NameCensus.

UK surname

Varcoe

A locational surname derived from a place name in Cornwall, England.

In the 1881 census there were 494 people recorded with the Varcoe surname, ranking it #6,837 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 293, ranked #14,981, down from #6,837 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St Dennis, Roach and St Austell. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cornwall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Varcoe is 534 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 40.7%.

1881 census count

494

Ranked #6,837

Modern count

293

2016, ranked #14,981

Peak year

1911

534 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Varcoe had 494 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,837 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 293 in 2016, ranked #14,981.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 534 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Varcoe surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Varcoe surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Varcoe 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 420 #5,797
1861 historical 361 #7,076
1881 historical 494 #6,837
1891 historical 426 #8,412
1901 historical 459 #8,577
1911 historical 534 #7,458
1997 modern 293 #13,736
1998 modern 306 #13,720
1999 modern 310 #13,672
2000 modern 304 #13,791
2001 modern 299 #13,758
2002 modern 313 #13,615
2003 modern 315 #13,384
2004 modern 315 #13,450
2005 modern 321 #13,195
2006 modern 316 #13,402
2007 modern 308 #13,791
2008 modern 304 #14,000
2009 modern 303 #14,315
2010 modern 306 #14,529
2011 modern 301 #14,563
2012 modern 287 #14,978
2013 modern 291 #15,067
2014 modern 291 #15,168
2015 modern 289 #15,153
2016 modern 293 #14,981

Geography

Back to top

Where Varcoes are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St Dennis, Roach, St Austell, Luxulion and Withiel. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cornwall. 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 St Dennis Cornwall
2 Roach Cornwall
3 St Austell Cornwall
4 Luxulion Cornwall
5 Withiel Cornwall

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cornwall 019 Cornwall
2 Cornwall 041 Cornwall
3 Cornwall 016 Cornwall
4 Cornwall 024 Cornwall
5 Cornwall 007 Cornwall

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Varcoe

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Varcoe

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

Professional Periphery

Within London, Varcoe 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

Varcoe 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

Varcoe falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Varcoe

The surname VARCOE originates from Cornwall, England, dating back to the 16th century. It is likely derived from the Cornish place name "Varkow," meaning a "wolf's valley." This place name is found in the parish of Sancreed, near Penzance.

VARCOE is believed to have evolved from the Cornish word "Varkow," which was anglicized to "Varcoe" over time. The earliest recorded spelling of the name was in the Subsidy Rolls of Cornwall in 1597, where it appeared as "Varcoo."

In the early 17th century, records show variations in the spelling of the name, such as "Varcoe," "Varkoe," and "Varkow." These variations suggest that the name was initially associated with a specific location before becoming a recognized surname.

The VARCOE surname is closely linked to the Cornish mining industry. Many bearers of the name were involved in tin and copper mining, which was a thriving industry in Cornwall during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some notable VARCOE individuals from this era include:

1. John VARCOE (1750-1828), a renowned Cornish mine captain and entrepreneur. 2. William VARCOE (1790-1867), a prominent mine agent and industrialist from Redruth, Cornwall. 3. Mary VARCOE (1816-1892), a Cornish writer and poet who documented the lives of Cornish miners.

Outside of Cornwall, the VARCOE surname appeared in various historical records. For instance, in the 1881 Census of England and Wales, the name was recorded in the counties of Devon, Somerset, and Lancashire, indicating the migration of VARCOE families from Cornwall.

One notable individual with the VARCOE surname was Sir John VARCOE (1868-1952), a British Army officer and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor. He was born in Redruth, Cornwall, and served in the Second Boer War and World War I.

Another prominent figure was Richard VARCOE (1904-1964), a renowned English operatic baritone who performed with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and other prestigious opera companies worldwide.

Overall, the VARCOE surname has a rich history deeply rooted in Cornwall, with its origins dating back to the 16th century. It has been associated with the Cornish mining industry and has produced notable individuals across various fields, from military service to the arts.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Varcoe families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Varcoe 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. Cornwall leads with 341 Varcoes recorded in 1881 and an index of 61.51x.

County Total Index
Cornwall 341 61.51x
Devon 44 4.32x
Lancashire 30 0.52x
Middlesex 22 0.45x
Kent 12 0.72x
Glamorgan 9 1.06x
Channel Islands 7 4.82x
Lincolnshire 7 0.89x
Surrey 7 0.29x
Cheshire 5 0.46x
Essex 5 0.52x
Gloucestershire 4 0.42x
Staffordshire 4 0.24x
Radnorshire 2 5.06x
Hampshire 1 0.10x
Royal Navy 1 1.71x
Somerset 1 0.13x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. St Dennis in Cornwall leads with 62 Varcoes recorded in 1881 and an index of 2995.17x.

Place Total Index
St Dennis 62 2995.17x
St Stephen In Brannel 42 830.04x
Roche 34 1205.67x
St Austell 30 158.31x
Dalton In Furness 23 102.54x
Stoke Damerel 20 28.03x
Withiel 18 2647.06x
Luxulyan 17 918.92x
Gorran 16 1025.64x
St Wenn 14 1538.46x
St Blazey 13 266.94x
Deptford St Paul 12 9.31x
Fowey 12 472.44x
St Enoder 11 585.11x
St Columb Major 10 217.39x
Plymouth Charles The 8 17.81x
Harefield 7 277.78x
Plymouth St Andrew 7 8.91x
St Helier 7 14.82x
St Winnow 7 368.42x
Camberwell 6 1.92x
Hanwell 6 69.12x
Llantrisant 6 27.92x
Mevagissey 6 163.04x
St Botolph Lincoln 6 106.57x
St Ewe 6 357.14x
St Mewan 6 350.88x
Liscard 5 25.67x
West Ham 5 2.34x
Clifton 4 8.24x
St Agnes 4 51.55x
St Breock 4 133.33x
St Ervan 4 606.06x
St Thomas Apostle 4 233.92x
Stoke Upon Trent 4 2.28x
West Derby 4 2.35x
Ermington 3 80.86x
Gwennap 3 28.68x
Limehouse London 3 5.58x
Phillack 3 41.90x
Ystradyfodwg 3 4.01x
Broughton In Salford 2 3.76x
Camborne 2 8.76x
East Stonehouse 2 9.96x
Gerrans 2 133.33x
Illogan 2 13.62x
Lanteglos By Fowey 2 88.50x
Llandewy Ystradenny 2 200.00x
Paddington London 2 1.11x
Paignton 2 25.77x
St Clement 2 34.54x
Althorpe 1 56.18x
Beerferris 1 50.25x
Blisland 1 107.53x
Bodmin 1 10.91x
Caterham 1 9.48x
Exeter St Leonard 1 35.84x
Liverpool 1 0.28x
Royal Navy 1 2.00x
St Cleer 1 20.79x
St Columb Minor 1 21.51x
St Decumans Watchet 1 50.25x
St George Hanover 1 1.56x
St George Martyr 1 12.12x
St Marylebone London 1 0.38x
St Nicholas Olave 1 1666.67x
Tywardreath 1 28.09x
Ventnor 1 10.47x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 46
Elizabeth 19
Ann 14
Ellen 12
Annie 11
Jane 8
Sarah 8
Edith 5
Emily 5
Fanny 5
Susan 5
Eliza 4
Julia 4
Louisa 4
Martha 4
Beatrice 3
Bessie 3
Catherine 3
Grace 3
Isabella 3
Polly 3
Susannah 3
Ada 2
Alice 2
Anne 2
Betsey 2
Caroline 2
Dora 2
Dorothy 2
Emma 2
Hannah 2
Harriet 2
Helena 2
Lucy 2
Phillipa 2
Rebecca 2
Selina 2
Betsy 1
Blanche 1
Edna 1
Elenor 1
Elfie 1
Elizebeth 1
Elizth. 1
G. 1
Gertrude 1
Henrietta 1
Jemima 1
Jennet 1
Thereza 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 39
William 30
Thomas 22
James 19
Richard 17
Robert 11
Frederick 7
Alfred 6
George 6
Henry 6
Albert 4
Charles 4
Harry 4
Samuel 4
Arthur 3
Edmond 3
Hart 3
Joseph 3
Arnold 2
Francis 2
Guy 2
Matthias 2
Moses 2
Philip 2
Carus 1
Cornelius 1
Daniel 1
Edgar 1
Edward 1
Edwd. 1
Eliza 1
Ernest 1
Fedrick 1
Fred 1
Fredk. 1
Fredrick 1
Geo.R. 1
Harold 1
Janes 1
Jasper 1
Jehu 1
Jethro 1
Jos. 1
Joshua 1
Louis 1
Macklin 1
Pangham 1
Paul 1
Percival 1
Woodman 1

FAQ

Varcoe surname: questions and answers

How common was the Varcoe surname in 1881?

In 1881, 494 people were recorded with the Varcoe surname. That placed it at #6,837 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Varcoe surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 293 in 2016. That gives Varcoe a modern rank of #14,981.

What does the Varcoe surname mean?

A locational surname derived from a place name in Cornwall, England.

What does the Varcoe map show?

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