NameCensus.

UK surname

Squibb

A British surname derived from the nickname "Squib," meaning a small person.

In the 1881 census there were 630 people recorded with the Squibb surname, ranking it #5,630 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 976, ranked #5,916, down from #5,630 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Poole St James, Newchurch and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Weymouth and Portland, Gosport and Isle of Wight.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Squibb is 1,071 in 2002. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 54.9%.

1881 census count

630

Ranked #5,630

Modern count

976

2016, ranked #5,916

Peak year

2002

1,071 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Squibb had 630 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,630 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 976 in 2016, ranked #5,916.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 988 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Squibb surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Squibb surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Squibb 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 405 #5,976
1861 historical 428 #6,002
1881 historical 630 #5,630
1891 historical 752 #5,296
1901 historical 908 #5,113
1911 historical 988 #4,579
1997 modern 1,014 #5,436
1998 modern 1,027 #5,552
1999 modern 1,039 #5,535
2000 modern 1,050 #5,469
2001 modern 1,031 #5,451
2002 modern 1,071 #5,390
2003 modern 1,037 #5,438
2004 modern 1,023 #5,499
2005 modern 989 #5,603
2006 modern 989 #5,611
2007 modern 983 #5,686
2008 modern 973 #5,769
2009 modern 1,012 #5,709
2010 modern 1,020 #5,788
2011 modern 1,028 #5,693
2012 modern 1,009 #5,695
2013 modern 1,000 #5,822
2014 modern 1,008 #5,821
2015 modern 995 #5,831
2016 modern 976 #5,916

Geography

Back to top

Where Squibbs are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Poole St James, Newchurch, London parishes, Portsmouth, Portsea and Melcombe Regis. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Weymouth and Portland, Gosport, Isle of Wight and Stroud. 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 Poole St James Dorset
2 Newchurch Hampshire
3 London parishes London 3
4 Portsmouth, Portsea Hampshire
5 Melcombe Regis Dorset

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Weymouth and Portland 001 Weymouth and Portland
2 Weymouth and Portland 005 Weymouth and Portland
3 Gosport 002 Gosport
4 Isle of Wight 010 Isle of Wight
5 Stroud 005 Stroud

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Squibb

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Squibb

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Squibb, 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 Squibb surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Squibb 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, Squibb 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

Squibb is most concentrated in decile 1 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Squibb falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Squibb

The surname Squibb is of English origin and is believed to have originated in the county of Somerset during the 13th or 14th century. It is thought to be derived from the Middle English word "squibbe," which referred to a type of small fish or eel. This etymology suggests that the name may have initially been an occupational surname given to someone who caught or sold these types of fish.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Somerset in 1327, where a William Squibbe is mentioned. This document provides evidence of the name's existence in the region during the medieval period.

In the 16th century, the Squibb surname appeared in the records of the Parish of St. Cuthbert in Wells, Somerset, with the baptism of John Squibbe in 1562. This further solidifies the name's roots in the county.

The Squibb name has also been associated with the village of Squibb in Somerset, which may have influenced the spelling and pronunciation of the surname over time. Additionally, variations such as Squibb, Squib, and Squibbs have been documented throughout history.

One notable individual with the surname Squibb was Edward Squibb (1819-1900), an American chemist and founder of the pharmaceutical company E.R. Squibb & Sons. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and played a significant role in establishing standards for the production of medicines in the United States.

Another prominent figure was Sir John Squibb (1853-1928), a British businessman and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party in the early 20th century. He was born in Falmouth, Cornwall, and made his fortune in the shipping industry.

In the literary world, the name is associated with writer and journalist Constance Squibb (1892-1966), who was born in London and wrote several novels and biographies during her career.

Historically, the Squibb surname has also been found in various parts of England, including Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Dorset. In the 17th century, records show individuals named Squibb residing in these counties.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning William Squibb (1629-1697), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Principal of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, during the late 17th century.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Squibb families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Squibb 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. Dorset leads with 238 Squibbs recorded in 1881 and an index of 57.55x.

County Total Index
Dorset 238 57.55x
Hampshire 162 12.54x
Middlesex 68 1.08x
Surrey 68 2.21x
Channel Islands 10 5.36x
Kent 10 0.47x
Sussex 10 0.94x
Berkshire 9 1.90x
Northumberland 9 0.96x
Somerset 9 0.89x
Royal Navy 6 7.99x
Warwickshire 6 0.38x
Wiltshire 6 1.08x
Buckinghamshire 5 1.31x
Durham 5 0.27x
Glamorgan 5 0.46x
Lancashire 5 0.07x
Yorkshire 5 0.08x
Essex 4 0.32x
Gloucestershire 2 0.16x
Hertfordshire 2 0.46x
Staffordshire 1 0.05x
Suffolk 1 0.13x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Millbrook in Hampshire leads with 26 Squibbs recorded in 1881 and an index of 79.93x.

Place Total Index
Millbrook 26 79.93x
Godshill 22 738.26x
Wimborne 20 400.00x
Lambeth 18 3.28x
Hilton 17 1188.81x
Swanage 17 332.68x
Ryde 16 57.66x
Melcombe Regis 15 87.51x
Portsea 14 5.53x
Fordington 13 145.90x
Bethnal Green London 12 4.38x
East Lulworth 10 1265.82x
Kensington London 10 2.85x
Preston 10 662.25x
Southampton St Mary 10 12.31x
St Helier 10 16.45x
Thames Ditton 10 156.74x
Brading 9 52.42x
Islington London 9 1.47x
Northwood 9 48.94x
Tooting Graveney 9 105.39x
Worth Matravers 9 1343.28x
Binsted 8 162.60x
Portland 8 35.97x
Southampton All Sts 8 36.10x
Woodsford 8 2000.00x
East Hagbourn 7 619.47x
Elswick 7 9.35x
Poole St James 7 45.05x
Stinsford 7 958.90x
Weymouth 7 89.40x
Winterborne St Martin 7 752.69x
Almer 6 1935.48x
Blandford Forum 6 73.53x
Camberwell 6 1.49x
Deptford St Paul 6 3.62x
Dorchester All Sts 6 304.57x
Mile End Old Town 6 6.03x
Milton Clevedon 6 1621.62x
Niton 6 346.82x
Royal Navy 6 9.35x
Sherbourne 6 1395.35x
Westminster St John 6 7.82x
Brixton 5 467.29x
Chalbury 5 1086.96x
Dorchester Holy Trinity 5 149.25x
Roath 5 10.03x
Seaford 5 138.50x
St Helens 5 53.25x
Stoke Poges 5 107.53x
Wandsworth 5 8.24x
Woking 5 27.03x
Bridport 4 47.00x
Compton Vallence 4 1481.48x
Iwerne Courtnay 4 143.88x
Longbredy 4 816.33x
Melbury Bubb 4 1250.00x
Middleton In Oldham 4 17.84x
Oving 4 111.42x
Shepperton 4 143.88x
Studland 4 305.34x
Sway 4 231.21x
West Ham 4 1.46x
Carisbrooke 3 16.73x
Egham 3 15.92x
Minterne Magna 3 428.57x
Mirfield 3 8.75x
Poplar London 3 2.52x
Southwark St George Martyr 3 2.37x
St George In East 3 7.00x
St Pancras London 3 0.59x
Streatham 3 6.42x
Tarrant Hinton 3 681.82x
Westminster St 3 12.91x
Westoe 3 2.82x
Wilton 3 76.14x
Wimbledon 3 8.70x
Gateshead 2 1.42x
Totteridge 2 147.06x
Wareham Lady St Mary 2 62.70x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
George 44
William 37
James 28
John 24
Charles 18
Henry 17
Thomas 12
Frank 9
Frederick 6
Joseph 6
Robert 6
Samuel 6
Walter 6
Albert 5
Arthur 5
Daniel 5
Edward 4
Harry 4
Alfred 3
Andrew 3
Ernest 3
Francis 3
Willm. 3
Benjamin 2
Frederic 2
Geo. 2
Jacob 2
Jesse 2
Lewis 2
Mark 2
Reginald 2
Sidney 2
Austin 1
Chas. 1
Christopher 1
Clement 1
Earnest 1
F.G. 1
Fred 1
Fred. 1
Fredck.G. 1
Fredk. 1
Fredk.J. 1
Geo.Jas. 1
Jeremiah 1
Jno.Hy. 1
Jonathon 1
Richard 1
Roland 1
Wm.Rylan 1

FAQ

Squibb surname: questions and answers

How common was the Squibb surname in 1881?

In 1881, 630 people were recorded with the Squibb surname. That placed it at #5,630 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Squibb surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 976 in 2016. That gives Squibb a modern rank of #5,916.

What does the Squibb surname mean?

A British surname derived from the nickname "Squib," meaning a small person.

What does the Squibb map show?

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