NameCensus.

UK surname

Karra

A surname originating from India, derived from the Sanskrit word "kara" meaning hand or arm.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Karra is 120 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

120

2016, ranked #27,563

Peak year

2016

120 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 120 in 2016, ranked #27,563.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Karra surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Karra surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Karra 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 40 #33,666
1998 modern 40 #33,856
1999 modern 43 #33,683
2000 modern 49 #33,187
2001 modern 49 #33,048
2002 modern 55 #32,831
2003 modern 53 #33,076
2004 modern 55 #33,154
2005 modern 61 #32,814
2006 modern 69 #32,343
2007 modern 71 #32,484
2008 modern 81 #31,713
2009 modern 81 #32,172
2010 modern 93 #31,239
2011 modern 95 #30,877
2012 modern 102 #29,902
2013 modern 113 #28,502
2014 modern 116 #28,253
2015 modern 115 #28,319
2016 modern 120 #27,563

Geography

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Where Karras 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 Sandwell and Birmingham. 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 Sandwell 017 Sandwell
2 Sandwell 019 Sandwell
3 Birmingham 133 Birmingham
4 Birmingham 039 Birmingham
5 Birmingham 034 Birmingham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Karra

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

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Karra, 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

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

Nationally, the Karra surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Karra household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

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

Young Asian Family Terraces

Within London, Karra is most associated with areas classed as Young Asian Family Terraces, 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 households with dependent children typically live in terraced housing and are of (non-Chinese) Asian extraction. Individuals with Bangladeshi origins are particularly in evidence. Employment is often in elementary occupations or as process, plant or machine operatives, and part-time work is common. Students are much in evidence.

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

Karra 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

Karra 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 Karra is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

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

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Karra

The surname KARRA is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, with roots that can be traced back to the ancient Sanskrit language. This name likely derives from the Sanskrit word "kara," which means "hand" or "arm." In ancient times, this word was often used to refer to skilled artisans or craftsmen who worked with their hands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name KARRA can be found in historical records from the medieval period in the Indian state of Karnataka. During this time, the name was often associated with families involved in various artisanal trades, such as metalworking, pottery, and weaving.

In the 14th century, there are references to a skilled metalworker named Karra Siddappa, who was renowned for his intricate work on temple sculptures and architectural elements in the region of present-day Karnataka. His creations can still be seen adorning several ancient temples and monuments in the area.

As trade and migration patterns evolved, the name KARRA began to spread beyond its initial geographic origins. By the 16th century, individuals bearing this surname could be found in various parts of South India, as well as in neighboring regions like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

One notable figure from this period was Karra Bhupati, a celebrated poet and scholar from the Vijayanagara Empire, who lived between 1510 and 1585. His works, which explored themes of philosophy, religion, and love, are considered seminal contributions to Telugu literature.

In the 17th century, the name KARRA gained prominence in the princely state of Mysore, where a family of hereditary ministers and advisors held significant influence at the royal court. The most renowned among them was Karra Krishnappa Nayaka, who served as the prime minister to the Maharaja of Mysore from 1638 to 1659.

As waves of migration continued, the KARRA surname eventually found its way to other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and even North America. However, its roots remain firmly embedded in the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, where it has been borne by numerous skilled artisans, scholars, and influential figures throughout history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Karra surname: questions and answers

How common is the Karra surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 120 in 2016. That gives Karra a modern rank of #27,563.

What does the Karra surname mean?

A surname originating from India, derived from the Sanskrit word "kara" meaning hand or arm.

What does the Karra map show?

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