NameCensus.

UK surname

Tinkler

A surname derived from an occupation related to making or repairing metal objects, such as a tinsmith.

In the 1881 census there were 1,295 people recorded with the Tinkler surname, ranking it #3,164 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,967, ranked #3,273, down from #3,164 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Carlisle St Cuthbert and Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include County Durham, Eden and Melton.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Tinkler is 2,155 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 51.9%.

1881 census count

1,295

Ranked #3,164

Modern count

1,967

2016, ranked #3,273

Peak year

1999

2,155 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Tinkler had 1,295 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #3,164 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,967 in 2016, ranked #3,273.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,910 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Tinkler surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Tinkler surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Tinkler 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 788 #3,385
1861 historical 631 #4,244
1881 historical 1,295 #3,164
1891 historical 1,279 #3,380
1901 historical 1,692 #3,051
1911 historical 1,910 #2,599
1997 modern 2,025 #3,030
1998 modern 2,111 #3,026
1999 modern 2,155 #2,995
2000 modern 2,137 #2,999
2001 modern 2,086 #3,003
2002 modern 2,137 #3,003
2003 modern 2,067 #3,033
2004 modern 2,047 #3,056
2005 modern 2,013 #3,069
2006 modern 1,981 #3,119
2007 modern 2,016 #3,105
2008 modern 2,029 #3,105
2009 modern 2,042 #3,154
2010 modern 2,054 #3,201
2011 modern 2,012 #3,223
2012 modern 1,984 #3,212
2013 modern 2,022 #3,215
2014 modern 2,029 #3,230
2015 modern 2,013 #3,218
2016 modern 1,967 #3,273

Geography

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Where Tinklers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Carlisle St Cuthbert, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Stafford St Mary and St Chad, Tillington and Whittlesey St Mary and St Andrew, Standground (Stilton & Peterborough, Northamptonshire). These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to County Durham, Eden, Melton and Allerdale. 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 Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside Durham
2 Carlisle St Cuthbert Cumberland
3 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
4 Stafford St Mary and St Chad, Tillington Staffordshire
5 Whittlesey St Mary and St Andrew, Standground (Stilton & Peterborough, Northamptonshire) Cambridgeshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 County Durham 048 County Durham
2 Eden 006 Eden
3 Melton 001 Melton
4 Allerdale 009 Allerdale
5 County Durham 042 County Durham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Tinkler

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Tinkler

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

Tinkler is most concentrated in decile 5 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.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Tinkler falls in decile 2 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.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Tinkler

The surname Tinkler is of English origin, derived from the occupational surname for a tinker or someone who mended and repaired pots, pans, and other metal objects. It likely emerged in the 13th or 14th century from the Old English word "tincan," meaning to make a tinkling or clattering sound.

The earliest known record of the name dates back to 1379 in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Returns, which lists a John Tynkere. Another early reference can be found in the Essex Feet of Fines from 1412, which mentions a William Tynkere. These early spellings highlight the evolution of the name from its occupational roots.

In the 16th century, the name appears in various records, including the 1524 Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk, which lists a Richard Tynker. The Tinklers were particularly prevalent in northern England, with records showing families in Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire during this period.

One notable bearer of the name was Robert Tinkler (1770-1835), an English Methodist minister and author. He published several works, including "The Wanderer Reclaimed" and "The Christian's Last Step" during his lifetime.

Another prominent figure was John Tinkler (1804-1885), an English industrialist and coal mine owner from Durham. He founded the Tinkler's Hetton Coal Company and played a significant role in the development of the coal mining industry in the region.

In Scotland, the name Tinkler was associated with the travelling community of Tinkers or Travellers, who were known for their metalworking and repair skills. The term "Tinkler" was sometimes used as a derogatory term for these groups, but it also reflected their traditional occupation.

One famous Scottish bearer of the name was James Tinkler (1846-1920), a renowned fiddle player and composer from Ayrshire. He was known for his skillful playing of traditional Scottish tunes and contributed to the preservation of Scottish folk music.

The Tinkler surname also spread to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia, as a result of migration and immigration. For example, William Tinkler (1799-1876) was an English-born settler in Australia who became a prominent landowner and pastoralist in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

Throughout history, the surname Tinkler has been associated with the skilled trade of metalworking and repair, with its roots firmly grounded in the occupational surnames of medieval England. Despite variations in spelling and regional variations, the name has maintained its connection to this traditional craft.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Tinkler families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Tinkler 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. Durham leads with 390 Tinklers recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.36x.

County Total Index
Durham 390 10.36x
Yorkshire 120 0.96x
Lincolnshire 115 5.68x
Lancashire 84 0.56x
Cumberland 83 7.62x
Leicestershire 83 5.92x
Nottinghamshire 54 3.17x
Cambridgeshire 37 4.62x
Huntingdonshire 37 14.73x
Surrey 36 0.58x
Middlesex 34 0.27x
Westmorland 32 11.51x
Derbyshire 27 1.36x
Staffordshire 24 0.56x
Norfolk 22 1.13x
Cheshire 20 0.72x
Northumberland 16 0.85x
Kent 13 0.30x
Somerset 13 0.64x
Northamptonshire 12 1.01x
Gloucestershire 9 0.36x
Suffolk 7 0.45x
Hampshire 5 0.19x
Shropshire 5 0.46x
Essex 4 0.16x
Sussex 4 0.19x
Berkshire 3 0.32x
Devon 3 0.11x
Rutland 3 3.23x
Hertfordshire 1 0.11x
Royal Navy 1 0.66x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Stockton On Tees in Durham leads with 40 Tinklers recorded in 1881 and an index of 22.05x.

Place Total Index
Stockton On Tees 40 22.05x
Bishopwearmouth 25 7.74x
Stafford St Mary 23 38.05x
Bishop Middleham 22 1089.11x
Farcett 22 711.97x
Halifax 21 11.41x
Fishburn 19 1376.81x
St Cuthbert W O 19 35.78x
Waltham On The Wolds 19 736.43x
Crook Billy Row 17 35.27x
Denton 17 717.30x
Appleby St Michael 16 256.00x
Muston 15 1111.11x
Benwick 14 396.60x
Hulme 14 4.47x
Dalston 13 154.39x
Penrith 13 32.31x
Stanhope 13 33.45x
Claylane 12 43.57x
Darlington 12 8.26x
East Murton 12 170.21x
Heigham 12 11.49x
Lenton 12 29.87x
Middleton In Teesdale 12 120.85x
Treeton 12 408.16x
Wolsingham 12 34.99x
Braceborough 11 1375.00x
Cotherston 10 361.01x
Cowpen 10 23.07x
Nottingham St Mary 10 2.27x
Ramsey 10 49.73x
Shepton Mallet 10 43.76x
Whittlesey St Mary St 10 35.73x
Askham 9 405.41x
Elvet 9 33.12x
Kimblesworth 9 178.57x
Pelton 9 50.25x
West Derby 9 2.05x
Wingate 9 34.88x
Auckland St Helen 8 202.02x
Basford 8 10.18x
Battersea 8 1.72x
Caldewgate 8 13.40x
Chester Le Street 8 27.68x
Chilton 8 68.09x
Derby St Alkmund 8 13.48x
Doddington 8 136.05x
Grantham 8 30.34x
Great Stainton 8 1904.76x
Harrington 8 60.84x
Iveston 8 46.14x
Manthorpe Cum Little 8 51.71x
Monkwearmouth Shore 8 10.89x
North South Killingholme 8 238.81x
Richmond 8 9.26x
Bolton On Dearne 7 161.29x
Brightside Bierlow 7 2.85x
Buckminster 7 636.36x
Chadwell Wycombe 7 1521.74x
Crosscanonby 7 19.43x
Formby 7 41.18x
Gateshead 7 2.48x
Harby 7 273.44x
Lambeth 7 0.63x
Norton 7 50.58x
Sedgefield 7 52.16x
Spittlegate 7 25.02x
Atherton 6 10.98x
Bury St Edmunds St James 6 14.58x
Cheltenham 6 3.13x
Dukinfield 6 4.65x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 6 3.68x
Kings Lynn St Margaret 6 10.27x
Newstead 6 143.20x
Parton 6 93.31x
Pendleton In Salford 6 3.35x
Sculcoates 6 3.02x
St Martin 6 1764.71x
Stamford All Sts 6 52.96x
York St Mary 6 11.55x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 105
Elizabeth 55
Sarah 51
Ann 33
Jane 31
Margaret 29
Eliza 21
Annie 20
Emily 20
Emma 20
Alice 14
Hannah 14
Isabella 12
Maria 11
Ellen 10
Fanny 10
Harriet 8
Anne 7
Edith 7
Lucy 7
Martha 7
Ada 6
Charlotte 5
Clara 5
Florence 5
Frances 5
Grace 5
Susannah 5
Betsy 4
Caroline 4
Esther 4
Jemima 4
Louisa 4
Agnes 3
Susan 3
(Mrs) 2
Addy 2
Bertie 2
Catherine 2
Dorothy 2
Eliz. 2
Elizth. 2
Ethel 2
Gertrude 2
Isabel 2
Lily 2
Matilda 2
Minnie 2
Rebecca 2
Rose 2

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 106
William 90
George 53
Thomas 53
Robert 45
Joseph 33
James 29
Henry 23
Charles 17
Richard 17
Samuel 16
Arthur 9
Walter 9
Alfred 8
Edward 7
Harry 5
Wm. 5
Albert 4
Edmund 4
Francis 4
Frederick 4
Isaac 4
Stephen 4
Andrew 3
Ernest 3
Frank 3
Edwin 2
Eustace 2
Fenwick 2
Fred 2
Fredk. 2
Fredrick 2
Geo. 2
Mark 2
Matthew 2
Nathan 2
Nathaniel 2
Peter 2
Robt. 2
Tom 2
Arther 1
Chas.F. 1
David 1
Frederic 1
Geo.T. 1
Jonathan 1
Jonthan 1
Jos. 1
Joshua 1
Wm.Thos. 1

FAQ

Tinkler surname: questions and answers

How common was the Tinkler surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,295 people were recorded with the Tinkler surname. That placed it at #3,164 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Tinkler surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,967 in 2016. That gives Tinkler a modern rank of #3,273.

What does the Tinkler surname mean?

A surname derived from an occupation related to making or repairing metal objects, such as a tinsmith.

What does the Tinkler map show?

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