NameCensus.

UK surname

Bara

A surname possibly originating from the French word "barré", meaning "striped" or "checked".

In the 1881 census there were 3 people recorded with the Bara surname, ranking it #33,498 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 127, ranked #26,566, up from #33,498 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Kensington and Chelsea, Stratford-on-Avon and Plymouth.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bara is 127 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 4133.3%.

1881 census count

3

Ranked #33,498

Modern count

127

2016, ranked #26,566

Peak year

2014

127 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bara had 3 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,498 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 127 in 2016, ranked #26,566.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 27 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Bara surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bara surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bara 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 1 #33,412
1861 historical 27 #30,543
1881 historical 3 #33,498
1891 historical 10 #33,355
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1911 historical 13 #32,172
1997 modern 31 #34,582
1998 modern 35 #34,344
1999 modern 38 #34,142
2000 modern 44 #33,602
2001 modern 38 #34,004
2002 modern 40 #34,133
2003 modern 38 #34,361
2004 modern 39 #34,477
2005 modern 47 #34,011
2006 modern 53 #33,854
2007 modern 64 #33,145
2008 modern 74 #32,460
2009 modern 69 #33,257
2010 modern 69 #33,560
2011 modern 76 #32,989
2012 modern 103 #29,733
2013 modern 116 #27,992
2014 modern 127 #26,634
2015 modern 127 #26,494
2016 modern 127 #26,566

Geography

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Where Baras 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 Kensington and Chelsea, Stratford-on-Avon, Plymouth, Kingston upon Thames and Brent. 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 Kensington and Chelsea 008 Kensington and Chelsea
2 Stratford-on-Avon 014 Stratford-on-Avon
3 Plymouth 020 Plymouth
4 Kingston upon Thames 010 Kingston upon Thames
5 Brent 004 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bara

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bara

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

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Bara surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Bara household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Bara is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Bara 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

Bara falls in decile 2 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.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Bara 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
White - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Bara

The surname Bara has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the region of Punjab. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "vara," which means "excellent" or "superior."

In ancient Indian texts and manuscripts, the name Bara can be found mentioned in various contexts. One notable reference is in the Puranic literature, where it is associated with individuals of great valor and wisdom. The name has also been recorded in historical chronicles and genealogical records of prominent families from the region.

One of the earliest known individuals with the surname Bara was Raja Bara Singh, a renowned warrior and ruler of the Bara clan in the 16th century. His legacy is celebrated in local folklore and oral traditions, and his name is often invoked as a symbol of courage and leadership.

Another significant figure bearing the Bara surname was Guru Angad Dev, the second Guru of the Sikh faith, who lived from 1504 to 1552. He was born as Lehna Bara and played a pivotal role in the development and spread of Sikhism during his lifetime.

In the 17th century, the Bara surname gained prominence through the military exploits of Bhai Bara Singh, a revered Sikh warrior who fought against the Mughal Empire. His bravery and devotion to the faith have been immortalized in various historical accounts and literary works.

During the 18th century, the Bara clan held significant influence in the region of Punjab, with several notable chieftains and landowners bearing the surname. One such figure was Sardar Bara Singh, a powerful landowner and military commander who played a crucial role in the consolidation of Sikh power during that period.

Throughout the centuries, the Bara surname has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, poets, and artists. For instance, the renowned Punjabi poet and writer Dhani Ram Bara, who lived in the 19th century, made significant contributions to the literary heritage of the region.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Bara families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bara 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. Ayrshire leads with 2 Baras recorded in 1881 and an index of 91.32x.

County Total Index
Ayrshire 2 91.32x
Lancashire 1 2.88x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Ayr in Ayrshire leads with 2 Baras recorded in 1881 and an index of 2000.00x.

Place Total Index
Ayr 2 2000.00x
West Derby 1 99.01x

Top male names

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

Name Count
Giusippe 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Bara households.

Occupation Count
Coal Merchant 1

FAQ

Bara surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bara surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3 people were recorded with the Bara surname. That placed it at #33,498 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bara surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 127 in 2016. That gives Bara a modern rank of #26,566.

What does the Bara surname mean?

A surname possibly originating from the French word "barré", meaning "striped" or "checked".

What does the Bara map show?

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