NameCensus.

UK surname

Bhola

A surname of Hindu origin meaning "simple" or "innocent".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Blackburn with Darwen, Redbridge and Hillingdon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bhola is 159 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

147

2016, ranked #24,071

Peak year

2010

159 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 147 in 2016, ranked #24,071.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Bhola surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bhola surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bhola 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
1997 modern 113 #25,106
1998 modern 116 #25,332
1999 modern 117 #25,362
2000 modern 120 #24,950
2001 modern 124 #24,114
2002 modern 126 #24,393
2003 modern 132 #23,459
2004 modern 139 #22,891
2005 modern 151 #21,667
2006 modern 147 #22,221
2007 modern 150 #22,212
2008 modern 150 #22,429
2009 modern 150 #22,937
2010 modern 159 #22,577
2011 modern 159 #22,382
2012 modern 150 #23,264
2013 modern 152 #23,438
2014 modern 147 #24,177
2015 modern 150 #23,718
2016 modern 147 #24,071

Geography

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Where Bholas 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 Blackburn with Darwen, Redbridge, Hillingdon and Southwark. 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 Blackburn with Darwen 004 Blackburn with Darwen
2 Redbridge 035 Redbridge
3 Hillingdon 021 Hillingdon
4 Southwark 033 Southwark
5 Blackburn with Darwen 006 Blackburn with Darwen

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bhola

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bhola

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

Bhola 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

Bhola falls in decile 4 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Bhola 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
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Bhola

The surname BHOLA is of Indian origin, with roots dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "bhola," which means innocent or naive. This term was often used as a nickname or descriptor for individuals with a simple, childlike demeanor.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname BHOLA can be traced back to the 14th century in northern India, particularly in the regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. During this time, many Hindu families adopted surnames based on personal characteristics, occupations, or place names, which could explain the emergence of BHOLA as a surname.

One of the earliest known bearers of the BHOLA surname was Shri Bhola Nath, a renowned Hindu saint and spiritual leader who lived in the 15th century. He is revered for his devotional poetry and his teachings on the path of devotion, which influenced many followers across northern India.

In the 16th century, the BHOLA surname gained prominence when a wealthy merchant family from the city of Varanasi adopted it. This family played a significant role in the region's trade and commerce, and their wealth and influence helped to further establish the BHOLA name.

During the Mughal era, which spanned from the 16th to the 19th century, several BHOLA individuals held important positions within the imperial administration. One notable figure was Raja Bhola Singh, a military commander who served under Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century.

Another prominent individual with the BHOLA surname was Pandit Bhola Nath Tiwari, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and philosopher who lived in the 18th century. He authored several treatises on Hindu philosophy and is credited with reviving the study of ancient Sanskrit texts in northern India.

In more recent history, the BHOLA surname has been carried by influential figures in various fields, such as Bhola Prasad Shastri, a prominent Indian politician and activist who played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century.

Overall, the surname BHOLA has a rich historical significance in India, with its origins rooted in ancient Sanskrit terminology and its presence spanning various regions and eras. Despite its humble beginnings, the name has been associated with individuals of notable accomplishments and influence throughout the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Bhola surname: questions and answers

How common is the Bhola surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 147 in 2016. That gives Bhola a modern rank of #24,071.

What does the Bhola surname mean?

A surname of Hindu origin meaning "simple" or "innocent".

What does the Bhola map show?

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