An analysis of genealogical data reveals the 100 most common surnames across Merseyside, with Jones, Smith, and Williams topping the list. The data, based on records from 2014, shows that over 23,000 residents share the surname Jones, highlighting the region's deep-rooted Welsh connections.
The comprehensive list not only confirms the prevalence of nationally common names but also underscores Merseyside's unique demographic history, featuring a significant number of surnames with Irish origins. This data provides a fascinating snapshot of the family names that have shaped the region's identity over generations.
Key Takeaways
- Jones is the most common surname in Merseyside, held by 23,012 people.
- The top three surnames – Jones, Smith, and Williams – account for over 53,000 residents in the region.
- Many prominent surnames, including Murphy, Kelly, and Walsh, reflect Liverpool's strong historical ties to Ireland.
- The data is based on 2014 records compiled from census data, marriage licenses, and other historical documents.
The Dominance of Welsh and English Surnames
The top of the Merseyside surname list is dominated by names with strong Welsh and English origins. Jones stands firmly in first place with 23,012 individuals, a testament to the historical migration from Wales into Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
Following Jones are two of the most common surnames across the United Kingdom. Smith is the second most frequent, with 16,276 people, while Williams, another name with Welsh roots, is third with 13,997.
This pattern continues further down the list. Surnames like Davies (10,149), Hughes (9,787), Roberts (9,571), and Evans (6,206) all feature within the top 11, reinforcing the significant Welsh influence on the region's population. These names are patronymic, meaning they were originally derived from a father's first name, a common naming tradition in Wales.
By the Numbers
The top 10 most common surnames in Merseyside are shared by a combined total of 100,105 people, according to the 2014 data. This figure illustrates the concentrated prevalence of a few key family names within the region.
A Strong Irish Heritage Reflected in Family Names
Liverpool's history is deeply intertwined with Ireland, and this connection is clearly visible in its most common surnames. The list is populated with names that trace their origins back to Irish clans and families who settled in the city, particularly during the 19th century.
Murphy is the most common Irish surname on the list, ranking 10th with 6,495 people. It is closely followed by Kelly at number 12, with 6,088 individuals. Other prominent Irish names in the top 50 include:
- Walsh (28th, 3,191 people)
- Byrne (38th, 2,846 people)
- Doyle (39th, 2,756 people)
- O'Brien (47th, 2,546 people)
Further down the list, names like Ryan, Collins, Burns, Burke, Kennedy, Quinn, O'Neill, Duffy, Farrell, Moran, and Connolly all appear, painting a clear picture of the lasting cultural and familial impact of Irish migration on Merseyside.
About the Data
The information is based on 2014 data compiled by the genealogical website Forebears. The site gathers information from a wide array of sources, including census records, birth and marriage certificates, burial records, and other historical government documents to estimate the prevalence of surnames in specific regions.
Locally Distinctive and Notable Surnames
While many names on the list are common throughout the UK, some are more distinctive to the North West of England. The appearance of Rimmer at number 32, with 3,014 people, may be surprising to those outside the region. The name has strong historical roots in Lancashire and Merseyside.
Similarly, Atherton (91st, 1,637 people) and Houghton (90th, 1,639 people) are surnames with deep connections to specific towns and areas within the historic county of Lancashire, from which Merseyside was formed.
The presence of these and other names like Rigby (78th) and Ball (74th) highlights the local threads that contribute to the rich tapestry of Merseyside's demographic makeup, sitting alongside the more widespread national and international names.
The Complete Top 100 Surnames in Merseyside
Below is the full list of the 100 most common family names in the region, based on the 2014 data, along with the number of people who share each name.
Surnames 1-25
- Jones - 23,012
- Smith - 16,276
- Williams - 13,997
- Davies - 10,149
- Hughes - 9,787
- Roberts - 9,571
- Taylor - 8,219
- Johnson - 6,715
- Brown - 6,603
- Murphy - 6,495
- Evans - 6,206
- Kelly - 6,088
- Wilson - 5,802
- Edwards - 5,191
- Robinson - 4,985
- Thomas - 4,966
- Thompson - 4,522
- Harrison - 4,360
- Wright - 4,201
- Clarke - 3,911
- Morris - 3,673
- Jackson - 3,655
- Griffiths - 3,573
- Walker - 3,545
- Moore - 3,518
Surnames 26-50
- Green - 3,316
- Lewis - 3,261
- Walsh - 3,191
- Woods - 3,149
- White - 3,081
- Lee - 3,072
- Rimmer - 3,014
- Campbell - 3,003
- Murray - 2,968
- Lloyd - 2,916
- Martin - 2,897
- Bennett - 2,860
- Byrne - 2,846
- Doyle - 2,756
- Hill - 2,753
- Morgan - 2,741
- Parry - 2,691
- Scott - 2,677
- Owen - 2,598
- Ward - 2,594
- Price - 2,575
- O'Brien - 2,546
- Howard - 2,536
- Owens - 2,522
- Wood - 2,504
Surnames 51-75
- Shaw - 2,494
- Riley - 2,487
- Turner - 2,440
- Hall - 2,360
- Harris - 2,347
- Burns - 2,344
- Ellis - 2,328
- Foster - 2,314
- King - 2,243
- Ryan - 2,231
- Collins - 2,192
- Miller - 2,076
- Cooper - 2,075
- Clark - 2,038
- Bell - 2,031
- Mitchell - 2,020
- Parker - 1,991
- Baker - 1,981
- Allen - 1,977
- Graham - 1,962
- McDonald - 1,950
- Anderson - 1,935
- Holmes - 1,882
- Ball - 1,878
- Hayes - 1,874
Surnames 76-100
- Stewart - 1,848
- Phillips - 1,837
- Rigby - 1,831
- James - 1,774
- Richardson - 1,768
- Burke - 1,764
- Fletcher - 1,757
- Kennedy - 1,724
- Quinn - 1,714
- O'Neill - 1,708
- Carter - 1,675
- Dixon - 1,673
- Duffy - 1,662
- Powell - 1,653
- Houghton - 1,639
- Atherton - 1,637
- Farrell - 1,595
- Moran - 1,589
- Rogers - 1,578
- Watson - 1,577
- Mason - 1,571
- Simpson - 1,561
- Young - 1,560
- Dunn - 1,558
- Connolly - 1,552