NameCensus.

UK surname

Upward

A surname indicating an optimistic or ambitious nature, or relating to someone who lived higher up.

In the 1881 census there were 269 people recorded with the Upward surname, ranking it #10,506 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 269, ranked #15,956, down from #10,506 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Newchurch, Blandford Town, Pimperne and Stourpain. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Eden, Purbeck and Cornwall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Upward is 370 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 0.0%.

1881 census count

269

Ranked #10,506

Modern count

269

2016, ranked #15,956

Peak year

1911

370 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Upward had 269 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,506 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 269 in 2016, ranked #15,956.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 370 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Upward surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Upward surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Upward 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 194 #10,662
1861 historical 215 #11,316
1881 historical 269 #10,506
1891 historical 318 #10,583
1901 historical 330 #10,899
1911 historical 370 #9,852
1997 modern 283 #14,037
1998 modern 284 #14,402
1999 modern 289 #14,320
2000 modern 280 #14,601
2001 modern 283 #14,247
2002 modern 287 #14,402
2003 modern 279 #14,506
2004 modern 277 #14,644
2005 modern 276 #14,579
2006 modern 272 #14,834
2007 modern 268 #15,172
2008 modern 275 #15,036
2009 modern 281 #15,098
2010 modern 281 #15,441
2011 modern 278 #15,390
2012 modern 270 #15,667
2013 modern 274 #15,764
2014 modern 269 #16,059
2015 modern 267 #16,050
2016 modern 269 #15,956

Geography

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Where Upwards are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Newchurch, Blandford Town, Pimperne, Stourpain, Durweston and Prescot. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Eden, Purbeck, Cornwall, Wycombe and Conwy. 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 Newchurch Hampshire
2 Blandford Town, Pimperne Dorset
3 Stourpain Dorset
4 Durweston Dorset
5 Prescot Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Eden 004 Eden
2 Purbeck 002 Purbeck
3 Cornwall 036 Cornwall
4 Wycombe 021 Wycombe
5 Conwy 007 Conwy

Forenames

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First names often paired with Upward

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Upward

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

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Upward 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

Upward is most concentrated in decile 2 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.

2
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Upward falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Upward

The surname Upward is of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "uppeweard" which means "upward" or "directed towards the higher part." It first emerged as a descriptive surname, likely referring to someone who lived at a higher elevation or on a hill.

The earliest known record of the name dates back to the late 13th century in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire, where a Richard Upward was mentioned in 1275. The name also appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire in 1279, with a John Upward listed as a resident.

During the medieval period, the Upward surname was predominantly concentrated in the West Midlands region of England, particularly in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire. This suggests that the name may have originated in this area before gradually spreading to other parts of the country.

One notable early bearer of the name was John Upward, who was listed as a landowner in the Lay Subsidy Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1334. Another early example is William Upward, who was mentioned in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire in 1379.

The Upward surname has also been linked to various place names, such as Upward Hill in Worcestershire and Upward Green in Shropshire. These place names likely influenced the development and spread of the surname in those regions.

Amongst the notable individuals bearing the Upward surname throughout history are:

1. Thomas Upward (c.1590-1672), an English clergyman and author who served as the Rector of St. Olave's Church in Hart Street, London.

2. Edward Upward (1903-2009), a British writer and novelist known for his works such as "The Rotten Elements" and "The Railway Accident."

3. Allen Upward (1863-1926), an English writer and critic who was a prominent figure in the early 20th century literary scene.

4. Graham Upward (1926-2012), a British engineer and inventor who developed the Upward Curve, a design principle for improving the aerodynamics of vehicles.

5. John Upward (1789-1853), an English engraver and illustrator who produced works for various publications, including the Gentleman's Magazine.

While the Upward surname may not be as prevalent as some others, it has a rich history deeply rooted in the English language and culture, spanning several centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Upward families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Upward 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. Dorset leads with 108 Upwards recorded in 1881 and an index of 62.48x.

County Total Index
Dorset 108 62.48x
Hampshire 69 12.78x
Middlesex 30 1.14x
Lancashire 11 0.35x
Surrey 10 0.78x
Somerset 7 1.65x
Sussex 6 1.35x
Denbighshire 5 5.03x
Warwickshire 4 0.60x
Cambridgeshire 3 1.80x
Kent 3 0.33x
Monmouthshire 3 1.58x
Durham 2 0.26x
Essex 2 0.38x
Gloucestershire 2 0.39x
Berkshire 1 0.51x
Channel Islands 1 1.28x
Wigtownshire 1 2.86x
Wiltshire 1 0.43x
Yorkshire 1 0.04x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Stourpaine in Dorset leads with 53 Upwards recorded in 1881 and an index of 10392.16x.

Place Total Index
Stourpaine 53 10392.16x
Carisbrooke 19 253.67x
Durweston 15 4411.76x
Blandford Forum 10 293.26x
Widnes 9 39.93x
Yarmouth 9 1267.61x
Holdenhurst 8 56.50x
Eling 7 127.97x
Hackney London 7 4.74x
Pimperne 7 1794.87x
Twerton 7 160.18x
Compton Abbas 6 1428.57x
Enfield 6 34.72x
Hove 6 30.80x
Kensington London 6 4.10x
Brading 5 69.74x
Camberwell 5 2.97x
Llanfair Talhaiarn 5 467.29x
Newport 5 170.65x
Alverstoke 4 20.47x
Birmingham 4 1.81x
Christchurch 4 34.16x
Lambeth 4 1.74x
Portsea 4 3.78x
Corfe Castle 3 187.50x
Islington London 3 1.18x
Melcombe Horsey 3 1875.00x
Newport 3 33.04x
Sixpenny Handley 3 352.94x
St Pancras London 3 1.42x
Wisbech St Peter 3 35.84x
Clifton 2 7.66x
Melcombe Regis 2 27.93x
Paddington London 2 2.07x
Poplar London 2 4.02x
Ryde 2 17.24x
Stranton 2 7.58x
Theydon Bois 2 253.16x
Bethnal Green London 1 0.87x
Bryanstone 1 434.78x
Grouville 1 46.08x
Iwerne Courtnay 1 86.21x
Lewisham 1 2.09x
Londesborough Cum 1 312.50x
Lymington 1 25.19x
Malmesbury St Paul 1 50.00x
Penninghame 1 28.01x
Plumstead 1 3.34x
Poole St James 1 15.41x
Puddletown 1 94.34x
Rivington 1 333.33x
Sevenoaks 1 13.72x
St Mary Extra 1 23.04x
Streatham 1 5.12x
Sunninghill 1 36.50x
Tarrant Gunville 1 312.50x
Wimborne Minster 1 35.71x
Woolston With 1 222.22x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 15
George 11
John 8
Walter 8
Arthur 7
James 7
Alfred 6
Charles 6
Edwin 6
Frank 5
Harry 5
Samuel 5
Edward 4
Frederick 3
Thomas 3
Albert 2
Ernest 2
Fredk. 2
Harold 2
Henry 2
Mark 2
Robert 2
Tom 2
Bernard 1
Caleb 1
Chas 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Edmund 1
Eli 1
Elias 1
Fred. 1
H. 1
Herbert 1
Hubert 1
Jabez 1
Joseph 1
Josiah 1
Leonard 1
Levi 1
M. 1
Nehemiah 1
Phinehas 1
R. 1
Richard 1
Sam 1
Sidney 1
Silas 1
Wiliam 1
Willm. 1

FAQ

Upward surname: questions and answers

How common was the Upward surname in 1881?

In 1881, 269 people were recorded with the Upward surname. That placed it at #10,506 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Upward surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 269 in 2016. That gives Upward a modern rank of #15,956.

What does the Upward surname mean?

A surname indicating an optimistic or ambitious nature, or relating to someone who lived higher up.

What does the Upward map show?

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