NameCensus.

UK surname

Dias

A Portuguese and Spanish surname referring to a person who lived near a ditch or trench.

In the 1881 census there were 67 people recorded with the Dias surname, ranking it #24,104 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,965, ranked #2,271, up from #24,104 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St Botolph Aldgate, Christ Church Spitalfields and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Swindon, Brent and Ealing.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Dias is 2,965 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 4325.4%.

1881 census count

67

Ranked #24,104

Modern count

2,965

2016, ranked #2,271

Peak year

2016

2,965 bearers

Map years

4

1911 to 2016

Key insights

  • Dias had 67 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #24,104 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,965 in 2016, ranked #2,271.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 100 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Dias surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Dias surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Dias 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 40 #26,118
1861 historical 64 #25,747
1881 historical 67 #24,104
1891 historical 71 #27,934
1901 historical 89 #24,154
1911 historical 100 #22,717
1997 modern 1,096 #5,088
1998 modern 1,174 #4,968
1999 modern 1,216 #4,865
2000 modern 1,212 #4,858
2001 modern 1,215 #4,753
2002 modern 1,328 #4,486
2003 modern 1,390 #4,243
2004 modern 1,495 #4,016
2005 modern 1,610 #3,718
2006 modern 1,796 #3,381
2007 modern 1,910 #3,243
2008 modern 2,018 #3,128
2009 modern 2,187 #2,966
2010 modern 2,360 #2,827
2011 modern 2,294 #2,862
2012 modern 2,411 #2,698
2013 modern 2,597 #2,577
2014 modern 2,726 #2,492
2015 modern 2,810 #2,407
2016 modern 2,965 #2,271

Geography

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Where Dias' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St Botolph Aldgate, Christ Church Spitalfields, London parishes, St Dunstan Stepney and Glasgow. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Swindon, Brent and Ealing. 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 St Botolph Aldgate London (Central Districts)
2 Christ Church Spitalfields London (East Districts)
3 London parishes London 3
4 St Dunstan Stepney London (East Districts)
5 Glasgow Lanark

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Swindon 015 Swindon
2 Brent 020 Brent
3 Swindon 019 Swindon
4 Ealing 037 Ealing
5 Brent 019 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Dias

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Dias

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

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Dias surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Dias household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

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, Dias 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

Dias 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

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

Meaning and origin of Dias

The surname Dias has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Portugal and Spain. It emerged during the Middle Ages, derived from the Latin word "dies," meaning "day." The name was likely initially given as a personal name, possibly referring to someone born on a specific day or associated with a particular religious feast day.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Dias can be found in the "Livro Velho de Linhagens" (Old Book of Lineages), a medieval Portuguese manuscript dating back to the 13th century. This document mentions several individuals bearing the name Dias, indicating its widespread use in Portugal during that period.

In Spain, the surname Dias is closely linked to the region of Galicia, where it is believed to have originated. The earliest known reference to the name in Spain can be traced back to the 12th century, appearing in various historical documents from that era.

Dias is also associated with several notable figures throughout history. One prominent individual was Bartolomeu Dias (c. 1450-1500), a Portuguese explorer who became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope. His pioneering voyage in 1488 paved the way for the eventual establishment of a sea route to India.

Another notable figure was Gonçalo Dias (c. 1420-1475), a Portuguese nobleman and military commander who played a crucial role in the conquest of Alcácer Ceguer in North Africa during the reign of King Afonso V of Portugal.

In the realm of literature, Gomes Dias (c. 1460-1540), a Portuguese poet and playwright, gained recognition for his works such as the play "Tragédia de Inês de Castro" (Tragedy of Inês de Castro).

Additionally, Aleixo Dias (c. 1570-1662), a Portuguese Jesuit missionary and explorer, made significant contributions to the exploration of the Amazon region in Brazil during the 17th century.

Finally, Manuel Dias (c. 1550-1613), a Portuguese architect and military engineer, left his mark on various fortifications and architectural works in Portugal, including the Fortress of São Julião da Barra in Lisbon.

The surname Dias has a rich history spanning centuries, with its roots firmly planted in the Iberian Peninsula. Its bearers have left an indelible mark on various fields, including exploration, literature, military endeavors, and architecture, contributing to the cultural and historical tapestry of Portugal and Spain.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Dias families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Dias 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. Middlesex leads with 22 Dias' recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.18x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 22 3.18x
Lancashire 12 1.46x
Lanarkshire 9 4.02x
Essex 5 3.66x
Midlothian 4 4.31x
Norfolk 4 3.76x
Royal Navy 4 48.48x
Perthshire 3 9.65x
Durham 2 0.97x
Hampshire 2 1.41x
Devon 1 0.69x
Kent 1 0.42x
Shropshire 1 1.67x
Suffolk 1 1.19x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Bethnal Green London in Middlesex leads with 10 Dias' recorded in 1881 and an index of 33.24x.

Place Total Index
Bethnal Green London 10 33.24x
Glasgow 6 15.09x
Mile End Old Town London 6 40.71x
East Ham 5 196.85x
Castle Acre 4 1250.00x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 4 10.72x
Kirkdale 4 28.94x
St Botolph Aldgate London 4 279.72x
West Derby 4 16.64x
Auchterarder 3 344.83x
Govan 3 5.42x
Everton 2 7.64x
Liverpool 2 4.01x
Portsmouth 2 61.16x
St Marylebone London 2 5.41x
Whitworth 2 132.45x
Drayton In Hales 1 81.30x
Greenwich 1 9.07x
Hittisleigh 1 1666.67x
Wrentham 1 434.78x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 4
Margaret 3
Sarah 3
Esther 2
Agnes 1
Alice 1
Amelia 1
Buena 1
Catherine 1
Clara 1
Clementine 1
Ellen 1
Flora 1
Jane 1
Kate 1
Lizzie 1
M. 1
Martha 1
Rosina 1
Sophia 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Edward 2
John 2
Napthali 2
Samuel 2
Andrew 1
F.A. 1
George 1
Henry 1
Isac 1
James 1
Joaquim 1
Jose 1
Marceliono 1
Nafethali 1
Nicholas 1
Robert 1
St 1
Thomas 1

FAQ

Dias surname: questions and answers

How common was the Dias surname in 1881?

In 1881, 67 people were recorded with the Dias surname. That placed it at #24,104 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Dias surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,965 in 2016. That gives Dias a modern rank of #2,271.

What does the Dias surname mean?

A Portuguese and Spanish surname referring to a person who lived near a ditch or trench.

What does the Dias map show?

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