NameCensus.

UK surname

Swindlehurst

A surname meaning a wooded area or copse adjoining a moor or heath.

In the 1881 census there were 605 people recorded with the Swindlehurst surname, ranking it #5,796 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 580, ranked #8,938, down from #5,796 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lancaster Borough, Beetham and Melling. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Lancaster, South Lakeland and Preston.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Swindlehurst is 786 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 4.1%.

1881 census count

605

Ranked #5,796

Modern count

580

2016, ranked #8,938

Peak year

1911

786 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Swindlehurst had 605 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,796 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 580 in 2016, ranked #8,938.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 786 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Swindlehurst surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Swindlehurst surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Swindlehurst 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 346 #6,798
1861 historical 388 #6,602
1881 historical 605 #5,796
1891 historical 657 #5,915
1901 historical 722 #6,124
1911 historical 786 #5,542
1997 modern 614 #8,019
1998 modern 625 #8,153
1999 modern 623 #8,224
2000 modern 611 #8,322
2001 modern 594 #8,363
2002 modern 619 #8,262
2003 modern 581 #8,514
2004 modern 580 #8,543
2005 modern 568 #8,601
2006 modern 558 #8,723
2007 modern 562 #8,750
2008 modern 577 #8,660
2009 modern 595 #8,649
2010 modern 604 #8,749
2011 modern 590 #8,807
2012 modern 578 #8,847
2013 modern 592 #8,833
2014 modern 598 #8,822
2015 modern 585 #8,899
2016 modern 580 #8,938

Geography

Back to top

Where Swindlehursts are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lancaster Borough, Beetham, Melling, Preston and Dalton-in-Furness. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Lancaster, South Lakeland, Preston, Blackburn with Darwen and South Ribble. 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 Lancaster Borough Lancashire
2 Beetham Westmorland
3 Melling Lancashire
4 Preston Lancashire
5 Dalton-in-Furness Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Lancaster 001 Lancaster
2 South Lakeland 003 South Lakeland
3 Preston 002 Preston
4 Blackburn with Darwen 008 Blackburn with Darwen
5 South Ribble 015 South Ribble

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Swindlehurst

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Swindlehurst

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

Professional Periphery

Within London, Swindlehurst is most associated with areas classed as Professional Periphery, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. 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 neighbourhoods predominantly house residents aged 45+, with many aged 85+. Most employed residents work in senior roles, and relatively few work in unskilled jobs. Terraced housing is comparatively rare, but communal living is more common. More residents identify as of Indian ethnicity and more affiliate with non-Christian religions. Disability levels are below the Supergroup average.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Swindlehurst 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

Swindlehurst falls in decile 1 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.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Swindlehurst

The surname Swindlehurst originates from England, deriving its roots from the Old English words "swindle" meaning "to cheat" and "hurst" referring to a wooded area or a hillock. This combination suggests that the name may have initially been associated with individuals residing in a forested region known for trickery or deceit.

One of the earliest recordings of the name Swindlehurst can be traced back to the 13th century in the county of Lancashire. It is believed that the Swindlehursts were a prominent family in the village of Swindlehurst, which was located near the town of Burnley. The name likely evolved from the place name, with residents adopting the surname to identify their place of origin.

During the 16th century, the Swindlehurst family gained recognition when John Swindlehurst (1520-1589) became a respected scholar and theologian. He was known for his contributions to religious studies and his work as a translator of biblical texts.

In the 17th century, the name Swindlehurst appeared in various historical records, including the parish registers of Lancashire. One notable figure from this period was William Swindlehurst (1630-1701), a successful merchant and landowner who played a significant role in the local community.

As the Swindlehurst family expanded, they began to migrate to other parts of England, and variations of the spelling emerged, such as Swindlehirst and Swindlehirst. In the 18th century, a branch of the family settled in the county of Yorkshire, where they established themselves as prosperous farmers and landowners.

One of the most renowned individuals bearing the Swindlehurst surname was Sir Robert Swindlehurst (1780-1857), a prominent politician and industrialist. He made significant contributions to the development of the textile industry in Lancashire and served as a Member of Parliament for several years.

Other notable Swindlehursts include:

1. Elizabeth Swindlehurst (1845-1912), a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. 2. James Swindlehurst (1867-1931), a renowned artist known for his landscape paintings of the English countryside. 3. Henry Swindlehurst (1902-1978), a celebrated architect who designed several iconic buildings in London. 4. Margaret Swindlehurst (1920-2005), a respected author and poet whose works explored themes of nature and rural life. 5. David Swindlehurst (1948-present), a prominent scientist and researcher in the field of telecommunications and signal processing.

The surname Swindlehurst continues to be well-represented across various regions of England, with many families proudly carrying on the legacy of this historic name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Swindlehurst families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Swindlehurst 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. Lancashire leads with 455 Swindlehursts recorded in 1881 and an index of 6.50x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 455 6.50x
Westmorland 50 38.55x
Yorkshire 47 0.80x
Cheshire 14 1.07x
Cumberland 13 2.56x
Glamorgan 10 0.97x
Middlesex 10 0.17x
Surrey 5 0.17x
Derbyshire 1 0.11x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Preston in Lancashire leads with 97 Swindlehursts recorded in 1881 and an index of 51.77x.

Place Total Index
Preston 97 51.77x
Blackburn 76 40.79x
Beetham 33 1650.00x
Barrow In Furness 21 22.05x
Whittington 17 2428.57x
Walton Le Dale 16 85.02x
Wray With Botton 16 1259.84x
Accrington 15 23.56x
Lancaster 13 31.20x
Warton With Lindeth 13 442.18x
Bingley 12 32.22x
Blencarn 10 3448.28x
Nether Wyresdale 10 819.67x
Tottington Lower End 10 30.05x
Bradford 8 5.65x
Hay Hutton In Hay 8 1860.47x
Little Bolton 8 8.88x
Almondbury 7 24.75x
Broughton In Salford 7 10.93x
Great Harwood 7 55.29x
Holme 7 445.86x
Huddersfield 7 8.22x
Rishton 7 85.26x
Skerton 7 121.74x
Stockport 7 10.44x
Chorley 6 15.27x
Higham With West Close 6 394.74x
Livesey 6 48.82x
Clitheroe 5 24.26x
Garstang 5 316.46x
Hurdsfield 5 62.34x
Levenshulme 5 69.35x
Lockwood 5 23.76x
Scotforth 5 109.89x
Westminster St 5 22.98x
Westminster St John 5 6.96x
Ellel 4 110.80x
Fulwood 4 52.84x
Hawkshead Monk Coniston 4 163.93x
Kirkham 4 43.20x
Kirkland 4 625.00x
Medlar With Wesham 4 190.48x
Oystermouth 4 50.31x
Swansea Lower 4 76.34x
Tong 4 35.40x
Toxteth Park 4 1.69x
Carnforth 3 77.92x
Caton 3 136.99x
Freckleton 3 130.43x
Habergham Eaves 3 4.69x
Hapton 3 68.49x
Newington 3 1.38x
Oldham 3 1.33x
Padiham 3 17.73x
Penrith 3 15.98x
Priest Hutton 3 697.67x
Reddish 3 31.09x
Great Little Marsden 2 6.23x
Llansamlet Higher 2 26.08x
Manningham 2 2.78x
Poulton Barre 2 25.09x
Salford 2 0.97x
Slyne With Hest 2 327.87x
West Derby 2 0.98x
Windle 2 5.08x
Wonersh 2 55.71x
Aighton Bailey 1 29.67x
Appleby St Michael 1 34.25x
Cartmel Fell 1 166.67x
Claife 1 89.29x
Halton 1 67.57x
Horton In Bradford 1 1.10x
Macclesfield 1 1.73x
Openshaw 1 3.05x
Over Kellet 1 100.00x
Radcliffe 1 2.96x
Shap 1 34.97x
Ulverston 1 4.90x
Wardleworth 1 2.50x
Warton 1 123.46x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 49
Elizabeth 36
Sarah 23
Jane 20
Margaret 19
Ellen 18
Alice 17
Isabella 11
Ann 10
Martha 8
Hannah 6
Bridget 5
Eliza 5
Maria 5
Catherine 4
Eleanor 4
Emma 4
Ada 3
Annie 3
Esther 3
Jemima 2
Lucy 2
Millicent 2
Amlia 1
Angelina 1
Barbara 1
Bertha 1
Betsy 1
Betty 1
Charlotte 1
Clara 1
Dorothy 1
Elen 1
Eliz. 1
Elizebeth 1
Elizth. 1
Emily 1
Eugenie 1
Frances 1
Georgina 1
Grace 1
Harriet 1
Helen 1
Henrietta 1
Isabel 1
Julia 1
Lavinia 1
Maggie 1
Margt. 1
Winifred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 48
William 45
James 36
Thomas 26
Robert 24
Joseph 12
Richard 10
Henry 9
George 7
Edward 6
Arthur 5
Charles 5
Reuben 4
Christopher 3
Marmaduke 3
Matthew 3
Albert 2
Edwin 2
Francis 2
Frederick 2
Herbert 2
Isaac 2
Ishmael 2
Jacob 2
Joshua 2
Samuel 2
Thos. 2
Willm. 2
Alfred 1
Archibald 1
Benjamin 1
Colin 1
Cornelius 1
Courtland 1
Ebor 1
Ephraim 1
Esau 1
Eward 1
Fred 1
Fred. 1
Gusta 1
Jeremiah 1
Levi 1
Mark 1
Michael 1
Percival 1
Reginald 1
Robinson 1
Saml. 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Swindlehurst surname: questions and answers

How common was the Swindlehurst surname in 1881?

In 1881, 605 people were recorded with the Swindlehurst surname. That placed it at #5,796 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Swindlehurst surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 580 in 2016. That gives Swindlehurst a modern rank of #8,938.

What does the Swindlehurst surname mean?

A surname meaning a wooded area or copse adjoining a moor or heath.

What does the Swindlehurst map show?

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