NameCensus.

UK surname

Willerton

A place name derived from a location called Willerton.

In the 1881 census there were 364 people recorded with the Willerton surname, ranking it #8,525 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 606, ranked #8,646, down from #8,525 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lincoln St Botolph, Louth and Thornton Dale, Ellerburn (Farmanby). In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include West Lindsey, East Lindsey and Tameside.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Willerton is 671 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 66.5%.

1881 census count

364

Ranked #8,525

Modern count

606

2016, ranked #8,646

Peak year

1998

671 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Willerton had 364 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #8,525 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 606 in 2016, ranked #8,646.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 580 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Spacious Rural Living.

Willerton surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Willerton surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Willerton 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 269 #8,303
1861 historical 291 #8,653
1881 historical 364 #8,525
1891 historical 428 #8,377
1901 historical 507 #7,969
1911 historical 580 #7,013
1997 modern 643 #7,719
1998 modern 671 #7,727
1999 modern 653 #7,923
2000 modern 637 #8,054
2001 modern 624 #8,038
2002 modern 629 #8,174
2003 modern 608 #8,244
2004 modern 605 #8,299
2005 modern 590 #8,378
2006 modern 609 #8,193
2007 modern 611 #8,238
2008 modern 620 #8,198
2009 modern 651 #8,057
2010 modern 661 #8,133
2011 modern 636 #8,302
2012 modern 615 #8,441
2013 modern 634 #8,367
2014 modern 627 #8,500
2015 modern 614 #8,573
2016 modern 606 #8,646

Geography

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Where Willertons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lincoln St Botolph, Louth, Thornton Dale, Ellerburn (Farmanby), Peterborough St John the Baptist and Sculcoates. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to West Lindsey, East Lindsey and Tameside. 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 Lincoln St Botolph Lincolnshire
2 Louth Lincolnshire
3 Thornton Dale, Ellerburn (Farmanby) Yorkshire, North Riding
4 Peterborough St John the Baptist Northamptonshire
5 Sculcoates Yorkshire, East Riding

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 West Lindsey 004 West Lindsey
2 East Lindsey 001 East Lindsey
3 Tameside 022 Tameside
4 East Lindsey 007 East Lindsey
5 East Lindsey 004 East Lindsey

Forenames

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First names often paired with Willerton

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Willerton

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Willerton, 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 Willerton surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Spacious Rural Living, within Retired Professionals. This does not mean every Willerton 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

Central Connected Professionals and Managers

Group

City Support Workers

Within London, Willerton is most associated with areas classed as City Support Workers, part of Central Connected Professionals and Managers. 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 throughout Inner London, these areas house relatively few workers in the most senior roles within organisations, and greater prevalence of administrative roles relative to the Supergroup mean. Residents are less likely to be of Chinese ethnicity and are more likely to have been born in Africa. Relative to the Supergroup average, residents are also more likely to live in social housing and live in overcrowded conditions.

Wider London pattern

Adult residents of these neighbourhoods are typically aged 25 to 44, working full-time in professional, managerial or associate professional occupations. There are few families with dependent children. The predominantly Inner London neighbourhoods have an international character, including many residents born elsewhere in Europe alongside high numbers of individuals identifying as of Chinese ethnicity. Many individuals are never married, childless and/or living alone. Above average numbers of individuals, likely to be full-time students, live in communal establishments. Elsewhere, privately rented flats are the dominant housing type. Residents of these areas are well-qualified, with a significant number holding Level 4 or above qualifications. There is a correspondingly high level of individuals employed full-time in professional, managerial and associated professional or technical occupations. Employing industries are financial, real estate, professional, administration, and, to a lesser degree, transport and communications. Unemployment is uncommon.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Willerton 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

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

Meaning and origin of Willerton

The surname Willerton is believed to have originated in England, during the medieval period. It is predominantly connected to rural areas, more specifically to small villages and hamlets. The name most likely derives from an old English place name, combining elements such as "willa" meaning well or spring, and "tun" meaning farm or settlement. Variants of the name include Willeton and Williton, reflecting phonetic spellings in different regions.

One of the earliest references to a name similar to Willerton dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where a place called Willetone is recorded in Nottinghamshire. Further evidence from the 13th and 14th centuries shows the evolution of the name in local records, with Williton appearing in Somerset, indicating that the name may have geographical ties to specific settlements or manors.

The earliest recorded instance of an individual bearing the surname Willerton can be traced to John de Willerton, mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire in 1327. This record indicates that Willerton was being used as a hereditary surname by the early 14th century. Another notable figure is William Willerton, who appears in Yorkshire's Poll Tax records in 1379, further emphasizing the name's prevalence in Northern England.

Throughout history, bearers of the Willerton surname have been recorded in various documents. Thomas Willerton, born in 1453, served as a juror in York and was part of several legal proceedings in the late 15th century. Edward Willerton, born in 1538, was recorded as a landowner in Nottinghamshire, showcasing the family's establishment and social standing.

In the 17th century, Captain Richard Willerton was a notable figure, born in 1602, who fought in the English Civil War on the side of the Royalists. His contributions were documented in several historical accounts, reflecting the involvement of the Willerton family in significant national events. Another prominent individual is Reverend Samuel Willerton, born in 1701, who served as a clergyman in Lincolnshire and was known for his theological writings.

The surname Willerton exhibits a rich history rooted in the medieval English countryside, with its etymology reflecting the natural landscape and agricultural heritage of its bearers. Each recorded instance of the name adds a layer to its historical significance, connecting the legacy of Willerton to various regions and notable events in English history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Willerton families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Willerton 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 213 Willertons recorded in 1881 and an index of 37.42x.

County Total Index
Lincolnshire 213 37.42x
Yorkshire 37 1.05x
Cheshire 30 3.82x
Nottinghamshire 27 5.63x
Derbyshire 14 2.51x
Middlesex 10 0.28x
Northamptonshire 8 2.39x
Durham 7 0.66x
Northumberland 5 0.94x
Huntingdonshire 4 5.66x
Midlothian 4 0.84x
Staffordshire 3 0.25x
Surrey 2 0.12x
Kent 1 0.08x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Corby in Lincolnshire leads with 13 Willertons recorded in 1881 and an index of 1368.42x.

Place Total Index
Corby 13 1368.42x
Boston 11 63.69x
Great Grimsby 11 30.45x
Louth 11 84.29x
Stayley 11 122.49x
West Retford 11 1100.00x
Skirbeck Quarter 10 961.54x
Willoughby 10 1333.33x
Dukinfield 9 24.78x
Waith 9 12857.14x
Whittington 9 116.73x
Bradley 8 6666.67x
Enfield 8 34.25x
Headingley Cum Burley 8 35.23x
Hollingworth 8 246.91x
Peterborough 8 33.00x
Scott Willoughby 8 20000.00x
Southcoates 8 40.84x
Morton In Gainsborough 7 625.00x
Bishop Auckland 6 42.22x
Snenton 6 31.83x
St Nicholas Lincoln 6 110.29x
Bolam Harnham Bradford 5 1666.67x
Cleethorpes 5 149.25x
Mablethorpe 5 641.03x
Metheringham 5 220.26x
St Maryle Wigford 5 113.12x
Thornton Le Fen 5 1190.48x
Alford 4 113.31x
Coningsby 4 245.40x
Eckington 4 29.54x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 4 2.08x
Roxby Cum Risby 4 784.31x
Tattershall 4 677.97x
Thornton Dale 4 425.53x
Clee With Weelsby 3 24.08x
Eagle 3 535.71x
Fletton 3 132.74x
Grainthorpe 3 352.94x
Huttoft 3 410.96x
Langrivile Kirkstead 3 1363.64x
Leverton 3 416.67x
Long Riston 3 666.67x
Luttons Ambo 3 410.96x
Maltby Le Marsh 3 810.81x
Osbournby 3 500.00x
Radford 3 12.31x
Southwell 3 85.96x
St Swithin Lincoln 3 33.52x
Swineshead 3 160.43x
Trusthorpe 3 731.71x
Walsall Foreign 3 4.83x
Chester St John Baptist 2 14.15x
Harrington 2 1333.33x
Hemingby 2 408.16x
Leake 2 76.63x
Old Bolingbroke 2 357.14x
Preston 2 102.56x
Ratcliffe London 2 10.17x
Spalford 2 1333.33x
Wawne 2 540.54x
Welton 2 240.96x
Deeping St James 1 49.75x
Ecclesall Bierlow 1 1.39x
Hacconby 1 196.08x
Horncastle 1 17.01x
Keighley 1 2.66x
Long Eaton 1 13.59x
Marsh Chapel 1 142.86x
Middlesbrough 1 2.18x
Nottingham St Mary 1 0.81x
Raithby In Louth 1 476.19x
Raithby In Spilsby 1 526.32x
Skirbeck 1 31.35x
St Paul Lincoln 1 100.00x
Swine 1 416.67x
Tupholme 1 833.33x
Woodstone 1 89.29x
Woolwich 1 2.23x
Wrangle 1 70.42x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 31
Elizabeth 14
Sarah 11
Annie 8
Ann 7
Ada 5
Alice 5
Charlotte 5
Eliza 5
Hannah 5
Jane 5
Emma 4
Harriet 4
Maria 4
Fanny 3
Lucy 3
Martha 3
Agnes 2
Anne 2
Betsey 2
Catherine 2
Dina 2
Edith 2
Eleanor 2
Ellen 2
Esther 2
Harriett 2
Isabel 2
Kate 2
Margaret 2
Susan 2
Susannah 2
Anna 1
Barber 1
Betsy 1
Betty 1
Caroline 1
Elizth. 1
Elizth.Ann 1
Emily 1
Ethel 1
Fanney 1
Infant 1
Isabella 1
Jemima 1
Jessie 1
Judith 1
Louisa 1
Margt. 1
Thurza 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 22
William 20
George 16
Robert 12
Thomas 12
Richard 7
Joseph 6
David 5
Henry 5
James 5
Arthur 4
Charles 4
Frank 4
Alfred 3
Edward 3
Edwin 3
Harry 3
Arnold 2
Francis 2
Frederick 2
Joe 2
Matthew 2
Samuel 2
Thos. 2
Abner 1
Albert 1
Bennett 1
Cecil 1
Christopher 1
Eardley 1
Edmund 1
Fred 1
Fredk.Joseph 1
Herbert 1
Hiram 1
Jesse 1
Jessie 1
Jno. 1
Mark 1
Mathew 1
Naylor 1
Smith 1
Soloman 1
Solomon 1
Taylor 1
Tom 1
Walter 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Willerton surname: questions and answers

How common was the Willerton surname in 1881?

In 1881, 364 people were recorded with the Willerton surname. That placed it at #8,525 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Willerton surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 606 in 2016. That gives Willerton a modern rank of #8,646.

What does the Willerton surname mean?

A place name derived from a location called Willerton.

What does the Willerton map show?

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