NameCensus.

UK surname

Koshy

A surname of Indian origin referring to people of the Nair caste.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Koshy is 167 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

167

2016, ranked #22,055

Peak year

2014

167 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 167 in 2016, ranked #22,055.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Koshy surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Koshy surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Koshy 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 31 #34,582
1998 modern 34 #34,433
1999 modern 37 #34,248
2000 modern 39 #34,066
2001 modern 40 #33,842
2002 modern 54 #32,927
2003 modern 63 #32,152
2004 modern 76 #31,125
2005 modern 94 #28,973
2006 modern 107 #27,179
2007 modern 117 #26,066
2008 modern 134 #24,249
2009 modern 145 #23,473
2010 modern 153 #23,175
2011 modern 158 #22,473
2012 modern 146 #23,681
2013 modern 164 #22,236
2014 modern 167 #22,180
2015 modern 166 #22,159
2016 modern 167 #22,055

Geography

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Where Koshys 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 Hillingdon, Elmbridge, Barnet, Knowsley and East Riding of Yorkshire. 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 Hillingdon 027 Hillingdon
2 Elmbridge 015 Elmbridge
3 Barnet 030 Barnet
4 Knowsley 020 Knowsley
5 East Riding of Yorkshire 028 East Riding of Yorkshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Koshy

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

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

Koshy 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

Koshy 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 Koshy 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 Koshy, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Koshy

The surname "KOSHY" is believed to have originated in the Indian state of Kerala, situated in the southwestern region of the subcontinent. This name likely traces its roots back to the ancient Malayalam language, which has been spoken in Kerala for several centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname "KOSHY" can be found in historical documents dating back to the 16th century, when Kerala was under the rule of the powerful Travancore Kingdom. During this period, the name was often associated with families from the Nair caste, a prominent community in the region.

In the centuries that followed, the "KOSHY" surname became increasingly prevalent across various parts of Kerala, with some members of this lineage establishing themselves as influential figures in various fields, including politics, literature, and commerce.

One notable individual bearing the "KOSHY" surname was Kurian Koshy, a prominent writer and social reformer who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a pioneering figure in the Malayalam literary renaissance and played a crucial role in advocating for social and educational reforms in Kerala.

Another distinguished individual with the "KOSHY" surname was Thekkedath Koshy, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who lived during the late 19th century. He was known for his significant contributions to the development of the city of Kochi, where he established several educational and charitable institutions.

In the realm of politics, P.T. Koshy was a prominent figure who served as a member of the Travancore Legislative Council in the early 20th century. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of the underprivileged and played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Kerala during that era.

It is also worth noting that the surname "KOSHY" has been subject to various spelling variations over the centuries, such as "KOSHI," "KOSHIE," and "KOSHE." These variations can often be attributed to regional dialects and the influence of other languages, particularly English, during the colonial period in India.

Throughout its long history, the surname "KOSHY" has maintained a strong presence in Kerala, and individuals bearing this name have made significant contributions to various aspects of society, including literature, business, politics, and social reform.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Koshy surname: questions and answers

How common is the Koshy surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 167 in 2016. That gives Koshy a modern rank of #22,055.

What does the Koshy surname mean?

A surname of Indian origin referring to people of the Nair caste.

What does the Koshy map show?

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