NameCensus.

UK surname

Straughan

A Scottish surname derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "sträge" (valley) and "häm" (homestead, village).

In the 1881 census there were 497 people recorded with the Straughan surname, ranking it #6,805 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,021, ranked #5,709, up from #6,805 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Gateshead, Long Framlington and Long Benton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Northumberland and Sunderland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Straughan is 1,047 in 2000. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 105.4%.

1881 census count

497

Ranked #6,805

Modern count

1,021

2016, ranked #5,709

Peak year

2000

1,047 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Straughan had 497 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,805 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,021 in 2016, ranked #5,709.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 805 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Straughan surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Straughan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Straughan 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 315 #7,347
1861 historical 225 #10,843
1881 historical 497 #6,805
1891 historical 568 #6,687
1901 historical 805 #5,605
1911 historical 708 #6,022
1997 modern 971 #5,628
1998 modern 1,041 #5,480
1999 modern 1,037 #5,542
2000 modern 1,047 #5,480
2001 modern 1,039 #5,414
2002 modern 1,039 #5,517
2003 modern 1,003 #5,582
2004 modern 1,000 #5,598
2005 modern 963 #5,720
2006 modern 964 #5,722
2007 modern 981 #5,698
2008 modern 972 #5,773
2009 modern 1,002 #5,754
2010 modern 1,020 #5,788
2011 modern 1,015 #5,748
2012 modern 1,003 #5,721
2013 modern 1,031 #5,694
2014 modern 1,026 #5,737
2015 modern 1,027 #5,686
2016 modern 1,021 #5,709

Geography

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Where Straughans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Gateshead, Long Framlington, Long Benton, Bishop Wearmouth and Newcastle St John. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Northumberland and Sunderland. 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 Gateshead Durham
2 Long Framlington Northumberland
3 Long Benton Northumberland
4 Bishop Wearmouth Durham
5 Newcastle St John Northumberland

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Northumberland 006 Northumberland
2 Northumberland 005 Northumberland
3 Northumberland 003 Northumberland
4 Sunderland 004 Sunderland
5 Sunderland 033 Sunderland

Forenames

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First names often paired with Straughan

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Straughan

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

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Straughan is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction 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

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

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

Straughan 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

Straughan 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 Straughan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 25-30 mbit/s.

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

5
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

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

Meaning and origin of Straughan

The surname Straughan has its roots in England, originating in the Middle Ages. It is believed to derive from the Old English word "strenga," meaning "strong" or "robust." This name was likely given as a descriptive nickname to someone with a sturdy or muscular build.

The earliest recorded instances of the Straughan surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Yorkshire and Northumberland counties. In the Hundred Rolls of 1273, a record of land holdings in England, the name appears as "Strangeman" and "Strongman," which were early variations of the spelling.

One of the earliest known bearers of the Straughan name was William Strangeman, who was mentioned in the Feet of Fines for Yorkshire in 1301. This document recorded land transactions, indicating that William Strangeman had acquired property in the region during that time.

In the 16th century, the surname began to take on its more modern spelling of "Straughan." John Straughan, born in 1547 in Yorkshire, was a notable figure who served as a member of the Merchant Adventurers' Company, a influential trade organization in England.

The Straughan name has also been linked to various place names in England, such as Straughton, a village in Leicestershire, and Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. These place names likely derived from the same Old English root as the surname.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the Straughan surname. One of the most prominent was Sir Thomas Straughan (1615-1678), a wealthy merchant and politician who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1671. Another notable bearer was Robert Straughan (1764-1836), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works.

In the literary world, William Straughan (1884-1949) was a British writer and poet known for his works on the countryside and nature. Additionally, John Straughan (1924-2005) was a distinguished British actor who appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout his career.

The Straughan surname has also been found in various historical records, such as the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded landholdings in England after the Norman Conquest. While not as prevalent as some other surnames, the Straughan name has left its mark on English history and culture over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Straughan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Straughan 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. Northumberland leads with 338 Straughans recorded in 1881 and an index of 46.76x.

County Total Index
Northumberland 338 46.76x
Durham 135 9.34x
Yorkshire 8 0.17x
Hampshire 5 0.50x
Berwickshire 3 5.10x
Middlesex 3 0.06x
Angus 2 0.44x
Cheshire 1 0.09x
Cumberland 1 0.24x
Midlothian 1 0.15x
Worcestershire 1 0.16x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hetton Le Hole in Durham leads with 49 Straughans recorded in 1881 and an index of 267.47x.

Place Total Index
Hetton Le Hole 49 267.47x
Westgate 30 67.02x
Alnwick 20 160.90x
Elswick 19 32.93x
Lowick 15 595.24x
Hebron Cockle Park Earsdon 13 2166.67x
Longbenton 13 42.47x
Jesmond 12 117.99x
Longframlington 11 1594.20x
Ferryhill 10 198.02x
Heworth 9 31.60x
Milburn Grange 9 15000.00x
West Lilburn 9 2500.00x
Bedlington 8 33.14x
Cowpen 8 48.08x
Easington In Guisbrough 8 747.66x
Ford 8 303.03x
Hartley 8 414.51x
Humbleton 8 3809.52x
Monkwearmouth Shore 8 28.36x
Newtown In Glendale 8 7272.73x
Adderstone 7 1555.56x
Berwick Upon Tweed 7 45.69x
Gateshead 7 6.47x
Hawkwell 7 3333.33x
Lucker 7 2000.00x
Westoe 7 8.54x
Embleton 6 389.61x
Kyloe 6 359.28x
Preston In Tynemouth 6 211.27x
Roddam 6 4285.71x
Tudhoe 6 47.47x
Wooler 6 236.22x
Bamburgh 5 862.07x
Carham 5 267.38x
Duddo 5 1666.67x
Dunston 5 1086.96x
Newham In Castle Ward 5 8333.33x
Norham 5 312.50x
Ryde 5 23.38x
Tweedmouth 5 55.49x
Tynemouth 5 12.92x
Bishopwearmouth 4 3.22x
Holy Island 4 434.78x
Shotton 4 112.04x
Stranton 4 8.22x
Castle Eden 3 204.08x
Dawdon 3 16.87x
Higham Dykes 3 7500.00x
Ilderton 3 1500.00x
North Charlton 3 1111.11x
Screnwood 3 7500.00x
Seaham 3 56.93x
Shadforth 3 107.14x
Amble 2 60.79x
Belford 2 129.87x
Boldon 2 38.84x
Cornhill 2 183.49x
Dinnington 2 526.32x
East Lilburn 2 1666.67x
East Rainton 2 71.43x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 2 3.19x
Liff Benvie 2 2.93x
Pittington 2 49.26x
St Giles 2 22.17x
Stamfordham 2 444.44x
West Newton 2 2222.22x
Byker 1 2.80x
Capheaton 1 333.33x
Cornsay 1 25.71x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 1 0.38x
Heaton 1 41.67x
Howick 1 192.31x
Ladykirk 1 136.99x
Limehouse London 1 1.88x
Long Houghton 1 133.33x
Newcastle On Tyne St 1 2.67x
South Shields 1 7.77x
Usworth 1 13.04x
Wapping London 1 26.95x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 43
Margaret 30
Jane 28
Elizabeth 24
Isabella 15
Ann 11
Sarah 11
Alice 7
Ellen 6
Agnes 5
Barbara 5
Eleanor 5
Catherine 4
Hannah 4
Dorothy 3
Eliza 3
Grace 3
Jessie 3
Margt. 3
Anne 2
Emily 2
Esther 2
Phillis 2
Susan 2
Auban 1
Caroline 1
Charlotte 1
Christina 1
Dinah 1
Elisabeth 1
Eliz.T. 1
Ellenor 1
Ethel 1
Fanny 1
Florence 1
Frances 1
Francis 1
Harriet 1
Harrietta 1
Harriette 1
Janet 1
Jennie 1
Katie 1
Margery 1
Margret 1
Mgt. 1
Mgt.I. 1
Rachel 1
Sophia 1
Ursula 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 49
John 42
George 23
James 20
Robert 20
Thomas 18
Richard 9
Edward 7
Andrew 6
Charles 4
Joseph 4
Ralph 4
Adam 3
Wm. 3
Francis 2
Henderson 2
Henry 2
Alexander 1
Alfred 1
Archbold 1
Archibald 1
Bella 1
Boyd 1
Chas.F. 1
Chas.T. 1
Duncan 1
Frank 1
Frederick 1
Geo. 1
Jack 1
Jane 1
Luke 1
Mark 1
Nicholas 1
Paul 1
Rinniou 1
Robt.Geo. 1
Wm.Grey 1

FAQ

Straughan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Straughan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 497 people were recorded with the Straughan surname. That placed it at #6,805 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Straughan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,021 in 2016. That gives Straughan a modern rank of #5,709.

What does the Straughan surname mean?

A Scottish surname derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "sträge" (valley) and "häm" (homestead, village).

What does the Straughan map show?

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