NameCensus.

UK surname

Wattam

A surname derived from a geographical location, possibly a town or village name.

In the 1881 census there were 273 people recorded with the Wattam surname, ranking it #10,390 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 560, ranked #9,165, up from #10,390 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Billinghay, Wainfleet All Saints, North Holme and Hull Holy Trinity. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include East Lindsey, North Lincolnshire and Doncaster.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Wattam is 618 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 105.1%.

1881 census count

273

Ranked #10,390

Modern count

560

2016, ranked #9,165

Peak year

2010

618 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Wattam had 273 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,390 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 560 in 2016, ranked #9,165.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 532 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Spacious Rural Living.

Wattam surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Wattam surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Wattam 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 160 #12,347
1861 historical 139 #16,263
1881 historical 273 #10,390
1891 historical 342 #10,023
1901 historical 411 #9,300
1911 historical 532 #7,480
1997 modern 597 #8,177
1998 modern 607 #8,318
1999 modern 614 #8,314
2000 modern 609 #8,347
2001 modern 592 #8,370
2002 modern 617 #8,293
2003 modern 590 #8,436
2004 modern 599 #8,361
2005 modern 595 #8,323
2006 modern 601 #8,277
2007 modern 611 #8,238
2008 modern 597 #8,452
2009 modern 610 #8,488
2010 modern 618 #8,587
2011 modern 605 #8,639
2012 modern 569 #8,942
2013 modern 577 #8,995
2014 modern 574 #9,078
2015 modern 561 #9,153
2016 modern 560 #9,165

Geography

Back to top

Where Wattams are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Billinghay, Wainfleet All Saints, North Holme, Hull Holy Trinity, Wainfleet St Mary and Kirton-in-Lindsey. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to East Lindsey, North Lincolnshire, Doncaster and North Kesteven. 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 Billinghay Lincolnshire
2 Wainfleet All Saints, North Holme Lincolnshire
3 Hull Holy Trinity Yorkshire, East Riding
4 Wainfleet St Mary Lincolnshire
5 Kirton-in-Lindsey Lincolnshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 East Lindsey 017 East Lindsey
2 North Lincolnshire 015 North Lincolnshire
3 Doncaster 003 Doncaster
4 East Lindsey 015 East Lindsey
5 North Kesteven 011 North Kesteven

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Wattam

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Wattam

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Wattam, 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

Retired Professionals

Group

Spacious Rural Living

Nationally, the Wattam surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Spacious Rural Living, within Retired Professionals. This does not mean every Wattam household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These predominantly ageing households typically have no resident dependent children. Most are owner-occupiers and live in detached houses in low density residential developments (although renting is more common than in the rest of the Supergroup). White ethnicity predominates. Residents are typically beyond retirement age but those still in work have managerial, professional or skilled trade occupations. White ethnicity and Christian religious affiliation predominate. Neighbourhoods are located throughout rural UK.

Wider pattern

Typically married but no longer with resident dependent children, these well-educated households either remain working in their managerial, professional, administrative or other skilled occupations, or are retired from them – the modal individual age is beyond normal retirement age. Underoccupied detached and semi-detached properties predominate, and unpaid care is more prevalent than reported disability. The prevalence of this Supergroup outside most urban conurbations indicates that rural lifestyles prevail, typically sustained by using two or more cars per household.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Wattam 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

Wattam 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

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

Meaning and origin of Wattam

The surname Wattam finds its roots in England, specifically in regions like Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, known for their rich linguistic heritage. The etymology of Wattam suggests it is a topographical surname, often derived from places with similar sounding names. One notable derivation might be from "Wath", which means a ford or river crossing in Old Norse, combined with "ham", meaning a homestead or village in Old English. Together, Wattam could signify a dwelling near a ford.

Historical records dating back to the Middle Ages contain references to various spellings of the surname, including Watum and Watham. One of the earliest documented instances appears in the Yorkshire Subsidy Rolls of 1327, where a John de Watham is mentioned. This suggests that the name was established in the region by at least the 14th century.

In the Domesday Book of 1086, which was commissioned by William the Conqueror, several places with names like Wathe and Wath can be found, indicating potential places of origin for families adopting the Wattam surname. While the exact connection to Wattam cannot be decisively proved, it is likely these similar place names played a role in the evolution of the surname.

During the reign of Edward III, records show a Thomas Wattam from Nottinghamshire serving as a local official, illustrating the family's involvement in local governance. This indicates that the Wattam surname was not only established by this period but also linked to individuals of some local standing and importance.

In the 16th century, we encounter Robert Wattam, a noted landowner in Yorkshire. Born in 1532 and dying in 1591, Robert represents the prominence the surname had achieved in the region, with land records and wills often highlighting the family’s stature.

A significant bearer of the name in the 18th century is James Wattam, born in 1745, noted for his contributions to agricultural advancements in Nottinghamshire. His work in improving farming techniques traces back to his detailed journals, which offer insight into rural life and innovations.

The Wattam surname continued to be prominent into the 19th century, with George Wattam (1821-1888), a well-regarded industrialist from the West Riding of Yorkshire. His involvement in the burgeoning textile industry highlighted the continuing evolution and prosperity of families bearing this name.

Reflecting on the journey of the Wattam surname, it reveals a path intertwined with local topography, historical shifts, and notable achievements across centuries. From its early references in medieval England to its more documented presence in later centuries, the surname Wattam encapsulates a rich heritage deeply rooted in English history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Wattam families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Wattam 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. Lincolnshire leads with 185 Wattams recorded in 1881 and an index of 43.61x.

County Total Index
Lincolnshire 185 43.61x
Yorkshire 54 2.05x
Northamptonshire 8 3.21x
Staffordshire 8 0.89x
Cambridgeshire 5 2.98x
Lancashire 5 0.16x
Nottinghamshire 4 1.12x
Warwickshire 2 0.30x
Durham 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. Wainfleet All Sts in Lincolnshire leads with 15 Wattams recorded in 1881 and an index of 1209.68x.

Place Total Index
Wainfleet All Sts 15 1209.68x
Tetford 14 2592.59x
Wainfleet St Mary 13 2031.25x
Great Sturton 12 9230.77x
North Carlton 10 6666.67x
Dalderby 9 22500.00x
Thorne 9 276.07x
Ecclesfield 8 41.49x
Kirton In Lindsey 8 476.19x
St Peterin Eastgate 8 610.69x
Stamford Baron St Martin 8 597.01x
Statfold 8 13333.33x
Thornton 8 4705.88x
Navenby 7 804.60x
Ashby 6 451.13x
Batley 6 24.01x
Dalby 6 4285.71x
Holy Trinity 6 9.49x
Kirkheaton 6 140.85x
Moulton 6 294.12x
Ardwick 5 17.61x
High Toynton 5 4166.67x
Manea 5 471.70x
St Nicholas Lincoln 5 123.15x
Brightside Bierlow 4 7.76x
Newland 4 1538.46x
North Willingham 4 2105.26x
Thorpe St Peter 4 769.23x
Conisbrough 3 121.46x
Gainsborough 3 30.00x
Great Grimsby 3 11.14x
Newark Upon Trent 3 23.35x
Stamford All Sts 3 126.58x
Beverley St Mary 2 52.08x
Croft 2 289.86x
Friskney 2 148.15x
Grantham 2 36.17x
Pelhams Lands 2 1333.33x
Sheffield 2 2.39x
Stickney 2 317.46x
Tattershall Thorpe 2 714.29x
West Ashby 2 555.56x
Aston 1 0.54x
Baumber 1 322.58x
Belchford 1 227.27x
Birmingham 1 0.45x
Bishop Auckland 1 9.44x
Caistor 1 59.17x
Cleatham 1 1000.00x
Eastville 1 303.03x
Hackthorn 1 400.00x
Horncastle 1 22.83x
Irby In Marsh 1 625.00x
Leeds 1 0.67x
Long Riston 1 303.03x
Lusby 1 1111.11x
Market Rasen 1 42.19x
Middlesbrough 1 2.92x
Misterton 1 90.09x
North Thoresby 1 147.06x
Northolme 1 555.56x
Norton Disney 1 625.00x
Scamblesby 1 303.03x
Scrafield 1 2500.00x
South Common Lincoln 1 454.55x
South Willingham 1 333.33x
St Maryle Wigford 1 30.30x
Thixendale 1 434.78x
Timberland 1 217.39x
Toynton All Sts 1 322.58x
Welton Le Wold 1 333.33x
Yaddlethorpe 1 666.67x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 18
Sarah 12
Elizabeth 8
Fanny 7
Alice 5
Eliza 5
Jane 5
Betsy 4
Emma 4
Lucy 4
Sophia 4
Amelia 3
Charlotte 3
Harriet 3
Maria 3
Ann 2
Annie 2
Ellen 2
Emily 2
Louisa 2
Martha 2
Maud 2
Susan 2
Arabella 1
Beatrice 1
Chail... 1
Charlott 1
Cordelia 1
Ester 1
Esther 1
Flora 1
Hannah 1
Harriett 1
Hetty 1
Isabel 1
Julia 1
Kate 1
Lilly 1
Lottie 1
Lousia 1
Mariam 1
Maude 1
Minnie 1
Nelly 1
Olive 1
Penelope 1
Phoebe 1
Polly 1
Rebecca 1
Zilla 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 17
William 16
Thomas 14
George 8
Joseph 7
James 6
Charles 5
Henry 5
Robert 5
Richard 4
Edward 3
Frederick 3
Tom 3
Alfred 2
Frank 2
Herbert 2
Locking 2
Paul 2
Stephen 2
Walter 2
Albert 1
Amos 1
Arthur 1
Barker 1
Chapman 1
Chas. 1
David 1
Ellis 1
Fred 1
Geor. 1
Harold 1
Hephzibah 1
Isaac 1
Jno. 1
Jonathan 1
Paget 1
Samuel 1
Sargant 1
Seth 1
Walls 1
Willm. 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Wattam surname: questions and answers

How common was the Wattam surname in 1881?

In 1881, 273 people were recorded with the Wattam surname. That placed it at #10,390 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Wattam surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 560 in 2016. That gives Wattam a modern rank of #9,165.

What does the Wattam surname mean?

A surname derived from a geographical location, possibly a town or village name.

What does the Wattam map show?

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