NameCensus.

UK surname

Buttar

An occupational surname derived from an old term for a butter maker or seller.

In the 1881 census there were 54 people recorded with the Buttar surname, ranking it #26,009 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 172, ranked #21,648, up from #26,009 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cross Stobbs, Hillhead and Ealing.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Buttar is 196 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 218.5%.

1881 census count

54

Ranked #26,009

Modern count

172

2016, ranked #21,648

Peak year

2010

196 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Buttar had 54 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #26,009 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 172 in 2016, ranked #21,648.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 85 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Buttar surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Buttar surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Buttar 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 59 #22,756
1861 historical 69 #25,057
1881 historical 54 #26,009
1891 historical 76 #27,290
1901 historical 85 #24,636
1911 historical 9 #32,754
1997 modern 137 #22,301
1998 modern 146 #22,031
1999 modern 144 #22,405
2000 modern 143 #22,457
2001 modern 141 #22,344
2002 modern 153 #21,609
2003 modern 141 #22,549
2004 modern 144 #22,379
2005 modern 156 #21,221
2006 modern 175 #19,850
2007 modern 176 #20,028
2008 modern 184 #19,666
2009 modern 187 #19,868
2010 modern 196 #19,698
2011 modern 192 #19,797
2012 modern 182 #20,440
2013 modern 188 #20,352
2014 modern 187 #20,570
2015 modern 188 #20,417
2016 modern 172 #21,648

Geography

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Where Buttars 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 Cross Stobbs, Hillhead, Ealing and Elmbridge. 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 Cross Stobbs East Renfrewshire
2 Hillhead Glasgow City
3 Ealing 017 Ealing
4 Ealing 023 Ealing
5 Elmbridge 018 Elmbridge

Forenames

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First names often paired with Buttar

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

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

Buttar 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

Buttar falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Buttar 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 Buttar, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Buttar

The surname Buttar originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the region of Punjab. It is derived from the word "buttar," which means "warrior" or "brave" in the Punjabi language. The name has its roots in the medieval era when it was used to identify individuals who had distinguished themselves in battle or were known for their valor and courage.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Buttar can be traced back to the 16th century, when it appeared in various historical documents and manuscripts from the region. One notable mention is found in the "Adi Granth," the sacred scripture of the Sikh religion, where the name is associated with several individuals who played significant roles in the Sikh community during that time.

In the 17th century, the Buttar surname gained prominence among the Jat community, a dominant agricultural and landowning group in Punjab. The name was often associated with landowners and farmers who had fought against invaders or oppressive rulers to protect their lands and communities.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the Buttar surname was Bhai Mani Singh Buttar (1644-1734), a renowned Sikh scholar and warrior who played a crucial role in the preservation and compilation of the Adi Granth. He is revered for his contributions to the Sikh faith and his unwavering commitment to protecting the Sikh community during a turbulent period in history.

Another notable figure was Sardar Gurmukh Singh Buttar (1825-1890), a prominent leader and military commander who fought against the British during the Anglo-Sikh Wars in the 19th century. His valor and leadership earned him respect and admiration from both allies and adversaries.

In the 20th century, Giani Zail Singh Buttar (1916-1994) became the first and only Sikh to hold the position of President of India, serving from 1982 to 1987. His legacy as a statesman and his commitment to promoting unity and progress in the country are widely recognized.

The Buttar surname has also been associated with various place names in Punjab, such as Buttar Kalan and Buttar Khurd, which are villages located in the district of Moga. These place names likely derived from the surname itself, reflecting the historical presence and influence of the Buttar community in those areas.

Throughout history, the Buttar surname has carried a strong connotation of bravery, valor, and a warrior spirit, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Punjab region. While its origins can be traced back to medieval times, the name continues to hold significance and pride for those who bear it.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Buttar families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Buttar 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. Angus leads with 41 Buttars recorded in 1881 and an index of 84.02x.

County Total Index
Angus 41 84.02x
Middlesex 6 1.14x
Perthshire 4 16.92x
Lanarkshire 1 0.59x
Lancashire 1 0.16x
Warwickshire 1 0.75x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Dundee in Angus leads with 19 Buttars recorded in 1881 and an index of 104.28x.

Place Total Index
Dundee 19 104.28x
Kettins 8 5000.00x
Kirriemuir 8 666.67x
St Marylebone London 6 21.34x
Coupar Angus 5 1086.96x
Bendochy 4 3076.92x
Aspull 1 68.03x
Birmingham 1 2.26x
Glenisla 1 714.29x
Govan 1 2.37x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Emily 1
Mary 1
Sophia 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Charles 2
Edward 1
Frank 1
Sidney 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 Buttar households.

FAQ

Buttar surname: questions and answers

How common was the Buttar surname in 1881?

In 1881, 54 people were recorded with the Buttar surname. That placed it at #26,009 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Buttar surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 172 in 2016. That gives Buttar a modern rank of #21,648.

What does the Buttar surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from an old term for a butter maker or seller.

What does the Buttar map show?

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