NameCensus.

UK surname

Hirji

A surname of Indian origin, likely derived from the Persian word "Hirji" meaning jeweler or gem merchant.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hirji is 222 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

215

2016, ranked #18,670

Peak year

2014

222 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 215 in 2016, ranked #18,670.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Hirji surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hirji surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hirji 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 149 #21,214
1998 modern 155 #21,227
1999 modern 151 #21,740
2000 modern 158 #21,055
2001 modern 156 #20,974
2002 modern 169 #20,307
2003 modern 189 #18,738
2004 modern 181 #19,363
2005 modern 175 #19,727
2006 modern 178 #19,666
2007 modern 194 #18,855
2008 modern 199 #18,699
2009 modern 194 #19,398
2010 modern 215 #18,551
2011 modern 200 #19,280
2012 modern 207 #18,777
2013 modern 218 #18,441
2014 modern 222 #18,355
2015 modern 219 #18,406
2016 modern 215 #18,670

Geography

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Where Hirjis 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 Harrow, Newham, Enfield and Merton. 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 Harrow 028 Harrow
2 Newham 014 Newham
3 Enfield 008 Enfield
4 Merton 002 Merton
5 Harrow 010 Harrow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hirji

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

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

Hirji 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

Hirji falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Hirji 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Hirji

The surname "HIRJI" is believed to have originated in India, specifically within the Gujarati community. The earliest records of this surname date back to the 16th century, during the time of the Mughal Empire.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name "HIRJI" was Hirji Ravji (1520-1585), a prominent merchant and trader who established trade routes between Gujarat and the Persian Gulf region. His descendants continued to play a significant role in the mercantile activities of the region for several generations.

The name "HIRJI" is derived from the Gujarati word "hirji," which means "diamond" or "precious stone." It is believed that the name was originally bestowed upon individuals involved in the diamond trade or those who possessed exceptional wealth and status within the Gujarati community.

In the 17th century, a notable figure named Hirji Vasta (1635-1702) was a renowned architect and builder who oversaw the construction of several historic structures, including temples and palaces, in the city of Surat, Gujarat.

During the British Raj in the 19th century, the Hirji family of Kutch (now in the modern state of Gujarat, India) gained prominence for their philanthropic endeavors and contributions to education. Hirji Virji (1820-1895) was a respected philanthropist who established several schools and colleges in the region.

Another influential figure was Hirji Modi (1855-1928), a successful businessman and industrialist who founded one of the first cotton textile mills in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. His legacy played a crucial role in the industrialization of the region.

In more recent times, Hirji J. Valia (1901-1979) was a prominent lawyer and legal scholar who made significant contributions to the development of Indian jurisprudence. He served as the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and was widely respected for his legal acumen.

While the surname "HIRJI" has its roots in India, particularly within the Gujarati community, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora. However, the historical records and notable figures mentioned above provide insight into the surname's origins, meaning, and significance within the context of Indian history and culture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Hirji surname: questions and answers

How common is the Hirji surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 215 in 2016. That gives Hirji a modern rank of #18,670.

What does the Hirji surname mean?

A surname of Indian origin, likely derived from the Persian word "Hirji" meaning jeweler or gem merchant.

What does the Hirji map show?

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