NameCensus.

UK surname

Hi

A Vietnamese surname originally denoting a native or inhabitant of Nghe An province.

In the 1881 census there were 5 people recorded with the Hi surname, ranking it #33,110 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 112, ranked #28,844, up from #33,110 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hi is 112 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 2140.0%.

1881 census count

5

Ranked #33,110

Modern count

112

2016, ranked #28,844

Peak year

2016

112 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hi had 5 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,110 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 112 in 2016, ranked #28,844.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 5 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Hi surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hi surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hi 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 1 #33,412
1881 historical 5 #33,110
2000 modern 3 #38,248
2001 modern 2 #38,335
2002 modern 2 #38,400
2003 modern 2 #38,424
2004 modern 2 #38,464
2005 modern 3 #38,312
2006 modern 3 #38,334
2007 modern 3 #38,372
2008 modern 7 #37,735
2009 modern 10 #37,446
2010 modern 13 #37,215
2011 modern 17 #36,839
2012 modern 36 #35,595
2013 modern 43 #35,271
2014 modern 54 #34,700
2015 modern 77 #33,272
2016 modern 112 #28,844

Geography

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Where His 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 No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 No data No data

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hi

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

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Hi 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

Hi 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

Hi 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 Hi is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Hi

The surname "Hi" is believed to have originated from the Chinese language, stemming from the Mandarin word "xi," which means "west" or "western." This name first emerged in the regions of China during the Tang Dynasty, which spanned from 618 to 907 AD. Its earliest recorded appearance can be traced back to historical records and documents from this period.

The name "Hi" is closely related to the Chinese surname "Xi," which shares the same root word and meaning. It is likely that "Hi" was an alternative spelling or variation that arose due to regional dialects and local pronunciations within different parts of China. Both "Hi" and "Xi" were commonly found in areas along the western regions of the country, particularly in provinces like Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan.

One of the earliest documented individuals bearing the surname "Hi" was a scholar and poet named Hi Chao, who lived during the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century AD. Hi Chao was renowned for his literary works and contributions to the development of classic Chinese poetry. Another notable figure was Hi Feng, a military general who served under the Song Dynasty in the 11th century and played a crucial role in defending the empire against invading nomadic tribes.

In the later centuries, the surname "Hi" continued to be prevalent in various parts of China, and it can be found in historical records and manuscripts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), there was a prominent scholar and philosopher named Hi Zhu, who was known for his influential writings on Confucian principles and ethics.

Moving into the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), one of the most renowned individuals with the surname "Hi" was Hi Ling, a celebrated artist and calligrapher who was highly regarded for his mastery of traditional Chinese painting techniques. Hi Ling's works were often sought after by imperial patrons and collectors of the time.

Another notable figure from the Qing Dynasty was Hi Qing, a skilled military strategist and commander who played a crucial role in suppressing several major rebellions against the Qing Empire. His military exploits and leadership abilities earned him a respected place in the historical annals of the dynasty.

It is worth noting that the surname "Hi" has also been associated with various place names and locations throughout China's history. For instance, the city of Xian, formerly known as Chang'an, was once referred to as "Hicheng" or "The Western City" due to its geographical position in the western part of the country.

While the surname "Hi" may not be as widespread or prominent as some other Chinese surnames, it holds a rich historical legacy and has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, including literature, arts, military, and philosophy, throughout the dynastic eras of China's past.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hi families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hi 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. Durham leads with 5 His recorded in 1881 and an index of 28.77x.

County Total Index
Durham 5 28.77x
Derbyshire 1 10.93x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Coundon in Durham leads with 5 His recorded in 1881 and an index of 7142.86x.

Place Total Index
Coundon 5 7142.86x
Mickleover 1 3333.33x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elisabeth 1
Ester 1
Mary 1
S. 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 1
Thomas 1

FAQ

Hi surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hi surname in 1881?

In 1881, 5 people were recorded with the Hi surname. That placed it at #33,110 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hi surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 112 in 2016. That gives Hi a modern rank of #28,844.

What does the Hi surname mean?

A Vietnamese surname originally denoting a native or inhabitant of Nghe An province.

What does the Hi map show?

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