NameCensus.

UK surname

Du

A French toponymic surname referring to someone who lived near a wood or forest.

In the 1881 census there were 8 people recorded with the Du surname, ranking it #32,581 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 306, ranked #14,543, up from #32,581 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Birmingham, Tower Hamlets and Camden.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Du is 306 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 3725.0%.

1881 census count

8

Ranked #32,581

Modern count

306

2016, ranked #14,543

Peak year

2016

306 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Du had 8 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #32,581 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 306 in 2016, ranked #14,543.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 8 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Du surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Du surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Du 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
1881 historical 8 #32,581
1997 modern 72 #30,415
1998 modern 76 #30,386
1999 modern 78 #30,327
2000 modern 81 #30,036
2001 modern 81 #29,828
2002 modern 93 #28,920
2003 modern 112 #25,948
2004 modern 127 #24,224
2005 modern 129 #23,963
2006 modern 171 #20,131
2007 modern 156 #21,650
2008 modern 155 #21,956
2009 modern 170 #21,095
2010 modern 203 #19,264
2011 modern 179 #20,732
2012 modern 238 #17,092
2013 modern 240 #17,251
2014 modern 263 #16,334
2015 modern 278 #15,586
2016 modern 306 #14,543

Geography

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Where Dus 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 Birmingham, Tower Hamlets, Camden 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 Birmingham 035 Birmingham
2 Tower Hamlets 031 Tower Hamlets
3 Birmingham 085 Birmingham
4 Camden 028 Camden
5 Newham 015 Newham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Du

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

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Du 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

Du 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

Du 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 Du 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
Asian - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Du

The surname "DU" originated in France and is derived from the Old French word "du," meaning "from" or "of." This surname first emerged in the 11th century as a distinguishing name for individuals who came from a particular place or region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname "DU" can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners in England during the reign of William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appeared as "du Bois," referring to someone who hailed from a wooded area or a specific place called Bois.

In the 12th century, the surname "DU" began appearing in various forms, such as "du Lac," "du Mont," and "du Pont," indicating a person's connection to a lake, mountain, or bridge, respectively. These place-based surnames were common during this period and helped distinguish individuals from different locations.

A notable figure bearing the surname "DU" was Guillaume du Bellay (1491-1543), a French diplomat and writer who served as a chamberlain to Francis I, the King of France. He is known for his memoirs, which provide valuable insights into the political and social landscape of 16th-century France.

Another prominent individual with the surname "DU" was Jacques du Chastel (c. 1515-1592), a French lawyer and diplomat who played a crucial role in the French Wars of Religion. He is remembered for his efforts to promote religious tolerance and reconciliation during a turbulent period in French history.

In the 17th century, the "DU" surname gained prominence with the works of Samuel du Bois (1616-1683), a French theologian and academic who made significant contributions to the field of theology and biblical studies. His writings were widely read and influential during his time.

Moving into the 18th century, we encounter Louis du Bouchet (1679-1734), a French philosopher and writer who was known for his satirical works critiquing the societal norms and practices of his era. His works offered a unique perspective on the intellectual and cultural landscape of 18th-century France.

Finally, in the 19th century, we find Marie-Sophie du Moncel (1846-1920), a French feminist and activist who fought for women's rights and advocated for better education and employment opportunities for women. She was a influential figure in the early stages of the women's rights movement in France.

Throughout its history, the surname "DU" has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including diplomats, writers, theologians, philosophers, and activists. While its origins can be traced back to Old French and place-based names, it has remained a prominent surname across generations, carrying with it a rich tapestry of stories and contributions to society.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Du families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Du 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. Lanarkshire leads with 1 Dus recorded in 1881 and an index of 32.05x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 1 32.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Gorbals in Lanarkshire leads with 1 Dus recorded in 1881 and an index of 5000.00x.

Place Total Index
Gorbals 1 5000.00x

FAQ

Du surname: questions and answers

How common was the Du surname in 1881?

In 1881, 8 people were recorded with the Du surname. That placed it at #32,581 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Du surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 306 in 2016. That gives Du a modern rank of #14,543.

What does the Du surname mean?

A French toponymic surname referring to someone who lived near a wood or forest.

What does the Du map show?

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