NameCensus.

UK surname

Hu

A Chinese surname meaning "tiger," or referring to a place called Hu or someone from that area.

In the 1881 census there were 36 people recorded with the Hu surname, ranking it #28,559 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 637, ranked #8,304, up from #28,559 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hu is 637 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 1669.4%.

1881 census count

36

Ranked #28,559

Modern count

637

2016, ranked #8,304

Peak year

2016

637 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hu had 36 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #28,559 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 637 in 2016, ranked #8,304.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 36 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Hu surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hu surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hu 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 36 #28,559
1997 modern 81 #29,436
1998 modern 76 #30,386
1999 modern 90 #29,056
2000 modern 108 #26,549
2001 modern 112 #25,644
2002 modern 146 #22,302
2003 modern 191 #18,628
2004 modern 207 #17,821
2005 modern 247 #15,763
2006 modern 258 #15,402
2007 modern 315 #13,593
2008 modern 336 #13,095
2009 modern 361 #12,663
2010 modern 457 #10,770
2011 modern 428 #11,219
2012 modern 497 #9,902
2013 modern 551 #9,320
2014 modern 597 #8,832
2015 modern 619 #8,517
2016 modern 637 #8,304

Geography

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Where Hus 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 Coventry, Cambridge, Liverpool, Aylesbury Vale and Manchester. 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 Coventry 042 Coventry
2 Cambridge 007 Cambridge
3 Liverpool 060 Liverpool
4 Aylesbury Vale 006 Aylesbury Vale
5 Manchester 055 Manchester

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hu

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

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Hu, 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 Hu surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Hu 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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Hu 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

Hu 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

Hu 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 Hu 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 Hu, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Hu

The surname "Hu" originated in China, with its roots tracing back to ancient times. It is a monosyllabic Chinese surname that has been recorded in historical documents for centuries.

One of the earliest known references to the name "Hu" can be found in the Shiji, a monumental historical record compiled by Sima Qian in the 1st century BC. This seminal work mentions several individuals bearing the surname, indicating its widespread use during the Han Dynasty.

The name "Hu" is believed to have derived from various sources, including ancient place names or geographical locations associated with the surname's bearers. Some scholars suggest it may have originated from the word "hu," which in certain Chinese dialects meant "lake" or "marsh," implying that the name's earliest bearers may have resided near such bodies of water.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the surname "Hu" gained further prominence, with several notable figures bearing the name. One such individual was Hu Guanxiu (659-713 AD), a renowned poet and calligrapher who served as a high-ranking official during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong.

In the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), the Hu family produced several influential scholars and officials. Hu Anguo (1074-1138 AD), a renowned poet and statesman, held pivotal positions in the imperial court and was known for his literary prowess.

The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD) witnessed the rise of Hu Weiyong (1283-1354 AD), a highly respected military strategist and commander. His victories in numerous campaigns against rebel forces earned him a prominent place in Chinese military history.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the Hu surname continued to be associated with scholarly and literary achievements. Hu Yinglin (1551-1602 AD), a renowned philosopher and writer, made significant contributions to the study of Chinese classics and literary theory.

In more recent centuries, the Hu surname has been carried by notable figures across various fields. Hu Shih (1891-1962 AD), a philosopher and scholar, played a pivotal role in the May Fourth Movement and advocated for cultural reforms in China.

Throughout its long history, the surname "Hu" has been deeply rooted in Chinese culture and has produced numerous notable individuals who have left their mark on various aspects of society, from literature and scholarship to military strategy and statesmanship.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hu families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hu 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. Lancashire leads with 5 Hus recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.21x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 5 7.21x
Glamorgan 1 9.83x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Liverpool in Lancashire leads with 5 Hus recorded in 1881 and an index of 118.76x.

Place Total Index
Liverpool 5 118.76x
Peterstone Super 1 0.00x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 1
Jane 1
Mary 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 1
Wriford 1

FAQ

Hu surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hu surname in 1881?

In 1881, 36 people were recorded with the Hu surname. That placed it at #28,559 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hu surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 637 in 2016. That gives Hu a modern rank of #8,304.

What does the Hu surname mean?

A Chinese surname meaning "tiger," or referring to a place called Hu or someone from that area.

What does the Hu map show?

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