NameCensus.

UK surname

Ke

A Chinese surname meaning "guest".

In the 1881 census there were 33 people recorded with the Ke surname, ranking it #28,965 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 116, ranked #28,197, up from #28,965 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Tower Hamlets, Barnet and Sunderland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ke is 116 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 251.5%.

1881 census count

33

Ranked #28,965

Modern count

116

2016, ranked #28,197

Peak year

2016

116 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Ke had 33 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #28,965 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 116 in 2016, ranked #28,197.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 33 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Ke surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Ke surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Ke 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 9 #31,675
1881 historical 33 #28,965
1901 historical 2 #34,263
1997 modern 16 #36,292
1998 modern 19 #36,009
1999 modern 19 #36,041
2000 modern 19 #36,007
2001 modern 19 #35,866
2002 modern 29 #35,030
2003 modern 31 #34,957
2004 modern 42 #34,222
2005 modern 42 #34,395
2006 modern 36 #35,131
2007 modern 53 #34,115
2008 modern 50 #34,521
2009 modern 54 #34,431
2010 modern 64 #33,946
2011 modern 61 #34,121
2012 modern 78 #33,044
2013 modern 92 #31,909
2014 modern 97 #31,518
2015 modern 104 #30,269
2016 modern 116 #28,197

Geography

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Where Kes 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 Tower Hamlets, Barnet, Sunderland, Hounslow and Merton. 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 Tower Hamlets 032 Tower Hamlets
2 Barnet 040 Barnet
3 Sunderland 006 Sunderland
4 Hounslow 001 Hounslow
5 Merton 009 Merton

Forenames

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First names often paired with Ke

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

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

Ethnically Diverse Young Families

Nationally, the Ke surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Ke 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 younger parents born overseas (particularly in Africa or EU countries) with children aged 0-4. Individuals identifying as of Mixed or Multiple ethnicities are also common. English may not be the primary language spoken. Accommodation consists principally of flats, and many properties are socially rented and/or overcrowded. Students are also present, unemployment is common, and other adults tend to work in low skilled jobs.

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

Challenged Inner London Communities

Within London, Ke is most associated with areas classed as Challenged Inner London Communities, 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

Resident in some of Inner London’s most over-crowded communities, many families have children and marriage/civil partnership rates are above the Supergroup average. Other adults such as students live in communal establishments. Few residents have Level 4 educational qualifications, levels of unemployment are above the Supergroup average, and employment is concentrated in service occupations such as distribution, hotels and restaurants. Relative to the Supergroup average, fewer residents identify as being of mixed/multiple ethnicities, Black or Other Asian.

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

Ke 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

Ke falls in decile 1 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.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Ke is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Ke

The surname "Ke" is believed to have originated in China, with its roots dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Chinese character "ke," which can be translated to mean "guest" or "visitor." This suggests that the name may have been initially given to individuals who traveled frequently or who were considered outsiders in a particular region.

One of the earliest documented mentions of the surname "Ke" can be found in historical records from the Tang Dynasty, which ruled China from 618 to 907 AD. During this period, the name was particularly prevalent in the eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where many families bearing this surname resided.

In the 11th century, a scholar named Ke Zongzhou (1010-1070) gained recognition for his contributions to the study of Chinese classics and literature. He is considered one of the most notable individuals with the surname "Ke" during the Song Dynasty.

Another significant figure was Ke Jiusi (1290-1343), a renowned military strategist and advisor during the Yuan Dynasty. He played a crucial role in several military campaigns and was highly respected for his tactical expertise.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the "Ke" surname spread to other regions of China. One notable individual from this period was Ke Shengzhong (1532-1607), a prominent politician and scholar who served as a high-ranking official in the imperial court.

In the 18th century, Ke Guangyi (1768-1854) emerged as a prominent scholar and calligrapher, renowned for his exceptional calligraphic skills and contributions to the study of Chinese literature.

Moving into more recent history, Ke Yunlu (1903-1997) was a celebrated artist and art educator who played a significant role in the development of modern Chinese art education. His works are highly regarded and can be found in numerous art museums and galleries across China.

While the surname "Ke" has its roots in ancient China, it has since spread to other parts of the world, carried by individuals of Chinese descent who have migrated to various countries over the centuries. However, the historical records and notable figures mentioned above provide insight into the rich heritage and significance of this surname within the context of Chinese culture and history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Ke families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Ke 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. Hampshire leads with 1 Kes recorded in 1881 and an index of 25.32x.

County Total Index
Hampshire 1 25.32x
Middlesex 1 5.19x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Paddington London in Middlesex leads with 1 Kes recorded in 1881 and an index of 140.85x.

Place Total Index
Paddington London 1 140.85x
St Thomas Winchester 1 3333.33x

Top male names

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

Name Count
Pietro 1
William 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 Ke households.

FAQ

Ke surname: questions and answers

How common was the Ke surname in 1881?

In 1881, 33 people were recorded with the Ke surname. That placed it at #28,965 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Ke surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 116 in 2016. That gives Ke a modern rank of #28,197.

What does the Ke surname mean?

A Chinese surname meaning "guest".

What does the Ke map show?

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