NameCensus.

UK surname

Stabb

A locational surname denoting someone from a place with a name derived from an Old Norse word meaning "wooded area".

In the 1881 census there were 117 people recorded with the Stabb surname, ranking it #18,026 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 193, ranked #20,039, down from #18,026 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Dartmorth St Petrox, Dartmouth St Saviour, Townstall, Ashprington, Halwell, Blackawton, Stoke Flemin, Tormoham with Torquay and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Torbay, South Hams and Plymouth.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Stabb is 230 in 2004. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 65.0%.

1881 census count

117

Ranked #18,026

Modern count

193

2016, ranked #20,039

Peak year

2004

230 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Stabb had 117 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #18,026 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 193 in 2016, ranked #20,039.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 189 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Stabb surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Stabb surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Stabb 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 118 #15,362
1861 historical 121 #18,148
1881 historical 117 #18,026
1891 historical 189 #15,547
1901 historical 169 #16,824
1911 historical 180 #15,961
1997 modern 199 #17,668
1998 modern 216 #17,257
1999 modern 211 #17,662
2000 modern 221 #17,089
2001 modern 217 #17,059
2002 modern 220 #17,249
2003 modern 213 #17,395
2004 modern 230 #16,643
2005 modern 217 #17,217
2006 modern 209 #17,784
2007 modern 213 #17,744
2008 modern 208 #18,171
2009 modern 208 #18,551
2010 modern 204 #19,200
2011 modern 195 #19,610
2012 modern 198 #19,340
2013 modern 199 #19,584
2014 modern 197 #19,903
2015 modern 200 #19,567
2016 modern 193 #20,039

Geography

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Where Stabbs are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Dartmorth St Petrox, Dartmouth St Saviour, Townstall, Ashprington, Halwell, Blackawton, Stoke Flemin, Tormoham with Torquay, London parishes, Toxteth Park and Totnes. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Torbay, South Hams, Plymouth, Fareham and Exeter. 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 Dartmorth St Petrox, Dartmouth St Saviour, Townstall, Ashprington, Halwell, Blackawton, Stoke Flemin Devon
2 Tormoham with Torquay Devon
3 London parishes London 3
4 Toxteth Park Lancashire
5 Totnes Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Torbay 017 Torbay
2 South Hams 005 South Hams
3 Plymouth 020 Plymouth
4 Fareham 012 Fareham
5 Exeter 006 Exeter

Forenames

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First names often paired with Stabb

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Stabb

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Stabb 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

Stabb is most concentrated in decile 3 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.

3
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Stabb falls in decile 8 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.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Stabb is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

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

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Stabb

The surname STABB is believed to have originated in England, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "stæf," meaning a staff or rod, suggesting that the name may have been initially associated with a person who carried a staff or worked as a staff-maker.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname STABB can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Stabbe." This historical document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, was a comprehensive survey of landowners and their holdings in England, providing valuable insights into the distribution and variations of surnames during that era.

During the 13th century, the surname STABB emerged in various forms, including "Stabbe," "Stabbe," and "Stabb." These variations reflect the influence of regional dialects and pronunciation differences across different parts of England. The name was particularly prevalent in the counties of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

One notable individual bearing the surname STABB was John Stabb, a prominent landowner and wool merchant who lived in the late 14th century. Records indicate that he held substantial estates in the county of Norfolk and played a significant role in the local economy.

In the 16th century, the STABB surname gained further prominence with the birth of William Stabb (c. 1520-1582), a renowned English theologian and scholar. He served as the Rector of Darfield in Yorkshire and was known for his contributions to religious discourse and teachings.

Another notable figure was Thomas Stabb (1670-1742), a successful merchant and ship owner based in Bristol. He amassed considerable wealth through his maritime ventures and was instrumental in establishing trade routes with the American colonies.

The 18th century saw the emergence of Richard Stabb (1735-1802), a prominent architect and surveyor who was responsible for designing several notable buildings in London, including the Foundling Hospital and the Bethlem Royal Hospital.

One of the most illustrious individuals bearing the STABB surname was Lady Elizabeth Stabb (1805-1878), a philanthropist and social reformer. She dedicated her life to improving the living conditions of the working class and was a vocal advocate for women's rights and education.

These examples showcase the diverse historical background and notable individuals associated with the surname STABB, reflecting its enduring presence across various sectors of society over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Stabb families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Stabb 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 91 Stabbs recorded in 1881 and an index of 38.31x.

County Total Index
Devon 91 38.31x
Middlesex 16 1.40x
Lancashire 3 0.22x
Essex 2 0.89x
Hampshire 2 0.86x
Cornwall 1 0.77x
Denbighshire 1 2.32x
Somerset 1 0.54x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Berry Pomeroy in Devon leads with 28 Stabbs recorded in 1881 and an index of 7179.49x.

Place Total Index
Berry Pomeroy 28 7179.49x
Brixham 14 509.09x
Tormoham 12 119.40x
Ilfracombe 8 326.53x
Blackawton 6 1463.41x
Paddington London 6 14.30x
Dartington 4 1600.00x
Plymouth St Andrew 4 21.86x
West Alvington 4 1212.12x
Hackney London 3 4.69x
Hammersmith London 3 10.67x
Totnes 3 215.83x
Toxteth Park 3 6.54x
Chelsea London 2 5.82x
Newton Abbot St Mary 2 100.50x
Stoke Damerel 2 12.03x
West Ham 2 4.02x
Aldershot 1 12.76x
Exeter St Leonard 1 153.85x
Falmouth 1 21.88x
Islington London 1 0.90x
Plymouth Charles The 1 9.56x
Plymstock 1 80.65x
Portsea 1 2.18x
Stansty 1 208.33x
Stoke Newington London 1 11.25x
Wolborough 1 33.33x
Yeovil 1 26.81x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 9
Sarah 9
Ann 5
Elizabeth 5
Edith 3
Emily 3
Florence 3
Grace 3
Jane 3
Amy 2
Ellen 2
Amanda 1
Amelia 1
Anne 1
Bertha 1
Catherine 1
Charlotte 1
Eleanor 1
Eliza 1
Elizth. 1
Elsie 1
Frances 1
Hannah 1
Laura 1
Louisa 1
Lucretia 1
Lucy 1
Lydia 1
Margret 1
Olive 1
Susan 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 11
William 10
James 7
George 5
Arthur 2
Charles 2
Samuel 2
Thomas 2
Alfred 1
Edward 1
Francis 1
Frederick 1
Henry 1
Philip 1
Richard 1
Sidney 1
W.H. 1

FAQ

Stabb surname: questions and answers

How common was the Stabb surname in 1881?

In 1881, 117 people were recorded with the Stabb surname. That placed it at #18,026 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Stabb surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 193 in 2016. That gives Stabb a modern rank of #20,039.

What does the Stabb surname mean?

A locational surname denoting someone from a place with a name derived from an Old Norse word meaning "wooded area".

What does the Stabb map show?

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