NameCensus.

UK surname

Dalal

A surname of Arabic origin meaning "guide" or "one who leads or directs."

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Dalal is 567 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

547

2016, ranked #9,323

Peak year

2014

567 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 547 in 2016, ranked #9,323.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 7 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Dalal surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Dalal surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Dalal 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 1 #34,435
1891 historical 1 #34,674
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1911 historical 7 #33,083
1997 modern 324 #12,859
1998 modern 330 #13,046
1999 modern 361 #12,347
2000 modern 376 #11,928
2001 modern 380 #11,660
2002 modern 388 #11,689
2003 modern 406 #11,150
2004 modern 415 #10,989
2005 modern 429 #10,597
2006 modern 449 #10,255
2007 modern 461 #10,153
2008 modern 474 #10,040
2009 modern 492 #9,979
2010 modern 552 #9,338
2011 modern 551 #9,251
2012 modern 565 #8,993
2013 modern 561 #9,177
2014 modern 567 #9,161
2015 modern 557 #9,206
2016 modern 547 #9,323

Geography

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Where Dalals 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 Kirklees, Bolton, Blackburn with Darwen and Newham. 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 Kirklees 024 Kirklees
2 Bolton 025 Bolton
3 Blackburn with Darwen 007 Blackburn with Darwen
4 Newham 008 Newham
5 Bolton 005 Bolton

Forenames

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First names often paired with Dalal

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

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

Dalal 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

Dalal falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Dalal

The surname Dalal is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "dalala," which means "broker" or "middleman." This suggests that the name was likely associated with individuals who worked as intermediaries or facilitators in various trades or transactions.

In ancient India, individuals often adopted surnames based on their occupations or professions. The Dalal surname may have been given to individuals who acted as brokers or middlemen in commercial activities, facilitating the exchange of goods and services between buyers and sellers.

The earliest recorded references to the Dalal surname can be traced back to medieval times in India. Historical records and manuscripts from that era mention individuals with this surname, particularly in the context of trade and commerce.

One notable example is Virji Vora Dalal, a prominent merchant and trader who lived in Gujarat during the 16th century. He was known for his successful business ventures and is mentioned in several contemporary accounts as a respected figure in the mercantile community.

Another early example is Govind Dalal, a merchant from Rajasthan who lived in the 17th century. He was involved in the trade of spices and textiles, and his name appears in various historical documents related to trade and commerce during that period.

In the 18th century, Malhar Rao Dalal was a renowned military leader and strategist who served under the Maratha Empire. He played a crucial role in several battles and is remembered for his tactical skills and bravery.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Naoroji Dalal was a prominent Indian businessman and philanthropist based in Mumbai. He was actively involved in various charitable initiatives and is remembered for his contributions to education and social welfare.

Ganpatrao Dalal, born in 1872, was a notable Indian freedom fighter and social reformer. He participated in the Indian independence movement and worked towards promoting education and addressing social issues.

While the Dalal surname has its roots in India, individuals with this surname can now be found in various parts of the world due to migration and diaspora communities. However, the historical origins and significance of the name remain deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent and its rich cultural heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Dalal surname: questions and answers

How common is the Dalal surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 547 in 2016. That gives Dalal a modern rank of #9,323.

What does the Dalal surname mean?

A surname of Arabic origin meaning "guide" or "one who leads or directs."

What does the Dalal map show?

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