NameCensus.

UK surname

Gurung

A Nepali surname belonging to the Gurung ethnic group, originally from the Ganesh Himal mountains in Nepal.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Rushmoor and Greenwich.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Gurung is 6,548 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

6,548

2016, ranked #1,029

Peak year

2016

6,548 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 6,548 in 2016, ranked #1,029.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Gurung surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Gurung surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Gurung 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 4 #33,628
1997 modern 81 #29,436
1998 modern 99 #27,785
1999 modern 139 #22,884
2000 modern 177 #19,634
2001 modern 175 #19,484
2002 modern 259 #15,453
2003 modern 299 #13,850
2004 modern 453 #10,251
2005 modern 646 #7,807
2006 modern 1,013 #5,503
2007 modern 1,298 #4,492
2008 modern 1,667 #3,654
2009 modern 2,265 #2,874
2010 modern 3,132 #2,204
2011 modern 3,172 #2,153
2012 modern 4,778 #1,407
2013 modern 5,620 #1,209
2014 modern 6,086 #1,124
2015 modern 6,285 #1,079
2016 modern 6,548 #1,029

Geography

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Where Gurungs 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 Rushmoor and Greenwich. 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 Rushmoor 002 Rushmoor
2 Rushmoor 008 Rushmoor
3 Rushmoor 001 Rushmoor
4 Greenwich 006 Greenwich
5 Rushmoor 010 Rushmoor

Forenames

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First names often paired with Gurung

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

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Gurung, 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 Gurung surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Gurung 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, Gurung 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

Gurung 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

Gurung falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Gurung

The surname Gurung is believed to have its origin in Nepal, where it is a prominent surname among the Gurung people, an ethnic group native to the hilly regions of central Nepal. The name is thought to derive from the Tibetan words "go-rung," meaning "proud of the cow."

The Gurung people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. Their name first appeared in ancient manuscripts and records from the medieval era, with some of the earliest known mentions found in Nepalese chronicles from the 14th and 15th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Gurung was Sirijunga Gurung, a prominent military leader who served under the Nepalese king in the late 17th century. He played a key role in defending the kingdom against invasions and is celebrated in Nepalese history for his bravery and strategic prowess.

Another notable figure with the Gurung surname was Bhakti Thapa Gurung, a renowned poet and writer who lived during the 19th century. His works, which celebrated the Gurung culture and traditions, are considered significant contributions to Nepalese literature.

In the 20th century, Dhan Bahadur Gurung gained fame as a respected educator and social reformer. He dedicated his life to improving educational opportunities for the Gurung community and advocating for their rights and representation.

The name Gurung has also been associated with several prominent military figures. Dhan Singh Gurung, a highly decorated soldier, served in the British Indian Army during World War II and received numerous honors for his valor and leadership.

Bel Bahadur Gurung, another renowned military figure, was a Gurkha soldier who fought in both World Wars. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British Empire, for his exceptional bravery and gallantry during the Battle of Sittang Bridge in World War II.

Throughout history, the Gurung surname has been closely tied to the Nepalese hills and mountains, reflecting the Gurung people's strong connection to their ancestral homeland. While variations in spelling and pronunciation may exist, the name's roots can be traced back to the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable ethnic group.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Gurung surname: questions and answers

How common is the Gurung surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 6,548 in 2016. That gives Gurung a modern rank of #1,029.

What does the Gurung surname mean?

A Nepali surname belonging to the Gurung ethnic group, originally from the Ganesh Himal mountains in Nepal.

What does the Gurung map show?

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