NameCensus.

UK surname

Wattley

A habitational name from a place in England named from the Old English words 'wat' and 'leah' meaning "wet wood or clearing".

In the 1881 census there were 27 people recorded with the Wattley surname, ranking it #29,793 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 118, ranked #27,873, up from #29,793 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Rhondda Cynon Taf, Waverley and Sandwell.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Wattley is 120 in 2013. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 337.0%.

1881 census count

27

Ranked #29,793

Modern count

118

2016, ranked #27,873

Peak year

2013

120 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Wattley had 27 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #29,793 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 118 in 2016, ranked #27,873.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 47 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Wattley surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Wattley surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Wattley 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 7 #32,070
1861 historical 31 #30,058
1881 historical 27 #29,793
1891 historical 34 #31,604
1901 historical 29 #30,848
1911 historical 47 #28,110
1997 modern 97 #27,342
1998 modern 95 #28,303
1999 modern 89 #29,168
2000 modern 93 #28,701
2001 modern 93 #28,382
2002 modern 97 #28,383
2003 modern 100 #27,722
2004 modern 99 #28,136
2005 modern 101 #27,854
2006 modern 102 #27,926
2007 modern 101 #28,505
2008 modern 103 #28,519
2009 modern 106 #28,666
2010 modern 113 #28,162
2011 modern 118 #27,192
2012 modern 115 #27,717
2013 modern 120 #27,406
2014 modern 116 #28,253
2015 modern 110 #29,157
2016 modern 118 #27,873

Geography

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Where Wattleys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Rhondda Cynon Taf, Waverley, Sandwell, Dudley and Watford. 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 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Rhondda Cynon Taf 015 Rhondda Cynon Taf
2 Waverley 008 Waverley
3 Sandwell 003 Sandwell
4 Dudley 034 Dudley
5 Watford 002 Watford

Forenames

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First names often paired with Wattley

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Wattley

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

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Wattley surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Wattley household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Wattley is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. 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 residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Wattley is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Wattley 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 Wattley is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Wattley, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Wattley

The surname Wattley is of English origin and dates back to the early medieval period. It is believed to have originated in the county of Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire, likely derived from the Old English words "wat" meaning "wet" or "water" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." This suggests that the name may have been initially used to describe someone who lived near a wet meadow or a clearing by a body of water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Wateleia," referring to a place name. This lends credence to the theory that the surname was initially derived from a location rather than a personal name or occupation.

In the 13th century, records show variations of the name such as "Watteleg" and "Watteley" appearing in various parts of England, particularly in the counties of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. These early spellings further illustrate the connection between the name and the Old English words for "wet" and "meadow."

Notable individuals with the surname Wattley include John Wattley, a merchant from Nottinghamshire who lived in the 16th century and was involved in the wool trade. Another early record is of William Wattley, born in 1612 in Derbyshire, who served as a soldier during the English Civil War.

Moving into the 18th century, there are records of a Samuel Wattley (1734-1807) who was a renowned clockmaker in London, known for his innovative designs and intricate craftsmanship. His clocks are now highly sought after by collectors and can be found in museums around the world.

In the 19th century, a notable figure was Emma Wattley (1818-1892), a prominent educator and advocate for women's rights. Born in Nottinghamshire, she established several schools for girls and was a vocal supporter of equal educational opportunities for women.

Another individual worthy of mention is Sir Arthur Wattley (1865-1946), a British diplomat who served in various diplomatic posts across Europe and Asia. He played a significant role in negotiating treaties and fostering international relations during his long career.

While the surname Wattley is not among the most common in England, it has a rich history that spans several centuries and can be traced back to the early days of the Norman Conquest and the compilation of the Domesday Book. The name's origins are firmly rooted in the English countryside, reflecting the connection between the early bearers of the name and the natural features of the land they inhabited.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Wattley families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Wattley 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. Somerset leads with 8 Wattleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 18.88x.

County Total Index
Somerset 8 18.88x
Devon 6 10.95x
Hampshire 4 7.41x
Durham 3 3.83x
Glamorgan 2 4.36x
Middlesex 2 0.76x
Lancashire 1 0.32x
Yorkshire 1 0.38x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kingstone in Somerset leads with 8 Wattleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 40000.00x.

Place Total Index
Kingstone 8 40000.00x
Sidmouth 6 1935.48x
Otterbourne 4 5000.00x
Hartlepool 3 270.27x
St George In East 2 111.73x
Ystradyfodwg 2 49.75x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 20.16x
Southcoates 1 68.97x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Alice 2
Sarah 2
Eliza 1
Ellen 1
Emelie 1
Emma 1
Lavinia 1
Martha 1
Mary 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 6
George 2
John 2
Richard 2
Charley 1
Osborne 1
Tom 1
Walter 1

Top occupations

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 Wattley households.

FAQ

Wattley surname: questions and answers

How common was the Wattley surname in 1881?

In 1881, 27 people were recorded with the Wattley surname. That placed it at #29,793 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Wattley surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 118 in 2016. That gives Wattley a modern rank of #27,873.

What does the Wattley surname mean?

A habitational name from a place in England named from the Old English words 'wat' and 'leah' meaning "wet wood or clearing".

What does the Wattley map show?

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