NameCensus.

UK surname

Bui

A Vietnamese surname derived from the Chinese surname 裴, meaning "luxuriant growth" or "flourishing."

In the 1881 census there were 4 people recorded with the Bui surname, ranking it #33,288 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 479, ranked #10,308, up from #33,288 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Bexley.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bui is 479 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 11875.0%.

1881 census count

4

Ranked #33,288

Modern count

479

2016, ranked #10,308

Peak year

2016

479 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bui had 4 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,288 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 479 in 2016, ranked #10,308.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 8 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Bui surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bui surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bui 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 8 #31,867
1881 historical 4 #33,288
1997 modern 131 #22,927
1998 modern 149 #21,755
1999 modern 164 #20,621
2000 modern 184 #19,190
2001 modern 183 #18,980
2002 modern 212 #17,651
2003 modern 246 #15,769
2004 modern 253 #15,583
2005 modern 280 #14,452
2006 modern 266 #15,076
2007 modern 293 #14,272
2008 modern 303 #14,038
2009 modern 332 #13,458
2010 modern 382 #12,410
2011 modern 374 #12,464
2012 modern 409 #11,547
2013 modern 449 #10,850
2014 modern 456 #10,781
2015 modern 471 #10,467
2016 modern 479 #10,308

Geography

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Where Buis 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 Lewisham, Tower Hamlets, Bexley and Lambeth. 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 Lewisham 002 Lewisham
2 Tower Hamlets 020 Tower Hamlets
3 Lewisham 039 Lewisham
4 Bexley 002 Bexley
5 Lambeth 011 Lambeth

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bui

These lists show first names that appear often with the Bui 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 Bui

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

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Ethnically Diverse Young Families

Nationally, the Bui surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Bui 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 includes many younger parents born overseas (particularly in Africa or EU countries) with children aged 0-4. Individuals identifying as of Mixed or Multiple ethnicities are also common. English may not be the primary language spoken. Accommodation consists principally of flats, and many properties are socially rented and/or overcrowded. Students are also present, unemployment is common, and other adults tend to work in low skilled jobs.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Bui 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

Bui 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

Bui 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 Bui is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Bui

The surname Bui has its origins in Vietnam and is believed to have emerged around the 15th century. It is derived from the Vietnamese word "buồi," which means "time" or "period." This suggests that the name may have been associated with a particular era or event in history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bui can be found in the Annals of Dai Viet, a historical text dating back to the 15th century. These annals mention several individuals with the surname Bui, including Bui Van Ngo, who served as a high-ranking official during the reign of the Tran dynasty.

In the 16th century, the name Bui appeared in various official records and documents from the Le dynasty. One notable figure was Bui Thi Xuan (1506-1548), a Vietnamese poet and scholar who is considered one of the most influential literary figures of her time.

During the 17th century, the Bui surname gained prominence in the northern regions of Vietnam, particularly in the provinces of Bac Ninh and Hung Yen. Several villages and hamlets in these areas were named after prominent Bui families, such as Bui Village in Bac Ninh Province.

One of the most famous individuals with the surname Bui was Bui Huu Nghia (1807-1872), a Vietnamese scholar and diplomat who played a crucial role in negotiating treaties with Western powers during the 19th century. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Vietnamese history during that era.

Another notable figure was Bui Xuan Phai (1920-1988), a Vietnamese painter and artist who was renowned for his innovative techniques and unique style. His works are celebrated as some of the most iconic pieces of Vietnamese modern art.

Throughout history, the Bui surname has been associated with various place names and locations, particularly in Vietnam. For instance, the village of Bui Chu in Hanoi was named after a prominent Bui family that settled in the area during the 18th century.

Overall, the surname Bui has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries and is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and tradition. It has been borne by many influential individuals who have left an indelible mark on the country's history, literature, and arts.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Bui surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bui surname in 1881?

In 1881, 4 people were recorded with the Bui surname. That placed it at #33,288 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bui surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 479 in 2016. That gives Bui a modern rank of #10,308.

What does the Bui surname mean?

A Vietnamese surname derived from the Chinese surname 裴, meaning "luxuriant growth" or "flourishing."

What does the Bui map show?

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