NameCensus.

UK surname

Go

A Chinese surname derived from the name of an ancient state or referring to the Wu region of China.

In the 1881 census there were 22 people recorded with the Go surname, ranking it #30,464 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 154, ranked #23,293, up from #30,464 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Redbridge, Westminster and Sefton.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Go is 154 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 600.0%.

1881 census count

22

Ranked #30,464

Modern count

154

2016, ranked #23,293

Peak year

2016

154 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Go had 22 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #30,464 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 154 in 2016, ranked #23,293.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 22 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Go surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Go surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Go 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 22 #30,464
1997 modern 16 #36,292
1998 modern 15 #36,457
1999 modern 19 #36,041
2000 modern 21 #35,799
2001 modern 18 #35,961
2002 modern 15 #36,381
2003 modern 16 #36,304
2004 modern 26 #35,519
2005 modern 29 #35,431
2006 modern 30 #35,526
2007 modern 36 #35,278
2008 modern 33 #35,556
2009 modern 42 #35,148
2010 modern 53 #34,654
2011 modern 67 #33,704
2012 modern 90 #31,790
2013 modern 97 #31,239
2014 modern 109 #29,452
2015 modern 131 #25,979
2016 modern 154 #23,293

Geography

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Where Gos 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 Redbridge, Westminster, Sefton 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 Redbridge 006 Redbridge
2 Westminster 009 Westminster
3 Sefton 021 Sefton
4 Newham 030 Newham
5 Redbridge 007 Redbridge

Forenames

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First names often paired with Go

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

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

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Go surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Go 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 never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Go is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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 scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Go 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

Go falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Go 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 - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Go

The surname "Go" is believed to have originated in Japan, where it is a common family name. The name dates back several centuries and is thought to be derived from the Japanese word "go," meaning "language" or "word."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name "Go" can be found in the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), when it was used by Japanese samurai and nobility. During this time, the name appeared in various historical records and documents, often associated with prominent families and clans.

In the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), the name "Go" gained further recognition, particularly in the Kyoto region, where it was closely tied to the imperial court and aristocracy. Several notable figures from this era bore the surname, including Go Toba (1180-1239), a former Emperor of Japan, and Go Daigo (1288-1339), another former Emperor known for his role in the Kemmu Restoration.

As Japanese society evolved, the "Go" surname spread to various parts of the country, with different branches of the family establishing themselves in different regions. One significant figure from this period was Go Sanjo (1611-1688), a renowned poet and calligrapher who served as a courtier during the early Edo period.

In the Meiji era (1868-1912), the "Go" surname continued to be prominent, with individuals such as Go Kogaku (1765-1837), a renowned scholar and educator, and Go Shunjo (1828-1909), a skilled painter and calligrapher, making significant contributions to Japanese culture and academia.

It is important to note that the surname "Go" is distinct from its use as a title or prefix in Japanese imperial and aristocratic naming conventions. In these cases, the word "Go" was often added before a personal name or regnal name to indicate a specific era or reign.

While the surname "Go" is most commonly associated with Japan, it is also found in other parts of Asia, such as China and Korea, where it may have different origins and meanings. However, the Japanese roots of the name remain the most well-documented and widely recognized.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Go surname: questions and answers

How common was the Go surname in 1881?

In 1881, 22 people were recorded with the Go surname. That placed it at #30,464 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Go surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 154 in 2016. That gives Go a modern rank of #23,293.

What does the Go surname mean?

A Chinese surname derived from the name of an ancient state or referring to the Wu region of China.

What does the Go map show?

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