UK surname
A surname derived from the French word "vallet" meaning a servant or attendant.
In the 1881 census there were 71 people recorded with the Wallet surname, ranking it #23,517 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 24, ranked #36,392, down from #23,517 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Wolverhampton, Dawley, Magna and Kelton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Wallet is 139 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 66.2%.
1881 census count
71
Ranked #23,517
Modern count
24
2016, ranked #36,392
Peak year
1861
139 bearers
Map years
3
1851 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Wallet surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Wallet surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 105 | #16,618 |
| 1861 | historical | 139 | #16,263 |
| 1881 | historical | 71 | #23,517 |
| 1891 | historical | 136 | #19,601 |
| 1901 | historical | 60 | #27,502 |
| 1911 | historical | 36 | #29,370 |
| 1997 | modern | 25 | #35,261 |
| 1998 | modern | 24 | #35,488 |
| 1999 | modern | 24 | #35,514 |
| 2000 | modern | 24 | #35,498 |
| 2001 | modern | 21 | #35,646 |
| 2002 | modern | 31 | #34,866 |
| 2003 | modern | 34 | #34,681 |
| 2004 | modern | 30 | #35,186 |
| 2005 | modern | 28 | #35,510 |
| 2006 | modern | 28 | #35,665 |
| 2007 | modern | 24 | #36,072 |
| 2008 | modern | 22 | #36,281 |
| 2009 | modern | 21 | #36,470 |
| 2010 | modern | 23 | #36,400 |
| 2011 | modern | 23 | #36,369 |
| 2012 | modern | 26 | #36,166 |
| 2013 | modern | 27 | #36,150 |
| 2014 | modern | 26 | #36,244 |
| 2015 | modern | 26 | #36,228 |
| 2016 | modern | 24 | #36,392 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Wolverhampton, Dawley, Magna, Kelton, St Botolph Aldgate and Wellington, Wrockwardine, Eyton-on-the-Moors, Preston-on-the-Moors. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wolverhampton | Staffordshire |
| 2 | Dawley, Magna | Shropshire |
| 3 | Kelton | Kirkcudbright |
| 4 | St Botolph Aldgate | London (Central Districts) |
| 5 | Wellington, Wrockwardine, Eyton-on-the-Moors, Preston-on-the-Moors | Shropshire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Wallet surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Wallet, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Wallet surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Wallet household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Wallet is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Wallet is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Wallet, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname WALLET originated in England during the medieval period, derived from the Old English words "walh" meaning foreigner or stranger, and "leod" meaning people. It was initially used to refer to individuals of Celtic or Brythonic descent who were perceived as outsiders by the Anglo-Saxons.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Waliet." This document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides a comprehensive record of landowners and their estates across England.
In the 12th century, the surname WALLET is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls, a series of financial records maintained by the English Exchequer. These rolls contain entries related to taxation and financial transactions involving individuals with this surname.
During the 13th century, variations of the name such as "Walet" and "Walett" appeared in various historical records, including the Curia Regis Rolls and the Hundred Rolls. These documents shed light on legal proceedings and administrative matters involving individuals bearing the WALLET surname.
One notable figure in history was John WALLET, a merchant and alderman in the city of London during the late 14th century. He played a significant role in the city's governance and trade affairs.
In the 15th century, Thomas WALLET, born in 1420, was a renowned scholar and theologian who served as the Chancellor of the University of Oxford from 1468 to 1472. His contributions to the academic and religious spheres were significant during that period.
The 16th century saw the rise of William WALLET, a prominent figure in the English Reformation. Born in 1535, he was a influential Protestant reformer and author who played a crucial role in the spread of Protestantism in England.
In the 17th century, Sir John WALLET, born in 1612, was a distinguished military officer who served in the English Civil War. He fought for the Parliamentarian side and contributed significantly to their victories.
Another notable figure was Elizabeth WALLET, born in 1680, who was a renowned playwright and poet during the Restoration period. Her works were widely acclaimed and performed in London's theaters.
Throughout history, the WALLET surname has been associated with various locations and place names, such as Wallet's Court in London, Wallet's Manor in Somerset, and Wallet's Hill in Worcestershire. These place names often reflect the presence and influence of individuals bearing this surname in those areas.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Wallet surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Shropshire leads with 13 Wallets recorded in 1881 and an index of 21.73x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Shropshire | 13 | 21.73x |
| Staffordshire | 12 | 5.13x |
| Lancashire | 9 | 1.10x |
| Middlesex | 8 | 1.16x |
| Yorkshire | 8 | 1.17x |
| Kirkcudbrightshire | 5 | 49.90x |
| Ayrshire | 4 | 7.72x |
| Durham | 4 | 1.94x |
| Derbyshire | 3 | 2.77x |
| Essex | 1 | 0.73x |
| Kent | 1 | 0.42x |
| Lanarkshire | 1 | 0.45x |
| Monmouthshire | 1 | 2.00x |
| Surrey | 1 | 0.30x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Wellington in Shropshire leads with 8 Wallets recorded in 1881 and an index of 238.10x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington | 8 | 238.10x |
| St Botolph Aldgate | 7 | 736.84x |
| Hulme | 6 | 34.99x |
| Kimberworth | 6 | 157.48x |
| Wednesfield | 6 | 174.42x |
| Kelton | 5 | 609.76x |
| West Bromwich | 5 | 37.37x |
| Shrewsbury St Julian | 4 | 270.27x |
| Clowne | 3 | 697.67x |
| Ayr | 2 | 81.63x |
| Brandon Byshottles | 2 | 77.52x |
| Oldham | 2 | 7.54x |
| Bilston | 1 | 22.08x |
| Clapham | 1 | 11.55x |
| Dalmellington | 1 | 65.79x |
| Darlington | 1 | 12.58x |
| Glasgow | 1 | 2.52x |
| Gomersal | 1 | 31.25x |
| Heap | 1 | 22.94x |
| Hipperholme Cum | 1 | 33.22x |
| Kilmarnock | 1 | 16.21x |
| Madeley | 1 | 45.66x |
| Prittlewell | 1 | 52.91x |
| Ramsgate | 1 | 25.91x |
| St Andrew Holborn | 1 | 42.55x |
| St Woollos | 1 | 17.89x |
| Stockton On Tees | 1 | 10.07x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Wallet surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Wallet surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Wallet households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 11 |
| Coal Miner | 6 |
| Domestic Servant | 3 |
| General Servant | 2 |
| Solicitors General Clerk | 2 |
| (Rail) Engine Driver | 1 |
| Bankers Clerk | 1 |
| Blast Furnace Keeper (Iron) | 1 |
| Butchers Wife | 1 |
| Coal Miner Daur | 1 |
| Coal Miner Wife | 1 |
| Colliery Overman | 1 |
| Cook Domestic Servant | 1 |
| Forge Engine Driver | 1 |
| H W | 1 |
| Merchant | 1 |
| Pupil | 1 |
| Serv. (Dom) | 1 |
| Solicitors Managing Clerk | 1 |
| Stone Mason | 1 |
| Wife | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 71 people were recorded with the Wallet surname. That placed it at #23,517 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 24 in 2016. That gives Wallet a modern rank of #36,392.
A surname derived from the French word "vallet" meaning a servant or attendant.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Wallet bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.