NameCensus.

UK surname

Kanji

A Japanese surname derived from the Japanese characters used in writing.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Kanji is 466 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

450

2016, ranked #10,809

Peak year

2010

466 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 450 in 2016, ranked #10,809.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Kanji surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Kanji surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Kanji 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 355 #12,040
1998 modern 380 #11,827
1999 modern 400 #11,439
2000 modern 420 #10,998
2001 modern 416 #10,898
2002 modern 407 #11,294
2003 modern 429 #10,684
2004 modern 435 #10,600
2005 modern 442 #10,346
2006 modern 430 #10,624
2007 modern 454 #10,264
2008 modern 463 #10,204
2009 modern 458 #10,519
2010 modern 466 #10,595
2011 modern 459 #10,607
2012 modern 446 #10,733
2013 modern 457 #10,705
2014 modern 451 #10,882
2015 modern 450 #10,819
2016 modern 450 #10,809

Geography

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Where Kanjis 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 Brent, Greenwich, Leicester and Harrow. 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 Brent 026 Brent
2 Greenwich 007 Greenwich
3 Leicester 017 Leicester
4 Harrow 010 Harrow
5 Brent 033 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Kanji

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

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

Kanji 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

Kanji 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 Kanji 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 - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Kanji

The surname "KANJI" is believed to have originated in Japan during the late 19th century. It is derived from the Japanese word "kanji," which refers to the logographic writing system used in the Japanese language. This writing system was adapted from Chinese characters and has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname "KANJI" can be traced back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent a rapid modernization process and adopted many Western customs, including the use of surnames. It is possible that the surname was initially adopted by individuals who had a strong connection to the traditional Japanese writing system or those who were involved in the study or teaching of kanji.

One of the earliest known individuals with the surname "KANJI" was Kanji Ishibashi (1884-1957), a Japanese businessman and industrialist. He founded the Bridgestone Corporation, one of the world's largest tire manufacturers, and played a significant role in the development of the Japanese rubber industry.

Another notable figure with the surname "KANJI" was Kanji Tatsuguchi (1880-1924), a Japanese politician and diplomat. He served as the Japanese ambassador to various countries, including China and the United States, and was instrumental in promoting international relations during the early 20th century.

In the field of literature, Kanji Miyazawa (1896-1933) was a renowned Japanese writer and poet. His works, such as "Night on the Galactic Railroad," explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition, and have had a lasting impact on Japanese literature.

The surname "KANJI" can also be found in historical records from the early 20th century, such as government documents and census records. However, it is important to note that the use of surnames in Japan was not widespread until the late 19th century, so earlier records may be limited.

While the surname "KANJI" is relatively uncommon, it has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including business, politics, and literature. The name's connection to the traditional Japanese writing system and its adoption during a period of modernization in Japan add to its rich cultural significance.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Kanji surname: questions and answers

How common is the Kanji surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 450 in 2016. That gives Kanji a modern rank of #10,809.

What does the Kanji surname mean?

A Japanese surname derived from the Japanese characters used in writing.

What does the Kanji map show?

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