NameCensus.

UK surname

Can

A Turkish surname denoting a person of substance or means.

In the 1881 census there were 121 people recorded with the Can surname, ranking it #17,671 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 290, ranked #15,099, up from #17,671 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ruthven, London parishes and Gateshead. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Enfield, Islington and Haringey.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Can is 290 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 139.7%.

1881 census count

121

Ranked #17,671

Modern count

290

2016, ranked #15,099

Peak year

2016

290 bearers

Map years

4

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Can had 121 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #17,671 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 290 in 2016, ranked #15,099.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 216 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Can surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Can surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Can 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 216 #9,818
1881 historical 121 #17,671
1891 historical 7 #33,665
1901 historical 88 #24,270
1997 modern 57 #31,917
1998 modern 55 #32,399
1999 modern 58 #32,268
2000 modern 73 #30,881
2001 modern 66 #31,394
2002 modern 77 #30,709
2003 modern 92 #28,974
2004 modern 90 #29,481
2005 modern 112 #26,114
2006 modern 123 #24,873
2007 modern 143 #22,924
2008 modern 158 #21,690
2009 modern 171 #21,024
2010 modern 186 #20,379
2011 modern 182 #20,495
2012 modern 233 #17,339
2013 modern 246 #16,979
2014 modern 253 #16,774
2015 modern 261 #16,318
2016 modern 290 #15,099

Geography

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Where Cans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ruthven, London parishes, Gateshead, St Pancras and Manchester. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Enfield, Islington, Haringey and Waltham Forest. 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 Ruthven Forfar
2 London parishes London 3
3 Gateshead Durham
4 St Pancras London (North Districts)
5 Manchester Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Enfield 026 Enfield
2 Islington 005 Islington
3 Enfield 009 Enfield
4 Haringey 006 Haringey
5 Waltham Forest 020 Waltham Forest

Forenames

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First names often paired with Can

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Can

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Can is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Can 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

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

Meaning and origin of Can

The surname Can has its origins in Turkey, where it is derived from the Turkish word "can" which means "soul" or "life." It is believed to have originated as a descriptive surname during the Ottoman period, likely in the 16th or 17th century.

The earliest recorded instances of the Can surname can be found in Ottoman records and manuscripts from that era. While it was initially concentrated in the regions of Anatolia and the Balkans, the surname later spread to other parts of the Ottoman Empire and neighboring areas.

One notable early bearer of the Can surname was Şeyhülislam Ebussuud Efendi (1490-1574), a prominent Ottoman jurist and scholar who served as the chief mufti (religious leader) during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. He is renowned for his contributions to the interpretation of Islamic law and for his influential legal opinions.

Another historically significant individual with the Can surname was Sadullah Can (1846-1912), an Ottoman civil servant and diplomat who served as the Ottoman ambassador to Germany and France in the late 19th century. He played a vital role in fostering diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and European powers.

In the 20th century, Dursun Can (1919-1994) was a notable Turkish author and journalist known for his novels and short stories that explored themes of social injustice and the struggles of the working class. His works, such as "Köyün Kızı" (The Village Girl) and "İşçiler Geliyor" (The Workers Are Coming), had a profound impact on Turkish literature.

Mustafa Can (1927-2001) was a Turkish politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey from 1973 to 1975. He played a crucial role in shaping Turkey's foreign policy during a period of regional tensions and political upheaval.

Another notable figure with the Can surname is Özlem Can (born 1979), a Turkish-German actress and model who has appeared in various television series and films in both Turkey and Germany. She is recognized for her performances in projects like "Çalıkuşu" (The Wren) and "Leyla ile Mecnun" (Leyla and Mecnun).

While the Can surname has its roots in Turkey, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and cultural exchange. However, its origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish language, where it initially served as a descriptive surname reflecting the concept of "soul" or "life."

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Can families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Can 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. Durham leads with 20 Cans recorded in 1881 and an index of 6.10x.

County Total Index
Durham 20 6.10x
Kent 15 3.99x
Lancashire 15 1.15x
Middlesex 15 1.36x
Cheshire 7 2.88x
Leicestershire 5 4.09x
Lincolnshire 4 2.27x
Surrey 4 0.74x
Cornwall 3 2.40x
Devon 3 1.31x
Hampshire 3 1.33x
Nottinghamshire 3 2.02x
Yorkshire 3 0.27x
Cumberland 2 2.11x
Lanarkshire 2 0.56x
Wiltshire 2 2.05x
Aberdeenshire 1 0.98x
Angus 1 0.98x
Cambridgeshire 1 1.43x
Isle of Man 1 4.89x
Northumberland 1 0.61x
Royal Navy 1 7.62x
Suffolk 1 0.74x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Gateshead in Durham leads with 13 Cans recorded in 1881 and an index of 52.95x.

Place Total Index
Gateshead 13 52.95x
Liverpool 9 11.33x
Deptford St Paul 8 27.58x
Birkenhead 6 30.93x
Birkdale 4 120.85x
Crook Billy Row 4 95.24x
Earl Shilton 4 1481.48x
Isleworth 4 81.63x
Plumstead 4 31.90x
Chester Le Street 3 119.05x
Folkestone 3 41.15x
Newington 3 7.37x
Nottingham St Mary 3 7.81x
Southampton St Mary 3 21.11x
Whitechapel London 3 27.62x
Barony 2 2.22x
Blennerhasset Kirkland 2 1111.11x
Islington London 2 1.87x
Paddington London 2 4.93x
South Petherwin 2 645.16x
St Maryle Wigford 2 145.99x
St Marylebone London 2 3.40x
Wootton Bassett 2 235.29x
Anstey 1 208.33x
Barnby On Don 1 476.19x
Braddan 1 89.29x
Cairney 1 169.49x
Chester St Martin 1 256.41x
Dundee 1 2.62x
Gorton 1 8.13x
Great Grimsby 1 8.94x
Hackney London 1 1.62x
Heighington 1 357.14x
Henham 1 1666.67x
Kilkhampton 1 270.27x
Manningham 1 7.43x
Newton 1 9.92x
Newton Abbot St Mary 1 52.08x
North Shields 1 30.58x
Royal Navy 1 8.90x
St Andrewthe Less 1 12.53x
St Mary 1 136.99x
St Sepulchre London 1 62.11x
Tamerton Foliott 1 227.27x
Tormoham 1 10.30x
Wimbledon 1 16.58x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 5
Mary 5
Ann 4
Ellen 3
Emily 2
Isabella 2
J.F. 2
Kate 2
Louisa 2
Sarah 2
Agnes 1
Alice 1
Bessie 1
Caroline 1
Edith 1
Eliza 1
Ellison 1
Fanny 1
Frances 1
Harriet 1
Harriett 1
Jane 1
Johanna 1
Josephine 1
Laura 1
Lily 1
Lizzie 1
Mabel 1
Madiline 1
Margaret 1
Margery 1
Margret 1
Maria 1
Martha 1
Minnie 1
Nancy 1
Rosa 1
Rose 1
Susanah 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 9
William 6
Charles 4
Richard 4
Henry 3
James 3
Albert 2
George 2
Joseph 2
Robert 2
Thomas 2
Abram 1
David 1
Edmund 1
Edward 1
F.B. 1
Frederick 1
J. 1
Josiah 1
Julese 1
Ralph 1
Samuel 1
Walter 1

FAQ

Can surname: questions and answers

How common was the Can surname in 1881?

In 1881, 121 people were recorded with the Can surname. That placed it at #17,671 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Can surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 290 in 2016. That gives Can a modern rank of #15,099.

What does the Can surname mean?

A Turkish surname denoting a person of substance or means.

What does the Can map show?

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