NameCensus.

UK surname

Wellington

An English locational surname derived from a place name meaning "wealthy estate" or "well-watered estate."

In the 1881 census there were 1,404 people recorded with the Wellington surname, ranking it #2,956 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,162, ranked #2,992, down from #2,956 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet,, London parishes and East Dean, Little Dean, Flaxley, Abinghall, Weston-under-Penyard (Ross, Herefordshire), Lea (Ross, H. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Neath Port Talbot, Forest of Dean and South Hams.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Wellington is 2,181 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 54.0%.

1881 census count

1,404

Ranked #2,956

Modern count

2,162

2016, ranked #2,992

Peak year

2010

2,181 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Wellington had 1,404 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,956 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,162 in 2016, ranked #2,992.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,632 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Wellington surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Wellington surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Wellington 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 760 #3,504
1861 historical 761 #3,595
1881 historical 1,404 #2,956
1891 historical 1,372 #3,164
1901 historical 1,632 #3,165
1911 historical 1,602 #3,036
1997 modern 1,908 #3,162
1998 modern 1,983 #3,177
1999 modern 2,001 #3,177
2000 modern 1,997 #3,169
2001 modern 1,967 #3,147
2002 modern 2,029 #3,136
2003 modern 1,975 #3,146
2004 modern 2,005 #3,110
2005 modern 2,005 #3,081
2006 modern 2,006 #3,090
2007 modern 2,028 #3,084
2008 modern 2,045 #3,091
2009 modern 2,141 #3,030
2010 modern 2,181 #3,044
2011 modern 2,150 #3,043
2012 modern 2,109 #3,034
2013 modern 2,167 #3,008
2014 modern 2,169 #3,024
2015 modern 2,154 #3,014
2016 modern 2,162 #2,992

Geography

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Where Wellingtons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet,, London parishes, East Dean, Little Dean, Flaxley, Abinghall, Weston-under-Penyard (Ross, Herefordshire), Lea (Ross, H, St Austell and Margam. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Neath Port Talbot, Forest of Dean, South Hams 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 Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet, Gloucestershire
2 London parishes London 3
3 East Dean, Little Dean, Flaxley, Abinghall, Weston-under-Penyard (Ross, Herefordshire), Lea (Ross, H Gloucestershire
4 St Austell Cornwall
5 Margam Glamorganshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Neath Port Talbot 017 Neath Port Talbot
2 Forest of Dean 004 Forest of Dean
3 Neath Port Talbot 015 Neath Port Talbot
4 South Hams 010 South Hams
5 Cornwall 039 Cornwall

Forenames

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First names often paired with Wellington

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Wellington

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

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Wellington surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Wellington 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Wellington is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Wellington 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

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

Meaning and origin of Wellington

The surname Wellington is of English origin, derived from the Old English place name "Walton," meaning "the town by the winding stream or river." The name is also associated with the town of Wellington in Somerset, England, which was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Walintone."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Wellington can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire from 1166, where it appears as "de Walintun." This suggests that the surname was initially adopted by individuals who hailed from the town of Wellington or its surrounding areas.

In the 13th century, records show the surname spelled in various forms, such as "Walyngton," "Walenton," and "Walynton." This variation in spelling was common during that era, as standardized spellings were not yet established.

A notable bearer of the surname Wellington was Sir William Wellington, a 14th-century English knight who served under King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War. He was born around 1310 and participated in several military campaigns against the French.

Another prominent figure with the surname Wellington was Thomas Wellington, a 16th-century English clergyman and author, born in 1555. He served as the Rector of Whichford in Warwickshire and wrote several religious works, including "The Doctrine of the Church of England" and "The Life and Reign of King Henry VIII."

Perhaps the most famous bearer of the surname Wellington was Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852). He was a renowned British military leader and statesman who achieved victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, effectively ending the Napoleonic Wars.

In the 18th century, the surname Wellington was also associated with the town of Wellington in Shropshire, England. One notable individual from this area was Richard Wellington, born in 1722, who served as a Member of Parliament for the borough of Wenlock.

Another significant figure with the surname Wellington was Reginald Wellington, a 19th-century English explorer and naturalist, born in 1818. He is known for his extensive travels and contributions to the study of natural history, particularly in South America and the Pacific region.

While the surname Wellington has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world, carried by individuals of English descent or through migration and settlement.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Wellington families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Wellington 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. Devon leads with 245 Wellingtons recorded in 1881 and an index of 8.55x.

County Total Index
Devon 245 8.55x
Cornwall 224 14.38x
Middlesex 167 1.21x
Gloucestershire 143 5.30x
Surrey 82 1.22x
Glamorgan 76 3.17x
Essex 49 1.80x
Lancashire 48 0.29x
Somerset 46 2.08x
Yorkshire 35 0.26x
Hampshire 27 0.96x
Warwickshire 23 0.66x
Monmouthshire 22 2.21x
Herefordshire 20 3.54x
Kent 20 0.43x
Staffordshire 20 0.43x
Durham 19 0.46x
Sussex 16 0.69x
Cheshire 13 0.43x
Nottinghamshire 12 0.65x
Suffolk 11 0.66x
Northumberland 8 0.39x
Berkshire 7 0.68x
Channel Islands 7 1.72x
Lincolnshire 7 0.32x
Buckinghamshire 6 0.72x
East Lothian 5 2.74x
Hertfordshire 5 0.53x
Norfolk 5 0.24x
Cambridgeshire 4 0.46x
Denbighshire 4 0.77x
Leicestershire 4 0.26x
Midlothian 4 0.22x
Aberdeenshire 3 0.24x
Dorset 3 0.33x
Lanarkshire 3 0.07x
Northamptonshire 3 0.23x
Renfrewshire 3 0.28x
Rutland 3 2.97x
Bedfordshire 2 0.28x
Angus 1 0.08x
Brecknockshire 1 0.36x
Derbyshire 1 0.05x
Huntingdonshire 1 0.37x
Royal Navy 1 0.61x
Shropshire 1 0.08x
Worcestershire 1 0.06x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Margam in Glamorgan leads with 61 Wellingtons recorded in 1881 and an index of 228.21x.

Place Total Index
Margam 61 228.21x
Lambeth 30 2.50x
St Austell 29 54.45x
Islington London 27 2.02x
Dartmouth St Saviour 18 220.05x
Kea 17 146.43x
Plymouth St Andrew 17 7.70x
West Ham 17 2.83x
Birmingham 14 1.21x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 14 5.51x
Cullompton 14 111.91x
Hackney London 14 1.81x
Bodmin 13 50.43x
Clerkenwell London 13 4.00x
Kenwyn 13 31.90x
Tottenham 13 5.93x
Dagenham 12 74.21x
Fowey 12 167.83x
Horsham 11 24.40x
Shoreditch London 11 1.84x
St Marylebone London 11 1.50x
Westbury On Severn 11 102.80x
Westbury On Severn East 11 18.02x
Crediton 10 36.83x
Dodbrooke 10 175.75x
Hampstead London 10 4.67x
Luxulyan 10 192.68x
Okehampton 10 92.59x
Portsea 10 1.81x
Camberwell 9 1.02x
Church 9 39.03x
Dunsford 9 245.90x
Gloucester Barton St Mary 9 18.22x
Gloucester Kingsholm St 9 89.37x
Illogan 9 21.81x
Poplar London 9 3.46x
South Hamlet 9 53.89x
Totnes 9 53.70x
West Teignmouth 9 41.06x
Aston 8 0.84x
Bristol St Augustine 8 18.37x
Cheltenham 8 3.84x
Clapham 8 4.65x
Gloucester St John Baptist 8 45.90x
Great Baddow 8 82.82x
Holy Trinity 8 2.44x
Ipswich St Mary Key 8 183.91x
Keinton Mandeville 8 316.21x
Kensington London 8 1.05x
Newington 8 1.57x
Newnham 8 115.27x
St Columb Minor 8 61.16x
Upminster 8 141.84x
Aberystruth 7 7.98x
Compton Martin 7 357.14x
East Stonehouse 7 12.40x
Feock 7 71.79x
Freshwater 7 54.31x
Gateshead 7 2.28x
Gloucester Longford St 7 191.26x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 7 3.95x
Ilsington 7 139.72x
Lanlivery 7 107.03x
Lansallos 7 207.10x
Little Dean 7 180.41x
Lydney 7 50.22x
Putney 7 11.16x
Sculcoates 7 3.24x
St Cleer 7 51.81x
St George Hanover 7 3.90x
St Pancras London 7 0.63x
St Peter Port 7 9.28x
Stokenham 7 86.74x
Tywardreath 7 69.93x
Ugborough 7 101.01x
Accrington 6 4.04x
Blackawton 6 120.24x
Hucknall Torkard 6 12.76x
Merther 6 517.24x
Walsall Foreign 6 2.50x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 107
Elizabeth 61
Sarah 32
Ann 29
Jane 26
Alice 23
Ellen 22
Emily 22
Emma 21
Annie 20
Eliza 16
Margaret 15
Hannah 14
Louisa 14
Caroline 12
Charlotte 12
Frances 12
Catherine 11
Edith 11
Maria 11
Clara 10
Florence 10
Kate 10
Martha 10
Susan 10
Harriet 8
Ada 7
Fanny 6
Lydia 6
Rose 6
Agnes 5
Harriett 5
Amelia 4
Anne 4
Beatrice 4
Bessie 4
Grace 4
Isabella 4
Laura 4
Lucy 4
Anna 3
Jessie 3
Lily 3
Mabel 3
Matilda 3
Sophia 3
(Mrs) 2
Elizebeth 2
Julia 2
M. 2

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 93
John 71
Thomas 44
George 43
James 38
Henry 26
Richard 26
Arthur 19
Charles 19
Joseph 19
Samuel 17
Walter 13
Albert 11
Alfred 9
Peter 8
Edward 7
Frederick 7
David 6
Ernest 6
Frank 6
Wm. 6
Edwin 5
Fred 5
Matthew 5
Robert 5
Abraham 4
Daniel 4
Fredrick 4
Stephen 4
Francis 3
Harold 3
Harry 3
Hy. 3
Jenkin 3
Mark 3
Martin 3
Norman 3
Phillip 3
Benjamin 2
Cornelius 2
Geo. 2
Hubert 2
Jas. 2
Rubin 2
Sydney 2
Thos. 2
Enos 1
Ephraim 1
Eric 1
Wm.M. 1

FAQ

Wellington surname: questions and answers

How common was the Wellington surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,404 people were recorded with the Wellington surname. That placed it at #2,956 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Wellington surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,162 in 2016. That gives Wellington a modern rank of #2,992.

What does the Wellington surname mean?

An English locational surname derived from a place name meaning "wealthy estate" or "well-watered estate."

What does the Wellington map show?

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