NameCensus.

UK surname

Begam

A surname that can be an Afghan derivation of the Arabic "Begum", meaning princess or lady.

In the 1881 census there were 1 people recorded with the Begam surname, ranking it #34,027 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 114, ranked #28,515, up from #34,027 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Teignbridge, Exeter and East Devon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Begam is 133 in 2008. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 11300.0%.

1881 census count

1

Ranked #34,027

Modern count

114

2016, ranked #28,515

Peak year

2008

133 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Begam had 1 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #34,027 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 114 in 2016, ranked #28,515.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 10 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Begam surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Begam surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Begam 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 10 #32,589
1881 historical 1 #34,027
1891 historical 2 #34,436
1911 historical 2 #34,020
1997 modern 100 #26,901
1998 modern 94 #28,435
1999 modern 107 #26,754
2000 modern 112 #25,978
2001 modern 109 #26,059
2002 modern 111 #26,291
2003 modern 115 #25,538
2004 modern 117 #25,448
2005 modern 122 #24,817
2006 modern 117 #25,695
2007 modern 126 #24,860
2008 modern 133 #24,350
2009 modern 130 #25,176
2010 modern 131 #25,656
2011 modern 128 #25,793
2012 modern 116 #27,550
2013 modern 114 #28,347
2014 modern 111 #29,113
2015 modern 115 #28,319
2016 modern 114 #28,515

Geography

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Where Begams 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 Teignbridge, Exeter and East Devon. 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 Teignbridge 010 Teignbridge
2 Exeter 014 Exeter
3 East Devon 015 East Devon
4 East Devon 018 East Devon
5 Exeter 012 Exeter

Forenames

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First names often paired with Begam

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Begam

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

Begam 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

Begam 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 Begam 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 Begam, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Begam

The surname BEGAM has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, tracing back to the 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Persian word "begam," which means "lady" or "princess." This suggests that the name was initially associated with individuals of noble or royal descent.

In the early years of its usage, the surname BEGAM was predominantly found in the northern regions of India, particularly in areas that were under Mughal rule. The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that ruled over a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century.

One of the earliest documented references to the name BEGAM can be found in the chronicles of the Mughal Empire. These historical records mention several begams (ladies) who held influential positions within the royal court or were married to prominent noblemen.

One notable bearer of the surname BEGAM was Nur Jahan Begam (1577-1645), who was the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. She wielded considerable power and influence during her husband's reign and was known for her exceptional beauty, intelligence, and diplomatic skills.

Another prominent figure with the surname BEGAM was Jahanara Begam (1614-1681), who was the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor. She was a highly educated and accomplished woman, renowned for her patronage of arts, architecture, and literature.

In the 17th century, the surname BEGAM also appears in historical records from the Deccan region of India, where it was associated with the Nizam Shahi dynasty that ruled over the Ahmednagar Sultanate.

As the Mughal Empire expanded and contracted, the surname BEGAM spread to various parts of the subcontinent, often retaining its association with individuals of noble or influential backgrounds.

One notable example from a later period is Begam Samru (1753-1836), who was a prominent ruler and military leader in the territories around present-day Delhi and Agra. She was of Indian-Muslim descent and rose to power during the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Another significant figure who bore the surname BEGAM was Begam Hazrat Mahal (1820-1879), who was the wife of the last Nawab of Awadh. She played a crucial role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, leading the rebel forces against the British East India Company.

Throughout its history, the surname BEGAM has retained its connection to nobility, power, and influence, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent and the legacy of the Mughal Empire.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Begam surname: questions and answers

How common was the Begam surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1 people were recorded with the Begam surname. That placed it at #34,027 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Begam surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 114 in 2016. That gives Begam a modern rank of #28,515.

What does the Begam surname mean?

A surname that can be an Afghan derivation of the Arabic "Begum", meaning princess or lady.

What does the Begam map show?

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