NameCensus.

UK surname

Tapper

An occupational surname referring to a maker or seller of candles or a person who extracts sap from trees.

In the 1881 census there were 650 people recorded with the Tapper surname, ranking it #5,494 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,050, ranked #5,548, down from #5,494 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bovey Tracey, Hennock, London parishes and Kenton, Alphington, Dawlish. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Walsall, Plymouth and Bromsgrove.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Tapper is 1,100 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 61.5%.

1881 census count

650

Ranked #5,494

Modern count

1,050

2016, ranked #5,548

Peak year

2010

1,100 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Tapper had 650 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,494 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,050 in 2016, ranked #5,548.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 963 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Tapper surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Tapper surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Tapper 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 457 #5,414
1861 historical 450 #5,752
1881 historical 650 #5,494
1891 historical 649 #5,976
1901 historical 805 #5,605
1911 historical 963 #4,691
1997 modern 1,023 #5,382
1998 modern 1,041 #5,480
1999 modern 1,039 #5,535
2000 modern 1,064 #5,406
2001 modern 1,034 #5,442
2002 modern 1,024 #5,594
2003 modern 1,043 #5,409
2004 modern 1,062 #5,341
2005 modern 1,058 #5,300
2006 modern 1,044 #5,379
2007 modern 1,057 #5,354
2008 modern 1,057 #5,396
2009 modern 1,085 #5,379
2010 modern 1,100 #5,439
2011 modern 1,070 #5,499
2012 modern 1,050 #5,494
2013 modern 1,062 #5,542
2014 modern 1,077 #5,514
2015 modern 1,064 #5,514
2016 modern 1,050 #5,548

Geography

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Where Tappers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bovey Tracey, Hennock, London parishes, Kenton, Alphington, Dawlish and Bedwelty. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Walsall, Plymouth and Bromsgrove. 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 Bovey Tracey, Hennock Devon
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 Kenton, Alphington, Dawlish Devon
5 Bedwelty Monmouthshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Walsall 016 Walsall
2 Walsall 017 Walsall
3 Plymouth 004 Plymouth
4 Plymouth 029 Plymouth
5 Bromsgrove 003 Bromsgrove

Forenames

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First names often paired with Tapper

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Tapper

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

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Tapper 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

Tapper is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Tapper 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 Tapper is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

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

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Tapper

The surname Tapper is of English origin, with roots dating back to medieval times. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word 'tæppere,' which referred to someone who tapped or drew liquids, particularly ale, from barrels or casks. This occupation was prevalent in villages and towns across England during the Middle Ages.

The name Tapper can be found in historical records from the 13th century onwards. One of the earliest known references is in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire from 1273, where a person named Richard le Tappere is mentioned. This spelling variation highlights the evolving nature of surnames during that era.

In the renowned Domesday Book of 1086, a version of the name appears as 'Tappor,' which is believed to be an early variant of Tapper. This entry suggests that the surname may have existed even before the Norman Conquest of 1066, further solidifying its English roots.

The village of Tapping in Norfolk, England, is thought to have influenced the surname's development. Records from the 13th century indicate that individuals associated with this place were often referred to as 'de Tapping' or 'Tapping,' which eventually evolved into the modern spelling of Tapper.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the Tapper surname is found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a certain Walter le Tapper is mentioned. This document, which recorded landholders in England, provides valuable insight into the surname's usage during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Tapper. One such figure was Sir William Tapper (c. 1497-1572), a prominent English merchant and philanthropist who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1557. Another was John Tapper (1613-1672), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works.

In the 18th century, there was Thomas Tapper (1732-1807), an English architect and surveyor who designed several notable buildings in London. Additionally, John Tapper (1770-1857) was a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and rose to the rank of Admiral.

The 19th century saw the birth of James Tapper (1819-1891), a British architect known for designing numerous churches and public buildings across England. His contemporary, William Tapper (1822-1905), was a renowned English artist and illustrator whose works depicted scenes from everyday life.

These examples demonstrate the widespread presence of the Tapper surname throughout the centuries, with individuals contributing to various fields and professions across England and beyond.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Tapper families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Tapper 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 221 Tappers recorded in 1881 and an index of 16.77x.

County Total Index
Devon 221 16.77x
Dorset 69 16.61x
Middlesex 67 1.06x
Wiltshire 45 8.04x
Hampshire 39 3.01x
Somerset 26 2.55x
Lancashire 25 0.33x
Surrey 25 0.81x
Kent 22 1.02x
Cornwall 21 2.93x
Staffordshire 20 0.94x
Glamorgan 12 1.09x
Essex 11 0.88x
Berkshire 9 1.89x
Yorkshire 9 0.14x
Suffolk 7 0.91x
Channel Islands 4 2.13x
Durham 3 0.16x
Sussex 3 0.28x
Gloucestershire 2 0.16x
Royal Navy 2 2.65x
Warwickshire 2 0.13x
Brecknockshire 1 0.79x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.25x
Cheshire 1 0.07x
Pembrokeshire 1 0.50x
Perthshire 1 0.35x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Bovey Tracey in Devon leads with 21 Tappers recorded in 1881 and an index of 455.53x.

Place Total Index
Bovey Tracey 21 455.53x
Islington London 18 2.93x
Yealmpton 18 891.09x
Beckenham 15 53.12x
Salisbury St Edmund 14 155.73x
Plymouth St Andrew 13 12.81x
Portsea 13 5.11x
Walsall Foreign 13 11.78x
Salisbury St Martin 12 205.83x
Southampton St Mary 12 14.71x
Topsham 12 192.93x
Dawlish 11 111.90x
Winterborne Clenstone 11 4583.33x
Accrington 10 14.64x
Camberwell 10 2.47x
Plymouth Charles The 10 17.22x
Brixham 9 58.94x
Crediton 9 72.06x
North Bovey 9 947.37x
Bradford 8 5.27x
Frome 8 32.83x
Kensington London 8 2.27x
Melbury Abbas 8 1111.11x
Reading St Giles 8 17.16x
Stoke Damerel 8 8.67x
Uplyme 8 406.09x
West Ham 8 2.90x
Battersea 7 3.00x
Bromley London 7 5.03x
Child Okeford 7 382.51x
Christow 7 551.18x
Dartmouth Townstall 7 130.35x
Manaton 7 972.22x
Newmarket St Mary 7 118.24x
Paddington London 7 3.01x
Walsall Borough 7 42.19x
Blandford Forum 6 73.17x
Britford 6 162.16x
Bury 6 6.99x
Coedfrank 6 78.53x
Iwerne Courtnay 6 214.29x
Kenwyn 6 32.02x
Llandaff 6 16.36x
Lyncombe Widcombe 6 22.49x
Widdecombeinthe Moor 6 338.98x
Compton Abbas 5 495.05x
Lea Ashton Ingol 5 100.20x
Milford 5 166.67x
Shoreditch London 5 1.82x
St Pancras London 5 0.98x
Totnes 5 64.85x
West Teignmouth 5 49.60x
Withycombe Rawleigh 5 72.78x
Bermondsey 4 2.12x
Bridgewater 4 14.46x
East Stonehouse 4 15.41x
Exeter St Edmund 4 140.85x
Exeter St Thomas The 4 29.78x
Fulham London 4 4.36x
Illogan 4 21.07x
Kingsteignton 4 109.29x
Millbrook 4 12.24x
Nether Wallop 4 233.92x
Openshaw 4 11.37x
Salisbury St Thomas 4 90.09x
St Helier 4 6.55x
Stourpaine 4 327.87x
Sturminster 4 99.26x
Tarrant Monckton 4 869.57x
Bethnal Green London 3 1.09x
Bishopwearmouth 3 1.86x
Cockington 3 384.62x
East Orchard 3 600.00x
Gulval 3 65.08x
Madron Penzance 3 11.51x
Sherfield English 3 491.80x
St Clement 3 40.11x
St George Hanover 3 3.63x
Stonehouse East 3 44.84x
Tormoham 3 5.38x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 35
Elizabeth 31
Emma 14
Sarah 14
Ellen 13
Ann 12
Eliza 12
Louisa 11
Annie 10
Jane 9
Fanny 7
Bessie 6
Caroline 6
Charlotte 6
Edith 5
Emily 5
Florence 5
Kate 5
Maria 5
Martha 5
Matilda 5
Rose 5
Elizth. 4
Hannah 4
Harriet 4
Susan 4
Ada 3
Alice 3
Catherine 3
Frances 3
Harriett 3
Jessie 3
Margaret 3
Anna 2
Carry 2
Clara 2
Gertrude 2
Lilian 2
Nellie 2
Nelly 2
Virginia 2
Anne 1
Ella 1
Eva 1
Flora 1
Joanna 1
Julia 1
Laura 1
Lavinia 1
Virtue 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 42
William 39
James 35
Thomas 22
George 21
Henry 16
Charles 11
Joseph 11
Edward 9
Samuel 9
Edwin 7
Alfred 6
Herbert 6
Walter 6
Frederick 5
Richard 5
Harry 4
Albert 3
Ambrose 3
Arthur 3
Benjamin 3
Frank 3
Sidney 3
Daniel 2
Ernest 2
Francis 2
Fred 2
Fredk. 2
Matthew 2
Percy 2
Sydney 2
W. 2
Warwick 2
Wm. 2
Alfd.Wm. 1
Andrew 1
Archibald 1
E. 1
Earnest 1
Edmund 1
Fredk.Wm. 1
Fredr.U. 1
Garibaldi 1
Geo. 1
Geo.T. 1
Georgec 1
Harold 1
Robert 1
Robt. 1
Wm.H. 1

FAQ

Tapper surname: questions and answers

How common was the Tapper surname in 1881?

In 1881, 650 people were recorded with the Tapper surname. That placed it at #5,494 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Tapper surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,050 in 2016. That gives Tapper a modern rank of #5,548.

What does the Tapper surname mean?

An occupational surname referring to a maker or seller of candles or a person who extracts sap from trees.

What does the Tapper map show?

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