NameCensus.

UK surname

Kass

A Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word for "cup" or "goblet," likely referring to a ceremonial cup engraver.

In the 1881 census there were 3 people recorded with the Kass surname, ranking it #33,498 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 118, ranked #27,873, up from #33,498 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Redbridge, Barnet and Glenfarg, Dunning and Rhynd.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Kass is 125 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 3833.3%.

1881 census count

3

Ranked #33,498

Modern count

118

2016, ranked #27,873

Peak year

2015

125 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Kass had 3 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,498 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 118 in 2016, ranked #27,873.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 33 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Kass surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Kass surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Kass 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
1851 historical 2 #33,133
1861 historical 33 #29,814
1881 historical 3 #33,498
1891 historical 2 #34,436
1901 historical 13 #32,633
1911 historical 12 #32,302
1997 modern 79 #29,672
1998 modern 84 #29,537
1999 modern 84 #29,700
2000 modern 91 #28,952
2001 modern 88 #29,056
2002 modern 92 #29,040
2003 modern 103 #27,234
2004 modern 101 #27,813
2005 modern 91 #29,406
2006 modern 92 #29,576
2007 modern 99 #28,852
2008 modern 103 #28,519
2009 modern 110 #27,991
2010 modern 101 #30,078
2011 modern 113 #27,967
2012 modern 113 #28,016
2013 modern 116 #27,992
2014 modern 120 #27,646
2015 modern 125 #26,808
2016 modern 118 #27,873

Geography

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Where Kass' 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 Redbridge, Barnet and Glenfarg, Dunning and Rhynd. 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 Redbridge 008 Redbridge
2 Barnet 032 Barnet
3 Glenfarg, Dunning and Rhynd Perth and Kinross
4 Barnet 033 Barnet
5 Barnet 034 Barnet

Forenames

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First names often paired with Kass

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Kass

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

Kass 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

Kass falls in decile 8 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Kass 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
White - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Kass

The surname Kass has its origins in the German language, with the earliest records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old German word "kasse," which means "box" or "chest." This suggests that the name may have been an occupational surname, referring to someone who made or sold boxes or chests.

In Germany, the surname Kass was particularly common in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony. One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in a document from the town of Nürnberg, dated 1287, which mentions a person named Hans Kass.

As the name spread across Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, including Cass, Kasse, and Kasse. In some instances, the name was also associated with certain place names. For example, in the Netherlands, the surname Kass was sometimes linked to the town of Kasse, located in the province of Friesland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Kass. One of the earliest was Johann Kass (1470-1542), a German painter and engraver who was active in Nuremberg during the Renaissance period. Another prominent figure was Theodor Kass (1835-1904), a German theologian and author who wrote extensively on church history.

In the 20th century, the name Kass gained recognition through individuals such as Lewis Kass (1904-1975), an American painter and lithographer known for his depictions of urban life. Additionally, Leon R. Kass (born 1939) is an American philosopher and bioethicist who served as the chairman of the President's Council on Bioethics from 2001 to 2005.

Notably, the surname Kass has also been associated with prominent figures in the field of literature. One example is Sherry Kass (born 1947), an American author and playwright who has written several novels and plays. Another is Candace Kass (born 1972), a Canadian novelist and short story writer known for her works exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage.

While the surname Kass has its roots in Germany and has spread across various regions, it remains a relatively uncommon name globally. However, it continues to be carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds, each adding their own unique chapter to the rich history of this surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Kass families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Kass 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 2 Kass' recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.77x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 2 5.77x
Middlesex 1 3.42x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. West Derby in Lancashire leads with 2 Kass' recorded in 1881 and an index of 198.02x.

Place Total Index
West Derby 2 198.02x
St George In East London 1 370.37x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 2
Louise 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Kass households.

Occupation Count
Prostitute 1
Scholar 1

FAQ

Kass surname: questions and answers

How common was the Kass surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3 people were recorded with the Kass surname. That placed it at #33,498 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Kass surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 118 in 2016. That gives Kass a modern rank of #27,873.

What does the Kass surname mean?

A Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word for "cup" or "goblet," likely referring to a ceremonial cup engraver.

What does the Kass map show?

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