NameCensus.

UK surname

Squirrell

A historical surname derived from the small rodent, potentially referring to a characteristic or occupation.

In the 1881 census there were 380 people recorded with the Squirrell surname, ranking it #8,249 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 851, ranked #6,573, up from #8,249 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Hitcham, Brettenham, London parishes and Bildeston or Bilston, Naughton, Nedging. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Babergh, Mid Suffolk and Ipswich.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Squirrell is 925 in 2000. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 123.9%.

1881 census count

380

Ranked #8,249

Modern count

851

2016, ranked #6,573

Peak year

2000

925 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Squirrell had 380 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #8,249 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 851 in 2016, ranked #6,573.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 659 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Squirrell surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Squirrell surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Squirrell 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 255 #8,652
1861 historical 289 #8,711
1881 historical 380 #8,249
1891 historical 453 #8,038
1901 historical 578 #7,272
1911 historical 659 #6,373
1997 modern 909 #5,928
1998 modern 915 #6,074
1999 modern 915 #6,125
2000 modern 925 #6,056
2001 modern 916 #5,999
2002 modern 922 #6,085
2003 modern 904 #6,065
2004 modern 900 #6,089
2005 modern 873 #6,169
2006 modern 879 #6,142
2007 modern 872 #6,248
2008 modern 890 #6,179
2009 modern 904 #6,243
2010 modern 900 #6,382
2011 modern 872 #6,488
2012 modern 859 #6,472
2013 modern 867 #6,541
2014 modern 867 #6,557
2015 modern 853 #6,581
2016 modern 851 #6,573

Geography

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Where Squirrells are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Hitcham, Brettenham, London parishes, Bildeston or Bilston, Naughton, Nedging and Drinkstone. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Babergh, Mid Suffolk and Ipswich. 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 Hitcham, Brettenham Suffolk
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 Bildeston or Bilston, Naughton, Nedging Suffolk
5 Drinkstone Suffolk

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Babergh 001 Babergh
2 Babergh 004 Babergh
3 Mid Suffolk 011 Mid Suffolk
4 Babergh 005 Babergh
5 Ipswich 003 Ipswich

Forenames

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First names often paired with Squirrell

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Squirrell

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Squirrell 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

Squirrell is most concentrated in decile 7 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.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Squirrell falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Squirrell

The surname Squirrell is of English origin and can be traced back to the 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word 'squirel,' which means 'squirrel.' The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who exhibited squirrel-like characteristics or behaviors, such as being quick or agile.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire, England, from 1273, where it appears as 'Squirel.' This document contains records of landowners in the county during the reign of King Edward I.

In the 14th century, the surname appeared in various spellings, including 'Squyrrell,' 'Squirell,' and 'Squirrell.' These variations were common due to the inconsistencies in spelling and record-keeping during that time.

The name Squirrell has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such person was John Squirrell, a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of Bristol, England, who lived in the late 15th century.

Another notable bearer of the name was Sir Edward Squirrell, a Member of Parliament for the borough of Wigan in the 17th century. He played a significant role in the English Civil War and was a supporter of the Parliamentarian cause.

In the 18th century, Thomas Squirrell, born in 1722, was a renowned clockmaker in London. His intricately crafted clocks were highly sought after by the British gentry and aristocracy.

The 19th century saw the birth of William Squirrell, a renowned English landscape painter who specialized in depicting rural scenes and landscapes. He was born in 1834 and is known for his exceptional attention to detail and realistic portrayal of nature.

Another notable figure was Mary Squirrell, a prominent social reformer and women's rights activist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She campaigned tirelessly for women's suffrage and played a crucial role in the Women's Social and Political Union.

While the surname Squirrell may not be among the most common surnames today, its rich history and origins showcase the diverse backgrounds and contributions of those who have borne this name throughout the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Squirrell families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Squirrell 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. Suffolk leads with 201 Squirrells recorded in 1881 and an index of 44.64x.

County Total Index
Suffolk 201 44.64x
Surrey 42 2.33x
Middlesex 38 1.03x
Essex 31 4.25x
Lancashire 23 0.52x
Kent 15 1.19x
Norfolk 7 1.23x
Warwickshire 7 0.75x
Cambridgeshire 5 2.14x
Sussex 4 0.64x
Durham 3 0.27x
Northamptonshire 2 0.58x
Berkshire 1 0.36x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Wattisham in Suffolk leads with 35 Squirrells recorded in 1881 and an index of 15217.39x.

Place Total Index
Wattisham 35 15217.39x
Nedging 24 10909.09x
Croydon 21 21.00x
Hitcham 18 1578.95x
Bildeston 14 1414.14x
West Ham 14 8.69x
Camberwell 13 5.51x
St Pancras London 12 4.03x
Hessett 11 2037.04x
Bramford 8 473.37x
Drinkstone 8 1355.93x
Hintlesham 8 1111.11x
Lambeth 7 2.17x
Monks Kirby 7 341.46x
Poplar London 7 10.03x
Withington 7 49.54x
Barking 6 28.10x
Bow London 6 12.75x
Combs 6 400.00x
Heigham 6 19.67x
Holbrook 6 606.06x
Ipswich St Clement 6 52.40x
Woolpit 6 458.02x
Bacton 5 617.28x
Gorton 5 12.12x
Ipswich St Helen 5 93.63x
Ipswich St Margaret 5 32.72x
Rusholme 5 42.74x
Somersham 5 961.54x
Wisbech St Peter 5 42.59x
Woolwich 5 10.73x
Chelsea London 4 3.59x
Colchester St James 4 135.14x
Deptford St Paul 4 4.11x
Erith 4 32.18x
Ipswich St Peter 4 66.01x
Kensington London 4 1.95x
Monks Eleigh 4 547.95x
Moss Side 4 17.33x
Ore 4 86.21x
Wetheringsett Cum 4 305.34x
Beaumont 3 555.56x
Stow Upland 3 202.70x
Stowmarket 3 57.69x
Westoe 3 4.81x
Bradford 2 9.74x
Fingringhoe 2 740.74x
Ipswich St Mathew 2 15.85x
Saxmundham 2 119.76x
Sudbourne 2 273.97x
Blatherwycke 1 555.56x
Bury St Edmunds St James 1 8.31x
Clapham 1 2.16x
Claydon 1 149.25x
Colchester St Mary 1 149.25x
Colchester St Mary At 1 38.61x
East Bergholt 1 66.67x
Gaywood 1 98.04x
Hadleigh 1 22.88x
Islington London 1 0.28x
Martlesham 1 158.73x
Minster In Sheppey 1 4.78x
Northampton St Peter 1 47.39x
Offton 1 227.27x
Paddington London 1 0.74x
Plumstead 1 2.38x
Reading St Mary 1 4.50x
Shimpling 1 161.29x
St George Hanover 1 2.07x
St Marylebone London 1 0.51x
St Sepulchre London 1 18.48x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Sarah 21
Mary 20
Alice 11
Elizabeth 10
Eliza 8
Edith 7
Emily 6
Maria 6
Ann 5
Florence 5
Caroline 4
Ellen 4
Emma 4
Kate 4
Ada 3
Anna 3
Annie 3
Beatrice 3
Hannah 3
Harriett 3
Jane 3
Nellie 3
Rose 3
Agnes 2
Amy 2
Esther 2
Frances 2
Harriet 2
Henrietta 2
Julia 2
Louise 2
Maud 2
Rosetta 2
Amelia 1
Anne 1
Bessy 1
Betsey 1
Charlotte 1
Christanna 1
Dasie 1
Estie 1
Eunice 1
Fanny 1
Harriot 1
Jemima 1
Lillie 1
Lilly 1
Lily 1
Louisa 1
Victoria 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 25
John 21
George 14
Alfred 10
Robert 7
Frederick 6
Henry 6
James 6
Thomas 6
Albert 5
Arthur 5
Benjamin 5
Joseph 5
Ernest 4
Harry 4
Samuel 3
Walter 3
Charles 2
David 2
Ebenezer 2
Elijah 2
Fredrick 2
Henery 2
Herbert 2
Percy 2
Benjn. 1
C.N. 1
Christopher 1
Ed. 1
Edward 1
Fisher 1
Frank 1
Fred 1
Geo. 1
Harold 1
Horace 1
Jacob 1
Jonathan 1
Manning 1
Maurice 1
Morris 1
Oliver 1
Philip 1
Phillip 1
Shadrack 1
Spencer 1
Thmoas 1
W.H. 1
Wilfred 1
Willie 1

FAQ

Squirrell surname: questions and answers

How common was the Squirrell surname in 1881?

In 1881, 380 people were recorded with the Squirrell surname. That placed it at #8,249 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Squirrell surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 851 in 2016. That gives Squirrell a modern rank of #6,573.

What does the Squirrell surname mean?

A historical surname derived from the small rodent, potentially referring to a characteristic or occupation.

What does the Squirrell map show?

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