springer," which translates to "jumper" or "dancer." It is believed to have emerged as an occupational surname during the Middle Ages, likely referring to individuals who performed as leapers, tumblers, or dancers.

The earliest recorded instances of the Springer surname can be traced back to the 13th century in various regions of Germany, including Bavaria and Saxony. Historical records from this period often referred to individuals by their occupation or distinguishing characteristic, which could explain the adoption of the Springer surname.

One notable mention of the Springer name can be found in the Rottweil Annals, a chronicle written in the late 13th century, which documents the activities of a town council member named Cunrat Springer in the year 1286.

In the 14th century, the surname Springer began to appear in various German cities and towns, including Nuremberg, where a certain Heinrich Springer was recorded as a resident in 1349. This suggests that the name had spread across different regions of Germany by that time.

During the 16th century, the Springer surname gained prominence with several notable individuals bearing the name. One such individual was Johannes Springer (1520-1584), a German theologian and Reformer who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation.

Another prominent figure was Bartholomäus Springer (1530-1591), a German historian and rector of the University of Wittenberg, known for his writings on the history of Saxony.

In the 17th century, the surname Springer found its way to the Netherlands, where a family of that name settled in the city of Amsterdam. One of the earliest recorded members of this family was Pieter Springer (1600-1670), a successful merchant and alderman.

The 18th century saw the emergence of Johann Springer (1737-1817), a German mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of mechanics and is considered one of the pioneers of modern engineering.

As the Springer surname spread across Europe, it also gained prominence in other regions. One notable individual was William Springer (1819-1891), an American politician and lawyer who served as a judge in the Illinois Supreme Court and played a key role in the state's legal system.

Throughout its history, the Springer surname has been associated with various occupations, professions, and achievements, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and contributions of those who bore this name. While its origins can be traced back to the German language and the Middle Ages, the name has since transcended borders and cultures, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Springer families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Springer 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. Hampshire leads with 50 Springers recorded in 1881 and an index of 12.44x.

County Total Index
Hampshire 50 12.44x
Middlesex 50 2.55x
Surrey 32 3.35x
Lancashire 18 0.77x
Essex 14 3.62x
Berkshire 6 4.08x
Suffolk 5 2.09x
Channel Islands 4 6.88x
Norfolk 4 1.33x
Sussex 4 1.21x
Yorkshire 4 0.21x
Glamorgan 3 0.88x
Cheshire 1 0.23x
Devon 1 0.25x
Dorset 1 0.78x
Durham 1 0.17x
Kent 1 0.15x
Somerset 1 0.32x
Wiltshire 1 0.58x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Newington in Surrey leads with 17 Springers recorded in 1881 and an index of 23.47x.

Place Total Index
Newington 17 23.47x
Lymington 14 474.58x
Ryde 13 150.64x
Gorton 9 41.15x
Mile End Old Town 9 29.08x
Willesden 8 43.29x
Clapham 7 28.56x
Kensington London 7 6.42x
St Marylebone London 7 6.69x
West Ham 7 8.19x
Shinfield 6 689.66x
South Stoneham 6 68.81x
Spitalfields London 6 40.68x
Barking 5 44.17x
Great Waldingfield 5 1282.05x
Merton 5 299.40x
Chorlton On Medlock 4 10.82x
Norwich St Martin At Oak 4 218.58x
St Saviour 4 124.61x
Basingstoke 3 64.94x
Brighton 3 4.50x
Cardiff St Mary 3 15.96x
Normanby In 3 57.80x
Otterbourne 3 526.32x
St Martin In Fields 3 25.55x
Toxteth Park 3 3.81x
Camberwell 2 1.60x
Liverpool 2 1.42x
Milford 2 170.94x
Paddington London 2 2.77x
Southampton All Sts 2 29.03x
St Helens 2 68.49x
St Pancras London 2 1.27x
Westminster St James 2 9.93x
Blandford Forum 1 39.37x
Christchurch 1 11.48x
Dukinfield 1 5.00x
Exeter St David 1 28.65x
Fisherton Anger 1 31.15x
Greenwich 1 3.20x
Hamble Le Rice 1 357.14x
Harwich St Nicholas 1 33.44x
Horsham 1 15.58x
Leeds 1 0.91x
Portishead 1 42.55x
Portsea 1 1.27x
Shoreditch London 1 1.18x
Southampton St Mary 1 3.96x
St Botolph Bishopsgate 1 36.10x
Stockton On Tees 1 3.56x
Streatham 1 6.87x
Thaxted 1 78.13x
Ventnor 1 26.18x
Westminster St John 1 4.19x
Whitechapel London 1 5.18x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 13
Emily 6
Emma 5
Alice 4
Sarah 4
Annie 3
Caroline 3
Catherine 3
Eliza 3
Elizabeth 2
Elizh. 2
Elizth. 2
Ellen 2
Esther 2
Fanny 2
Hannah 2
Helen 2
Kate 2
Leah 2
Ada 1
Adelaide 1
Agnes 1
Ann 1
Charlotte 1
Cicelia 1
Clarissa 1
E. 1
Emilie 1
Eugene 1
Florence 1
Frances 1
Harriet 1
Jane 1
Jessie 1
Johanna 1
Kezia 1
Lilian 1
Louise 1
Maggie 1
Maria 1
Marie 1
Marion 1
Minnie 1
Nelly 1
Rachel 1
Rebecca 1
Rosa 1
Rose 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 13
Henry 11
George 8
William 8
Albert 7
Arthur 6
Frederick 5
Charles 3
Edward 3
James 3
Thomas 3
Walter 3
Christopher 2
Ernest 2
Isaac 2
Samuel 2
Abraham 1
Alexander 1
Alfred 1
Barnet 1
C. 1
Edgar 1
Edmund 1
Emil 1
Francis 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Gloin 1
Harris 1
Harry 1
Herman 1
Hyman 1
Jacob 1
Jessie 1
Louis 1
Max 1
Oswald 1
Robert 1
Robt. 1
Sidney 1
Solomon 1
Thos. 1
Wiliam 1

FAQ

Springer surname: questions and answers

How common was the Springer surname in 1881?

In 1881, 197 people were recorded with the Springer surname. That placed it at #12,955 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Springer surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,087 in 2016. That gives Springer a modern rank of #5,378.

What does the Springer surname mean?

An occupational surname referring to a lively, energetic person or a travelling acrobat or tumbler.

What does the Springer map show?

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