NameCensus.

UK surname

Vernon

From a place name derived from the Gaulish word "vern" meaning "alder" and Old English "tun" meaning "settlement, town."

In the 1881 census there were 4,912 people recorded with the Vernon surname, ranking it #904 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 7,003, ranked #964, down from #904 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Manchester and Leicester St Margaret and Bishop's Fee, Leicester All Saints, Blackfriars. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include High Peak, Derby and Richmondshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Vernon is 7,356 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 42.6%.

1881 census count

4,912

Ranked #904

Modern count

7,003

2016, ranked #964

Peak year

1999

7,356 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Vernon had 4,912 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #904 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 7,003 in 2016, ranked #964.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 6,799 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Vernon surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Vernon surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Vernon 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 2,857 #1,023
1861 historical 2,645 #1,110
1881 historical 4,912 #904
1891 historical 5,306 #883
1901 historical 6,283 #881
1911 historical 6,799 #759
1997 modern 6,897 #940
1998 modern 7,261 #935
1999 modern 7,356 #926
2000 modern 7,265 #934
2001 modern 7,153 #924
2002 modern 7,332 #918
2003 modern 7,127 #922
2004 modern 7,059 #931
2005 modern 6,953 #936
2006 modern 6,918 #940
2007 modern 6,956 #946
2008 modern 6,969 #948
2009 modern 7,087 #958
2010 modern 7,193 #963
2011 modern 7,120 #959
2012 modern 6,977 #954
2013 modern 7,138 #953
2014 modern 7,138 #959
2015 modern 7,029 #961
2016 modern 7,003 #964

Geography

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Where Vernons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Manchester, Leicester St Margaret and Bishop's Fee, Leicester All Saints, Blackfriars, Sheffield and Chapel-en-le-Frith. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to High Peak, Derby, Richmondshire, Mansfield and 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 London parishes London 3
2 Manchester Lancashire
3 Leicester St Margaret and Bishop's Fee, Leicester All Saints, Blackfriars Leicestershire
4 Sheffield Yorkshire, West Riding
5 Chapel-en-le-Frith Derbyshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 High Peak 013 High Peak
2 Derby 007 Derby
3 Richmondshire 004 Richmondshire
4 Mansfield 006 Mansfield
5 Cornwall 007 Cornwall

Forenames

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First names often paired with Vernon

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Vernon

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

Vernon is most concentrated in decile 6 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.

6
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Vernon

The surname Vernon is believed to have originated in Normandy, France, during the early Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old French place name "Vernon-sur-Seine," which refers to a town located along the Seine River in the northern region of France. The name itself is thought to be a combination of the Gaulish word "ver," meaning "alder tree," and the Old French word "non," meaning "valley."

One of the earliest recorded references to the Vernon surname can be found in the famous Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The survey mentions individuals with the name Vernon holding lands in various parts of England, suggesting that the surname had already been established by the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Vernon surname. One of the earliest was Richard de Vernon (c. 1090-1153), a Norman baron who played a significant role in the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda during the 12th century. Another prominent figure was Sir William Vernon (c. 1350-1403), an English knight who served under King Richard II and was appointed the Constable of England.

During the 16th century, the Vernon family gained prominence in England. Sir George Vernon (c. 1508-1567) was a member of Parliament and a staunch supporter of the Protestant Reformation. His grandson, Sir Edward Vernon (1584-1657), was a renowned English naval officer who played a crucial role in the Anglo-Spanish War and the English Civil War.

In the United States, the Vernon surname has a long history dating back to the colonial era. One of the earliest recorded instances is that of Edward Vernon (c. 1670-1730), a British naval officer who led successful expeditions against the Spanish in the West Indies during the War of the Spanish Succession. He later served as the Governor of Antigua and Barbuda.

Another notable American with the Vernon surname was Samuel Vernon (1738-1800), a Revolutionary War soldier and one of the founders of Newport, Rhode Island. In the literary world, Jane Vernon (1801-1890), an English novelist and playwright, gained recognition for her works depicting the lives of the English gentry.

The Vernon surname has had a rich and varied history, spanning across continents and centuries. From its origins in Normandy to its presence in various parts of the world, the name has been carried by individuals who have left their mark in various fields, including politics, military, literature, and more.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Vernon families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Vernon 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 828 Vernons recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.45x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 828 1.45x
Cheshire 696 6.56x
Staffordshire 575 3.54x
Middlesex 407 0.85x
Derbyshire 336 4.46x
Warwickshire 331 2.73x
Yorkshire 283 0.59x
Surrey 178 0.76x
Leicestershire 158 2.96x
Oxfordshire 97 3.27x
Devon 95 0.95x
Sussex 81 1.00x
Nottinghamshire 79 1.22x
Worcestershire 61 0.97x
Northamptonshire 57 1.26x
Gloucestershire 54 0.57x
Kent 49 0.30x
Shropshire 46 1.11x
Somerset 34 0.44x
Ayrshire 30 0.83x
Buckinghamshire 30 1.03x
Lincolnshire 29 0.38x
Lanarkshire 28 0.18x
Glamorgan 26 0.31x
Northumberland 24 0.34x
Wigtownshire 23 3.60x
Cumberland 22 0.53x
Dumfriesshire 22 2.07x
Kirkcudbrightshire 21 3.02x
Denbighshire 18 0.99x
Essex 18 0.19x
Midlothian 17 0.26x
Flintshire 15 1.16x
Hampshire 15 0.15x
Berkshire 13 0.36x
Durham 13 0.09x
Roxburghshire 13 1.49x
Channel Islands 12 0.84x
Hertfordshire 12 0.36x
Pembrokeshire 11 0.72x
Suffolk 9 0.15x
Anglesey 8 0.94x
Herefordshire 8 0.41x
Monmouthshire 8 0.23x
Cardiganshire 7 0.60x
West Lothian 6 0.83x
Renfrewshire 5 0.13x
Royal Navy 4 0.70x
Bedfordshire 3 0.12x
Angus 2 0.04x
Brecknockshire 2 0.21x
Carmarthenshire 2 0.10x
Merionethshire 2 0.23x
Aberdeenshire 1 0.02x
Argyllshire 1 0.07x
Dorset 1 0.03x
Huntingdonshire 1 0.10x
Isle of Man 1 0.11x
Norfolk 1 0.01x
Sutherland 1 0.27x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Birmingham in Warwickshire leads with 121 Vernons recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.99x.

Place Total Index
Birmingham 121 2.99x
Aston 89 2.67x
Manchester 68 2.65x
Wolstanton 67 13.59x
Burslem 65 13.98x
Chapel En Le Frith 62 90.18x
Hulme 62 5.20x
Wolverhampton 61 4.89x
Islington London 56 1.20x
Brightside Bierlow 54 5.78x
St Pancras London 53 1.37x
Watlington 52 171.00x
Harborne 49 9.42x
Leicester St Margaret 49 3.77x
Liverpool 46 1.33x
Ashton In Makerfield 45 27.69x
Nuneaton 44 31.32x
Clerkenwell London 39 3.44x
Lambeth 37 0.88x
Warrington 36 5.32x
Over 35 32.44x
Everton 33 1.81x
Macclesfield 33 6.99x
Altrincham 32 17.25x
Ashton Under Lyne 31 2.49x
Cheadle 31 15.29x
Monks Coppenhall 30 7.49x
Sheffield 29 1.91x
Bermondsey 28 1.96x
Chester St Oswald 28 14.57x
Kensington London 27 1.01x
Ardwick 26 5.05x
Chelsea London 26 1.79x
Alfreton 25 10.93x
Gnosall 25 63.81x
Wormhill 25 158.73x
Stapenhill 24 21.42x
Tarporley 24 108.01x
Eastbourne 23 6.16x
Leftwich 23 48.78x
Oldham 23 1.25x
Stoney Stanton 23 140.59x
Penninghame 22 33.78x
Chorlton On Medlock 21 2.32x
Hackney London 21 0.78x
Mile End Old Town 21 2.77x
Stone 21 10.11x
Weaverham Cum Milton 21 74.81x
West Derby 21 1.26x
Ecclesall Bierlow 20 2.06x
Northampton St Giles 20 11.61x
Peak Forest 20 243.61x
Plymouth Charles The 20 4.53x
Rugeley 20 17.17x
Stoke Upon Trent 20 1.16x
Bosden 19 58.32x
Derby St Werburgh 19 4.37x
Great Bolton 19 2.51x
Blackburn 18 1.19x
Brighton 18 1.10x
Camberwell 18 0.59x
Kimberworth 18 6.81x
Kirkmabreck 18 59.13x
Openshaw 18 6.74x
Salford 18 1.07x
Toxteth Park 18 0.93x
Witton Cum Twambrooks 18 19.05x
Chester St John Baptist 17 8.91x
St George In East 17 5.20x
Barrow In Furness 16 2.06x
Battersea 16 0.90x
Govan 16 0.42x
Middlesbrough 16 2.58x
Nottingham St Mary 16 0.95x
Coventry St Michael 15 3.85x
Leamington Priors 15 5.03x
Marple 15 20.58x
Ruddington 15 34.51x
St George Hanover 15 2.39x
Wycombe 15 6.92x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 291
Sarah 199
Elizabeth 195
Ann 104
Annie 80
Alice 79
Jane 77
Martha 75
Eliza 73
Ellen 73
Hannah 66
Emma 62
Emily 50
Margaret 48
Louisa 33
Charlotte 31
Florence 31
Clara 29
Edith 29
Harriet 29
Frances 28
Maria 28
Fanny 25
Caroline 22
Catherine 22
Anne 19
Ada 18
Agnes 18
Esther 17
Lucy 17
Kate 15
Betsy 14
Harriett 14
Jessie 14
Rebecca 14
Rose 14
Amelia 13
Susannah 13
Julia 12
Lydia 11
Selina 11
Eleanor 10
Gertrude 9
Susan 8
Ethel 7
Grace 7
Lizzie 7
Maud 7
Ruth 7
Amy 6

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 308
John 296
Thomas 191
George 175
Joseph 132
James 126
Henry 102
Charles 87
Samuel 66
Richard 42
Walter 41
Arthur 38
Alfred 37
Robert 36
Edward 34
Frederick 33
Harry 31
Albert 25
Frank 20
David 19
Francis 18
Ernest 17
Edwin 16
Herbert 14
Thos. 13
Benjamin 12
Daniel 12
Wm. 11
Enoch 10
Fred 10
Isaac 10
Fredk. 8
Peter 8
Harold 7
Hugh 6
Joshua 6
Stephen 6
Abraham 5
Sydney 5
Andrew 4
Frederic 4
Fredrick 4
Geo. 4
Job 4
Josiah 4
Percy 4
Ralph 4
Saml. 4
Willie 4
Willm. 4

FAQ

Vernon surname: questions and answers

How common was the Vernon surname in 1881?

In 1881, 4,912 people were recorded with the Vernon surname. That placed it at #904 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Vernon surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 7,003 in 2016. That gives Vernon a modern rank of #964.

What does the Vernon surname mean?

From a place name derived from the Gaulish word "vern" meaning "alder" and Old English "tun" meaning "settlement, town."

What does the Vernon map show?

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