NameCensus.

UK surname

Ashok

A Hindu surname derived from the Sanskrit word "ashoka" meaning "without sorrow" or "that which does not cause sorrow".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Brent, Maidstone and Pembrokeshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ashok is 121 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

121

2016, ranked #27,399

Peak year

2016

121 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 121 in 2016, ranked #27,399.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Ashok surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Ashok surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Ashok 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
1861 historical 1 #34,435
1997 modern 14 #36,528
1998 modern 14 #36,565
1999 modern 16 #36,371
2000 modern 16 #36,316
2001 modern 17 #36,053
2002 modern 20 #35,894
2003 modern 31 #34,957
2004 modern 34 #34,868
2005 modern 46 #34,081
2006 modern 57 #33,513
2007 modern 64 #33,145
2008 modern 76 #32,279
2009 modern 90 #31,094
2010 modern 85 #32,185
2011 modern 107 #28,979
2012 modern 106 #29,187
2013 modern 108 #29,379
2014 modern 115 #28,439
2015 modern 117 #27,982
2016 modern 121 #27,399

Geography

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Where Ashoks 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 Brent, Maidstone, Pembrokeshire and Ealing. 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 Brent 029 Brent
2 Brent 026 Brent
3 Maidstone 001 Maidstone
4 Pembrokeshire 005 Pembrokeshire
5 Ealing 037 Ealing

Forenames

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First names often paired with Ashok

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Recent female names

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Ashok

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

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Ashok 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

Ashok 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

Ashok falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Ashok is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Ashok

The surname "ASHOK" has its origins in India, derived from the Sanskrit word "Ashoka," which means "one who is without sorrow" or "free from grief." This name has a rich historical significance in Indian culture and tradition.

The name can be traced back to the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of the Mauryan Empire. One of the most famous figures associated with this name is Ashoka the Great, a powerful ruler who governed a vast territory spanning from present-day Afghanistan to Bangladesh. Ashoka embraced Buddhism and played a pivotal role in its spread throughout ancient India and beyond.

Early records of the name can be found in various ancient Indian texts and inscriptions, such as the Ashokan rock edicts and pillars that were erected across the Indian subcontinent. These edicts provide insights into Ashoka's governance, his principles, and his efforts to promote social welfare and non-violence.

During the medieval period, the name "ASHOK" continued to be prevalent among various Hindu communities, particularly in regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of North India. It was often associated with individuals of high social standing or those who possessed noble qualities.

One notable individual bearing this surname was Ashok Singhal, an influential Hindu nationalist leader who played a significant role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 20th century. He was born in 1926 and passed away in 2015.

Another prominent figure was Ashok Kumar, an actor and producer who made significant contributions to Indian cinema during the 20th century. He was born in 1911 and had a successful career spanning over six decades, starring in numerous critically acclaimed films.

In the field of literature, Ashok Vajpeyi, an acclaimed Indian poet, essayist, and literary critic, was born in 1941 and has received numerous accolades for his literary works, including the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Ashok Leyland, a renowned Indian automobile manufacturer, was founded in 1948 and has since become a major player in the commercial vehicle industry, both in India and internationally. The company's name is closely associated with the surname "ASHOK."

Additionally, Ashok Gehlot, an Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has been a prominent figure in Indian politics for several decades. He was born in 1951 and has held various leadership positions within the Indian National Congress party.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Ashok surname: questions and answers

How common is the Ashok surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 121 in 2016. That gives Ashok a modern rank of #27,399.

What does the Ashok surname mean?

A Hindu surname derived from the Sanskrit word "ashoka" meaning "without sorrow" or "that which does not cause sorrow".

What does the Ashok map show?

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