UK surname

Ka

Of Iranian origin, referring to an individual from the Ka region.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ka is 121 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

Modern count

121

2016, ranked #27,399

Peak year

2016

121 bearers

Map years

2016 to 2016

Key insights

• The latest modern count shown here is 121 in 2016, ranked #27,399.
• The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Map

Ka surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Ka surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Year

Loading map

Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Ka 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	7	#37,533
1998	modern	7	#37,533
1999	modern	4	#38,100
2000	modern	4	#38,004
2001	modern	4	#37,862
2002	modern	5	#37,723
2003	modern	11	#36,842
2004	modern	12	#36,835
2005	modern	10	#37,180
2006	modern	8	#37,481
2007	modern	7	#37,687
2008	modern	12	#37,143
2009	modern	17	#36,753
2010	modern	25	#36,273
2011	modern	36	#35,613
2012	modern	51	#34,756
2013	modern	55	#34,628
2014	modern	71	#33,717
2015	modern	101	#30,816
2016	modern	121	#27,399

Geography

Where Kas 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 Windsor and Maidenhead, Nottingham and Rushmoor. 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	Windsor and Maidenhead 003	Windsor and Maidenhead
2	Nottingham 026	Nottingham
3	Rushmoor 012	Rushmoor

Forenames

First names often paired with Ka

These lists show first names that appear often with the Ka surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Recent female names

Victoria Ann Joanne Margaret Patricia Susan Seynabou Fatou Reham Ness

Recent male names

Andrew Chun John Jay Daouda Man Artur Shun Mohammad Nicholas

Modern profile

Neighbourhood profile for Ka

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Ka 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

Ka 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.

Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Ka 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.

More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Ka 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.

Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate: Asian - Chinese

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

Origin

Meaning and origin of Ka

The surname KA is believed to have originated in India, likely during the 8th or 9th century AD. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Ka," which means "who" or "what." This name was likely given to those who were considered inquisitive or curious by nature.

The earliest known record of the name KA can be found in ancient Sanskrit texts and manuscripts from the region. One of the earliest known individuals with this surname was a renowned scholar and philosopher named Ka Bharavi, who lived in the 7th century AD.

During the medieval period, the name KA was particularly prevalent in the southern regions of India, such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It was often associated with scholarly or intellectual pursuits, as many KAs were known for their contributions to literature, poetry, and philosophy.

One notable figure from this era was Ka Nampillai, a Tamil poet and scholar who lived in the 14th century. His works played a significant role in the development of Tamil literature and are still widely studied today.

As trade and migration patterns evolved, the name KA spread to other parts of India and even beyond its borders. In the 16th century, a prominent KA family settled in the region of Bengal, where they became influential landowners and patrons of the arts.

A famous member of this family was Ka Siraj, a renowned poet and writer who lived from 1564 to 1645. His works, which often explored themes of love, spirituality, and human nature, are considered literary masterpieces in Bengali literature.

In the 18th century, a KA named Ka Anant Rao rose to prominence as a skilled military leader and strategist. He served under the Maratha Empire and played a crucial role in several important battles against the Mughals and other rivals.

As the centuries passed, the KA surname continued to be associated with intellectual and artistic pursuits. In the 19th century, a notable figure was Ka Nageshudu, a Telugu writer and social reformer who advocated for the education of women and the abolition of certain societal practices.

Throughout its history, the surname KA has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, poets, warriors, and social reformers. While its origins can be traced back to ancient India, the name has transcended geographical boundaries and continues to be a part of the rich cultural tapestry of the subcontinent.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Ka surname: questions and answers

How common is the Ka surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 121 in 2016. That gives Ka a modern rank of #27,399.

What does the Ka surname mean?