Birkenhead is a township and chapelry in Bidston Parish, Wirral Hundred. In 1898 the civil parish was extended to include Claughton cum Grange, Oxton, Rock Ferry and Tranmere. In 1928 part of Bidston cum Ford was added to Birkenhead, and in 1933 Birkenhead was extended to include Landican, Noctorum, Prenton, Thingwall and Woodchurch, and parts of Arrowe, Bidston cum Ford and Upton by Birkenhead. In 1974 Birkenhead was transferred to the county of Merseyside.

The population was 110 in 1801, 24285 in 1851, 110912 in 1901 and 142501 in 1951.