NameCensus.

UK surname

Wreford

A locational surname derived from the parish of Wreford in Worcestershire, England.

In the 1881 census there were 427 people recorded with the Wreford surname, ranking it #7,608 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 472, ranked #10,433, down from #7,608 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Exeter St David (including Castle Yard) and Morchard Bishop. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Mid Devon, Exeter and Cornwall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Wreford is 572 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 10.5%.

1881 census count

427

Ranked #7,608

Modern count

472

2016, ranked #10,433

Peak year

1911

572 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Wreford had 427 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,608 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 472 in 2016, ranked #10,433.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 572 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Spacious Rural Living.

Wreford surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Wreford surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Wreford 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 416 #5,842
1861 historical 342 #7,460
1881 historical 427 #7,608
1891 historical 464 #7,887
1901 historical 516 #7,866
1911 historical 572 #7,089
1997 modern 491 #9,425
1998 modern 489 #9,760
1999 modern 494 #9,752
2000 modern 480 #9,932
2001 modern 468 #9,949
2002 modern 483 #9,882
2003 modern 486 #9,688
2004 modern 476 #9,861
2005 modern 450 #10,209
2006 modern 459 #10,088
2007 modern 455 #10,239
2008 modern 461 #10,235
2009 modern 463 #10,428
2010 modern 475 #10,445
2011 modern 487 #10,155
2012 modern 469 #10,348
2013 modern 489 #10,195
2014 modern 484 #10,338
2015 modern 470 #10,480
2016 modern 472 #10,433

Geography

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Where Wrefords are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Exeter St David (including Castle Yard), Morchard Bishop, Sandford and Bow or Nymet Tracey, Clanaborough. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Mid Devon, Exeter 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 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
2 Exeter St David (including Castle Yard) Devon
3 Morchard Bishop Devon
4 Sandford Devon
5 Bow or Nymet Tracey, Clanaborough Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Mid Devon 010 Mid Devon
2 Exeter 015 Exeter
3 Cornwall 001 Cornwall
4 Exeter 001 Exeter
5 Exeter 008 Exeter

Forenames

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First names often paired with Wreford

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Wreford

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Wreford 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

Wreford is most concentrated in decile 2 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

2
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Wreford falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Wreford 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 Wreford, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Wreford

The surname Wreford has its origins in England, particularly in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. This surname is derived from distinct geographical features, specifically the Old English words "wra" meaning nook or corner, and "ford" meaning a shallow place in a river where it is possible to cross. Thus, Wreford can be interpreted as a place where there is a river crossing at a corner or nook.

The earliest recorded example of the Wreford surname can be traced back to the 13th century. Historical records mention a Johannes de Wreforda in the Subsidy Rolls for Devon in the year 1332. This suggests that the name was already well established in the area by this period.

Another historical reference appears in the form of an Elizabethan-era mention of the name Wreford. In 1572, a John Wreford is recorded as having been baptized in Exeter, Devon. The Exeter Cathedral archives provide significant insight into the use of this surname during the Tudor period.

Throughout history, various notable individuals have carried the surname Wreford. One such person is Richard Wreford, born in 1610 and recorded as having been a prominent landowner in Devon. His holdings and transactions are documented in numerous property deeds from the mid-17th century.

In the 19th century, the surname gained recognition through William Wreford, an influential farmer and agricultural innovator born in 1802. He was known for his advancements in farming techniques in Devon, contributing significantly to the local agricultural practices of that era.

More recently, the surname is immortalized by David Wreford, born in 1851, who was a pioneering figure in the British educational system. His contributions to pedagogy and curriculum development were fundamental during the late Victorian period.

Lastly, in the realm of sports, James Wreford, born in 1879, was a celebrated cricketer representing Devon in county matches. His career spanned the early 20th century, where he achieved considerable acclaim for his skills on the cricket field.

The history of the Wreford surname is deeply rooted in the geographical and cultural tapestry of southwestern England, dating back several centuries and reflected in various public records, personal achievements, and historical events.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Wreford families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Wreford 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 278 Wrefords recorded in 1881 and an index of 31.99x.

County Total Index
Devon 278 31.99x
Middlesex 42 1.01x
Somerset 22 3.27x
Monmouthshire 19 6.30x
Durham 14 1.13x
Gloucestershire 13 1.59x
Lancashire 9 0.18x
Surrey 8 0.39x
Kent 7 0.49x
Pembrokeshire 5 3.77x
Northamptonshire 4 1.02x
Cornwall 3 0.63x
Sussex 2 0.28x
Cheshire 1 0.11x
Warwickshire 1 0.10x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Colebrooke in Devon leads with 20 Wrefords recorded in 1881 and an index of 1980.20x.

Place Total Index
Colebrooke 20 1980.20x
Newport 19 131.94x
Morchard Bishop 18 994.48x
Bow 14 1206.90x
Weston Super Mare 13 76.61x
Chulmleigh 12 606.06x
Exeter St David 12 161.73x
Hunwick Helmington 12 402.68x
Crediton 11 133.66x
Exeter St Sidwell 11 55.28x
Tiverton 11 73.48x
Exeter St Mary Major 10 190.84x
Silverton 10 552.49x
Bedminster 9 14.25x
Topsham 9 219.51x
Ideford 8 1951.22x
Cheriton Bishop 7 823.53x
Hendon 7 46.60x
Willesden 7 17.79x
Clifton 6 14.49x
Exeter Holy Trinity 6 175.95x
Exeter St Mary Arches 6 740.74x
Kensington London 6 2.58x
Ottery St Mary 6 105.26x
Plymouth St Andrew 6 8.96x
Poltimore 6 1463.41x
Sowton 6 1034.48x
Thelbridge 6 1935.48x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 5 6.49x
Clanaborough 5 4545.45x
Exminster 5 159.74x
Llanstadwell 5 115.21x
Openshaw 5 21.55x
Otford 5 251.26x
Buckfastleigh 4 99.75x
Clerkenwell London 4 4.06x
Croydon 4 3.54x
Dawlish 4 61.73x
Exeter St Mary Steps 4 204.08x
Paddington London 4 2.61x
Exeter St Lawrence 3 461.54x
Hardingstone 3 80.00x
Islington London 3 0.74x
Lympston 3 193.55x
Newton Abbot St Nicholas 3 168.54x
South Brent 3 160.43x
Thorverton 3 227.27x
Ugborough 3 142.86x
Witheridge 3 205.48x
Wolborough 3 27.30x
Compton Gifford 2 73.53x
Culmstock 2 162.60x
Exeter St Olave 2 178.57x
Hackney London 2 0.85x
Lambeth 2 0.55x
Mile End Old Town 2 3.03x
Newton St Cyres 2 163.93x
North Tawton 2 74.91x
South Bersted 2 33.39x
West Teignmouth 2 30.08x
Bethnal Green London 1 0.55x
Birmingham 1 0.29x
Camberwell 1 0.38x
Colyton 1 29.94x
Devonport 1 10.01x
Down St Mary 1 217.39x
East Teignmouth 1 28.09x
Gwennap 1 11.21x
Hampstead London 1 1.54x
Kennerleigh 1 666.67x
Littleham 1 15.75x
Newton Abbot St Mary 1 13.72x
Plymouth Charles The 1 2.61x
Shildon 1 10.02x
Sidmouth 1 20.12x
Stockley Pomeroy 1 400.00x
Stoke Damerel 1 1.64x
Wandsworth 1 2.49x
Wembworthy 1 161.29x
West Derby 1 0.69x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 28
Elizabeth 24
Sarah 15
Ann 10
Ellen 10
Alice 9
Emma 9
Eliza 7
Jane 6
Louisa 6
Susan 6
Annie 5
Emily 5
Fanny 5
Anna 4
Maria 4
Anne 3
Caroline 3
Charlotte 3
Edith 3
Eva 3
Frances 3
Harriett 3
Jessie 3
Minnie 3
Amelia 2
Catherine 2
Clara 2
Ethel 2
Florence 2
Isabella 2
Laura 2
Lydia 2
Amy 1
Bessie 1
Blanche 1
Daisey 1
Dinah 1
Eda 1
Elizth. 1
Flora 1
Henrietta 1
Irena 1
Kate 1
Lillie 1
Lucy 1
Martha 1
Maude 1
Mimie 1
Thirza 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 43
John 31
Robert 13
Samuel 11
Charles 10
Frederick 9
George 9
Thomas 9
James 7
Walter 5
Alfred 4
Henry 4
Albert 3
Edwin 3
Francis 3
Arthur 2
Herbert 2
Simon 2
Wm. 2
Andrew 1
Cecil 1
Edgar 1
Ethalbert 1
Frank 1
Fred 1
Frederic 1
Fredk. 1
Godfrey 1
Gough 1
Harry 1
Heyman 1
J.F. 1
J.R. 1
Jas. 1
Jas.C. 1
Jn. 1
Jno. 1
Leslie 1
Matthew 1
Milter 1
Reynell 1
Roland 1
Stephen 1
Sydney 1
Valentine 1
W.M. 1

FAQ

Wreford surname: questions and answers

How common was the Wreford surname in 1881?

In 1881, 427 people were recorded with the Wreford surname. That placed it at #7,608 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Wreford surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 472 in 2016. That gives Wreford a modern rank of #10,433.

What does the Wreford surname mean?

A locational surname derived from the parish of Wreford in Worcestershire, England.

What does the Wreford map show?

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