NameCensus.

UK surname

Abid

A surname of Arabic origin meaning "worshipper" or "devotee," often referring to a servant or slave.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Kirklees, Bradford and Birmingham.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Abid is 1,006 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

1,006

2016, ranked #5,776

Peak year

2016

1,006 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,006 in 2016, ranked #5,776.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 7 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Abid surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Abid surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Abid 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
1901 historical 7 #33,435
1911 historical 2 #34,020
1997 modern 303 #13,433
1998 modern 345 #12,649
1999 modern 381 #11,873
2000 modern 390 #11,623
2001 modern 374 #11,805
2002 modern 448 #10,477
2003 modern 498 #9,512
2004 modern 550 #8,865
2005 modern 583 #8,442
2006 modern 619 #8,089
2007 modern 705 #7,381
2008 modern 764 #6,999
2009 modern 817 #6,762
2010 modern 896 #6,409
2011 modern 873 #6,479
2012 modern 879 #6,360
2013 modern 921 #6,242
2014 modern 966 #6,045
2015 modern 981 #5,899
2016 modern 1,006 #5,776

Geography

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Where Abids are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Kirklees, Bradford, Birmingham, Luton and Hyndburn. 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 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Kirklees 007 Kirklees
2 Bradford 041 Bradford
3 Birmingham 051 Birmingham
4 Luton 010 Luton
5 Hyndburn 006 Hyndburn

Forenames

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First names often paired with Abid

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Abid

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

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

Nationally, the Abid surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Abid household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Young Asian Family Terraces

Within London, Abid is most associated with areas classed as Young Asian Family Terraces, 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 households with dependent children typically live in terraced housing and are of (non-Chinese) Asian extraction. Individuals with Bangladeshi origins are particularly in evidence. Employment is often in elementary occupations or as process, plant or machine operatives, and part-time work is common. Students are much in evidence.

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

Abid 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

Abid 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 Abid is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Other Ethnic Group

This describes the area pattern most associated with Abid, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Abid

The surname ABID is believed to have originated in the Middle East, specifically in the Arabic-speaking regions. It is derived from the Arabic word "Abid," which means "worshipper" or "servant of God." The name's roots can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the early days of Islam.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name ABID can be found in medieval Arabic manuscripts and historical records. It was often given as a surname to individuals who were known for their piety and devotion to their faith. In some cases, the name may have been bestowed upon those who worked in religious institutions or held positions of spiritual significance.

During the Islamic Golden Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 13th century, the name ABID gained prominence across the Middle East and parts of North Africa. It was particularly common in areas that were centers of Islamic learning and culture, such as Baghdad, Damascus, and Cairo.

In the 11th century, a renowned Islamic scholar and philosopher named Al-Abid al-Andalusi was born in Seville, Spain. His full name was Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Abid al-Andalusi, and he was known for his contributions to the fields of astronomy and mathematics.

Another notable figure with the surname ABID was Abid ibn al-Abras, a 7th-century Arab poet and warrior who lived during the early years of the Islamic conquests. He is remembered for his eloquent poetry and his bravery in battle.

In the 13th century, a Persian mathematician and astronomer named Ghiyath al-Din al-Abid al-Kashani made significant contributions to the study of spherical trigonometry and the development of astronomical instruments. His works were widely influential in the Islamic world and beyond.

The name ABID has also been found in historical records from other regions, such as the Indian subcontinent and parts of Central Asia, where it was likely introduced through trade and cultural exchange with the Middle East.

Throughout history, the surname ABID has been associated with individuals who have made notable contributions to various fields, including religion, literature, science, and the arts. While its origins can be traced back to the early days of Islam, the name has transcended geographic and cultural boundaries, reflecting the rich diversity of the regions where it has been present.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Abid surname: questions and answers

How common is the Abid surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,006 in 2016. That gives Abid a modern rank of #5,776.

What does the Abid surname mean?

A surname of Arabic origin meaning "worshipper" or "devotee," often referring to a servant or slave.

What does the Abid map show?

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