NameCensus.

UK surname

Doku

A surname of Japanese origin potentially meaning "poison" or "toxic substance".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Ealing, Milton Keynes and Kensington and Chelsea.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Doku is 139 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

139

2016, ranked #25,001

Peak year

2016

139 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 139 in 2016, ranked #25,001.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Doku surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Doku surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Doku 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
1997 modern 50 #32,658
1998 modern 62 #31,735
1999 modern 60 #32,078
2000 modern 65 #31,641
2001 modern 65 #31,501
2002 modern 70 #31,432
2003 modern 72 #31,281
2004 modern 83 #30,352
2005 modern 85 #30,219
2006 modern 94 #29,264
2007 modern 97 #29,156
2008 modern 104 #28,341
2009 modern 112 #27,685
2010 modern 110 #28,666
2011 modern 116 #27,477
2012 modern 121 #26,829
2013 modern 127 #26,452
2014 modern 128 #26,490
2015 modern 134 #25,607
2016 modern 139 #25,001

Geography

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Where Dokus 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 Ealing, Milton Keynes, Kensington and Chelsea, Bromley and Harlow. 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 Ealing 033 Ealing
2 Milton Keynes 018 Milton Keynes
3 Kensington and Chelsea 004 Kensington and Chelsea
4 Bromley 006 Bromley
5 Harlow 006 Harlow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Doku

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Doku

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Doku, 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 Doku surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Doku 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, Doku 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

Doku 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

Doku 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 Doku 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Doku

The surname DOKU has its origins in the Japanese language, and can be traced back to the late 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Japanese word "doku," which means "poison" or "venom." This name was likely given to individuals who worked with poisons or venomous substances, perhaps as herbalists or apothecaries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name DOKU is found in a document from the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, where a person named Doku Ichiro is mentioned as a skilled herbalist in the service of a local lord. This suggests that the name was already in use by that time and had gained recognition.

In the 17th century, a Buddhist monk named Doku Shozen (1617-1694) gained prominence for his calligraphy skills and his teachings on Zen Buddhism. His works and writings have been preserved in various temples and monasteries throughout Japan.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), a renowned poet and writer named Doku Toshi (1842-1921) rose to fame for his haiku and tanka poetry. His works were widely published and celebrated, and he is considered one of the most influential poets of that period.

In the early 20th century, a Japanese businessman named Doku Takeshi (1876-1948) established a successful trading company that exported Japanese goods to various countries. His company played a significant role in promoting Japanese products abroad and fostering international trade relationships.

Another notable figure with the surname DOKU was Doku Keiko (1912-1998), a celebrated Japanese actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. She was renowned for her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

While the surname DOKU is relatively uncommon outside of Japan, it has a rich history and cultural significance within the Japanese context. The name's association with poisons and venoms, as well as its representation in various fields such as herbalism, Buddhism, literature, and business, makes it a fascinating and multifaceted surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Doku surname: questions and answers

How common is the Doku surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 139 in 2016. That gives Doku a modern rank of #25,001.

What does the Doku surname mean?

A surname of Japanese origin potentially meaning "poison" or "toxic substance".

What does the Doku map show?

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