NameCensus.

UK surname

Malli

A surname of Indian origin, possibly derived from the Malayalam word "malli" meaning garland or flower seller.

In the 1881 census there were 1 people recorded with the Malli surname, ranking it #34,027 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 108, ranked #29,578, up from #34,027 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Malli is 108 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 10700.0%.

1881 census count

1

Ranked #34,027

Modern count

108

2016, ranked #29,578

Peak year

2016

108 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Malli had 1 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #34,027 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 108 in 2016, ranked #29,578.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Malli surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Malli surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Malli 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
1881 historical 1 #34,027
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1997 modern 54 #32,210
1998 modern 56 #32,313
1999 modern 57 #32,367
2000 modern 62 #31,939
2001 modern 65 #31,501
2002 modern 67 #31,723
2003 modern 76 #30,883
2004 modern 74 #31,306
2005 modern 75 #31,400
2006 modern 91 #29,725
2007 modern 97 #29,156
2008 modern 102 #28,664
2009 modern 96 #30,239
2010 modern 97 #30,697
2011 modern 101 #29,938
2012 modern 100 #30,258
2013 modern 102 #30,415
2014 modern 107 #29,827
2015 modern 107 #29,708
2016 modern 108 #29,578

Geography

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Where Mallis 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 Camden, Guildford, Leeds and King's Lynn and West Norfolk. 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 Camden 006 Camden
2 Guildford 004 Guildford
3 Leeds 020 Leeds
4 King's Lynn and West Norfolk 015 King's Lynn and West Norfolk
5 Leeds 023 Leeds

Forenames

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First names often paired with Malli

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

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

Malli 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

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

Meaning and origin of Malli

The surname Malli originated in India, with roots dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit word "malla," which referred to wrestlers or athletes known for their physical prowess and martial skills.

In the early medieval period, the Malli surname was prevalent among the warrior class and nobility in various regions of the Indian subcontinent. Historical records indicate that families bearing this name held influential positions and played significant roles in local dynasties and kingdoms.

One of the earliest documented references to the Malli name can be found in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, where a group of warriors known as the "Mallas" is mentioned. This text, composed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE, suggests the antiquity of the name and its association with strength and martial traditions.

During the 11th century, a prominent figure named Malla Bhatta, a renowned philosopher and scholar, contributed significantly to the field of logic and epistemology. His works, such as the "Nyayapradipa," have been widely studied and revered within Hindu philosophical traditions.

In the 13th century, Malik Kafur, a prominent military general and slave of Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, played a crucial role in the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. Despite his foreign origins, he adopted the name Malik, which is closely related to Malli, highlighting the name's association with power and authority.

Another notable figure bearing the Malli surname was Malla Singh, a Rajput warrior and ruler of the Bundelkhand region in central India during the 16th century. He is remembered for his valor and resistance against the Mughal Empire, leading his forces in several battles to defend his kingdom.

In the 18th century, Malla Reddy, a renowned chieftain from the Telangana region, gained prominence for his efforts in establishing the Vijayanagara Empire's control over parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. His name, Malla Reddy, is a combination of the Malli surname and the honorific title "Reddy," reflecting his influential status.

While the Malli surname has its roots in India, it has also spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its historical significance and associations with strength, martial prowess, and nobility remain deeply rooted in its Indian origins.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Malli families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Malli 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. Warwickshire leads with 1 Mallis recorded in 1881 and an index of 41.15x.

County Total Index
Warwickshire 1 41.15x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Birmingham in Warwickshire leads with 1 Mallis recorded in 1881 and an index of 123.46x.

Place Total Index
Birmingham 1 123.46x

Top male names

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

Name Count
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 Malli households.

Occupation Count
Pearl Button 1

FAQ

Malli surname: questions and answers

How common was the Malli surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1 people were recorded with the Malli surname. That placed it at #34,027 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Malli surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 108 in 2016. That gives Malli a modern rank of #29,578.

What does the Malli surname mean?

A surname of Indian origin, possibly derived from the Malayalam word "malli" meaning garland or flower seller.

What does the Malli map show?

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