NameCensus.

UK surname

Ly

A Vietnamese surname derived from the Chinese surname Li, meaning "plum" or "plum tree."

In the 1881 census there were 4 people recorded with the Ly surname, ranking it #33,288 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,032, ranked #5,656, up from #33,288 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ly is 1,113 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 25700.0%.

1881 census count

4

Ranked #33,288

Modern count

1,032

2016, ranked #5,656

Peak year

2010

1,113 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Ly had 4 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,288 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,032 in 2016, ranked #5,656.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Ly surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Ly surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Ly 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
1881 historical 4 #33,288
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1997 modern 628 #7,884
1998 modern 706 #7,425
1999 modern 762 #7,057
2000 modern 774 #6,951
2001 modern 750 #6,987
2002 modern 822 #6,627
2003 modern 881 #6,182
2004 modern 907 #6,059
2005 modern 929 #5,885
2006 modern 960 #5,742
2007 modern 1,004 #5,591
2008 modern 1,021 #5,555
2009 modern 1,053 #5,537
2010 modern 1,113 #5,383
2011 modern 1,080 #5,457
2012 modern 1,017 #5,665
2013 modern 1,046 #5,629
2014 modern 1,043 #5,664
2015 modern 1,021 #5,713
2016 modern 1,032 #5,656

Geography

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Where Lys 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 Bexley, Lewisham, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets. 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 Bexley 002 Bexley
2 Lewisham 039 Lewisham
3 Greenwich 005 Greenwich
4 Lewisham 002 Lewisham
5 Tower Hamlets 030 Tower Hamlets

Forenames

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First names often paired with Ly

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

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Ly, 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 Ly surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Ly 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

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Ly is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

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

Ly 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

Ly 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 Ly 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 - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Ly

The surname Ly has its origins in the ancient Vietnamese language. It is derived from the Vietnamese word "ly," which means "separate" or "detached." The name first emerged in the northern regions of Vietnam during the 11th century, particularly in the areas surrounding the capital city of Thang Long, now known as Hanoi.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Ly can be found in the historical chronicles of the Ly Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1009 to 1225. During this period, the Ly family held the throne, and their name became closely associated with the ruling class and nobility. The most notable figure from this dynasty was Ly Thanh Tong, a revered emperor who reigned from 1054 to 1072 and was known for his efforts in promoting Buddhism and cultural development.

In the 13th century, the Ly surname gained further prominence with the birth of Ly Tu Trong (1230-1310), a renowned Confucian scholar and philosopher. His writings and teachings had a profound impact on Vietnamese literature and intellectual thought during the Tran Dynasty.

As the Ly family dispersed throughout Vietnam over the centuries, the surname evolved into various spellings and regional variations. In some areas, it was written as "Li" or "Lý," while in others, it took on forms like "Lê" or "Lý Trần."

One of the most famous individuals bearing the Ly surname was Ly Thuong Kiet (1019-1105), a revered general and military strategist who played a crucial role in the Ly Dynasty's defense against the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. His tactics and leadership during the Battle of Bach Dang River in 1288 are celebrated as a defining moment in Vietnam's struggle for independence.

Another notable figure was Ly Cong Uan (1870-1941), a prominent scholar and reformist who advocated for Vietnamese independence from French colonial rule. He was a leading figure in the Dong Du movement, which promoted the modernization of Vietnam through educational and cultural reforms.

Throughout history, the Ly surname has been carried by various Vietnamese families across different regions and social strata. While it originated among the nobility and ruling class, it has since become a common surname found among people from all walks of life, reflecting the rich tapestry of Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Ly families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Ly 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. Devon leads with 2 Lys recorded in 1881 and an index of 49.88x.

County Total Index
Devon 2 49.88x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Cockington in Devon leads with 1 Lys recorded in 1881 and an index of 0.00x.

Place Total Index
Cockington 1 0.00x
Fremington 1 10000.00x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Ann 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Frances 1

FAQ

Ly surname: questions and answers

How common was the Ly surname in 1881?

In 1881, 4 people were recorded with the Ly surname. That placed it at #33,288 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Ly surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,032 in 2016. That gives Ly a modern rank of #5,656.

What does the Ly surname mean?

A Vietnamese surname derived from the Chinese surname Li, meaning "plum" or "plum tree."

What does the Ly map show?

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