NameCensus.

UK surname

Makoni

An African surname from Zimbabwe meaning "chief" or "ruler".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Southwark, Hastings and Welwyn Hatfield.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Makoni is 200 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

200

2016, ranked #19,591

Peak year

2016

200 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 200 in 2016, ranked #19,591.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Makoni surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Makoni surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Makoni 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 21 #35,692
1998 modern 23 #35,603
1999 modern 27 #35,224
2000 modern 29 #34,976
2001 modern 35 #34,261
2002 modern 63 #32,113
2003 modern 82 #30,206
2004 modern 122 #24,812
2005 modern 131 #23,737
2006 modern 143 #22,619
2007 modern 148 #22,406
2008 modern 150 #22,429
2009 modern 164 #21,628
2010 modern 188 #20,235
2011 modern 165 #21,829
2012 modern 190 #19,864
2013 modern 194 #19,932
2014 modern 189 #20,441
2015 modern 196 #19,840
2016 modern 200 #19,591

Geography

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Where Makonis 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 Southwark, Hastings, Welwyn Hatfield, Kensington and Chelsea and Birmingham. 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 Southwark 033 Southwark
2 Hastings 010 Hastings
3 Welwyn Hatfield 012 Welwyn Hatfield
4 Kensington and Chelsea 013 Kensington and Chelsea
5 Birmingham 049 Birmingham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Makoni

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Makoni

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

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Makoni surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Makoni 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Makoni is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Makoni 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

Makoni 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 Makoni 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
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Makoni

The surname Makoni is of Zimbabwean origin, tracing its roots back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from the Shona language, a Bantu language spoken primarily in Zimbabwe and neighboring regions. The name is thought to be derived from the word "makoni," which means "salt-producing areas" or "places where salt is obtained."

The earliest recorded instances of the Makoni surname can be found in historical accounts and documents from the Mutapa Empire, a powerful kingdom that ruled over parts of present-day Zimbabwe and Mozambique between the 15th and 17th centuries. During this period, the Makoni people were known for their expertise in salt production, which was a valuable commodity in the region.

One of the first notable individuals with the Makoni surname was Chief Makoni, a prominent leader of the Makoni people in the late 16th century. He was renowned for his diplomatic skills and his efforts to maintain peaceful relations with the Mutapa Empire and other neighboring kingdoms.

In the 18th century, the Makoni surname gained further recognition through the exploits of Changamire Makoni, a Rozvi chief who led a successful rebellion against the declining Mutapa Empire. His defiance and military prowess earned him a place in Zimbabwean history as a symbol of resistance and independence.

Another significant figure associated with the Makoni surname was Nehanda Makoni, a female spiritual leader and prophet who played a crucial role in the First Chimurenga, a major uprising against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. She was executed by the colonial authorities in 1898 but remains a revered figure in Zimbabwean history and culture.

The Makoni surname has also been linked to various place names in Zimbabwe, such as the Makoni District, located in the eastern part of the country, and the Makoni Chieftainship, which encompasses several villages and communities in the region.

Throughout history, several other notable individuals have borne the Makoni surname, including:

1. Tafara Makoni (1956-), a Zimbabwean politician and former member of parliament. 2. Yvonne Makoni (1980-), a Zimbabwean-born English cricketer. 3. Munyaradzi Makoni (1950-), a Zimbabwean politician and former finance minister. 4. Simukai Makoni (1990-), a Zimbabwean footballer. 5. Tapiwa Makoni (1993-), a Zimbabwean cricketer.

The Makoni surname has endured for centuries, carrying with it a rich history deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage and traditions of Zimbabwe.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Makoni surname: questions and answers

How common is the Makoni surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 200 in 2016. That gives Makoni a modern rank of #19,591.

What does the Makoni surname mean?

An African surname from Zimbabwe meaning "chief" or "ruler".

What does the Makoni map show?

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