NameCensus.

UK surname

Maheshwari

A Hindu surname for persons hailing from the Maheshwari community of merchants and traders.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Croydon, Brent and Camden.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Maheshwari is 111 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

109

2016, ranked #29,402

Peak year

2010

111 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 109 in 2016, ranked #29,402.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Maheshwari surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Maheshwari surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Maheshwari 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 7 #37,533
1998 modern 6 #37,703
1999 modern 8 #37,367
2000 modern 10 #37,001
2001 modern 10 #36,852
2002 modern 18 #36,067
2003 modern 16 #36,304
2004 modern 25 #35,610
2005 modern 40 #34,562
2006 modern 57 #33,513
2007 modern 65 #33,045
2008 modern 76 #32,279
2009 modern 98 #29,906
2010 modern 111 #28,509
2011 modern 101 #29,938
2012 modern 106 #29,187
2013 modern 104 #30,076
2014 modern 100 #31,033
2015 modern 99 #31,168
2016 modern 109 #29,402

Geography

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Where Maheshwaris 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 Croydon, Brent, Camden, Sutton and Westminster. 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 Croydon 023 Croydon
2 Brent 029 Brent
3 Camden 004 Camden
4 Sutton 018 Sutton
5 Westminster 008 Westminster

Forenames

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First names often paired with Maheshwari

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

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

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Maheshwari surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Maheshwari 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 never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Maheshwari 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

Maheshwari 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

Maheshwari falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Maheshwari is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Maheshwari

The surname Maheshwari originated in India and traces its roots to the ancient Sanskrit language. It is believed to have derived from the word "Maheshwara," which means "the great Lord" or "the Supreme Being," referring to Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. This surname has a strong connection to the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat in western India.

Historically, the Maheshwaris were a community of merchants and traders who played a significant role in the economic and commercial activities of the region. They were known for their expertise in textile trading, particularly in the production and export of fine silk and cotton fabrics.

The earliest recorded instances of the Maheshwari surname can be found in various medieval texts and inscriptions from the 11th to 14th centuries CE. These include references in the Prabhanda literature of Rajasthan, as well as in some local gazetteers and chronicles.

One notable historical figure bearing the Maheshwari surname was Shri Gopaldas Maheshwari, a prominent silk merchant and philanthropist who lived in the 17th century in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. He was renowned for his generosity and contributions to various social and religious causes.

Another significant individual was Shri Nathuram Maheshwari, a renowned scholar and author who lived in the 18th century. He wrote several influential works on Hindu philosophy, astrology, and literature, including the celebrated treatise "Maheshwari Niti Shastra."

In the 19th century, Shri Motilal Maheshwari was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. He actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and was imprisoned for his activism against British rule.

During the 20th century, Shri Govindram Maheshwari made significant contributions to the field of education. He established several schools and educational institutions in Rajasthan, promoting the cause of literacy and learning among underprivileged communities.

Lastly, Shri Kesharichand Maheshwari was a renowned artist and sculptor from Gujarat, known for his intricate and exquisite stone carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who bore the Maheshwari surname throughout history, highlighting the diverse contributions of this community to various fields, including commerce, literature, social reform, education, and the arts.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Maheshwari surname: questions and answers

How common is the Maheshwari surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 109 in 2016. That gives Maheshwari a modern rank of #29,402.

What does the Maheshwari surname mean?

A Hindu surname for persons hailing from the Maheshwari community of merchants and traders.

What does the Maheshwari map show?

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