NameCensus.

UK surname

Meah

A surname of unclear origin, possibly related to "mead" or an archaic spelling of "meadow".

In the 1881 census there were 7 people recorded with the Meah surname, ranking it #32,765 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,436, ranked #4,270, up from #32,765 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Westminster, Gloucester and Sheffield.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Meah is 1,570 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 20414.3%.

1881 census count

7

Ranked #32,765

Modern count

1,436

2016, ranked #4,270

Peak year

2010

1,570 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Meah had 7 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #32,765 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,436 in 2016, ranked #4,270.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 42 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Meah surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Meah surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Meah 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 5 #32,456
1861 historical 42 #28,691
1881 historical 7 #32,765
1891 historical 24 #32,320
1901 historical 9 #33,154
1911 historical 29 #30,190
1997 modern 1,097 #5,084
1998 modern 1,185 #4,934
1999 modern 1,245 #4,763
2000 modern 1,264 #4,698
2001 modern 1,223 #4,728
2002 modern 1,322 #4,504
2003 modern 1,344 #4,363
2004 modern 1,347 #4,363
2005 modern 1,395 #4,199
2006 modern 1,397 #4,198
2007 modern 1,428 #4,167
2008 modern 1,441 #4,164
2009 modern 1,510 #4,093
2010 modern 1,570 #4,023
2011 modern 1,524 #4,099
2012 modern 1,447 #4,202
2013 modern 1,481 #4,189
2014 modern 1,505 #4,166
2015 modern 1,473 #4,200
2016 modern 1,436 #4,270

Geography

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Where Meahs 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 Westminster, Gloucester, Sheffield, Lambeth and Oldham. 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 Westminster 009 Westminster
2 Gloucester 005 Gloucester
3 Sheffield 027 Sheffield
4 Lambeth 004 Lambeth
5 Oldham 016 Oldham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Meah

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Meah

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

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

Nationally, the Meah surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Meah household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Challenged Inner London Communities

Within London, Meah is most associated with areas classed as Challenged Inner London Communities, 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

Resident in some of Inner London’s most over-crowded communities, many families have children and marriage/civil partnership rates are above the Supergroup average. Other adults such as students live in communal establishments. Few residents have Level 4 educational qualifications, levels of unemployment are above the Supergroup average, and employment is concentrated in service occupations such as distribution, hotels and restaurants. Relative to the Supergroup average, fewer residents identify as being of mixed/multiple ethnicities, Black or Other Asian.

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

Meah 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

Meah 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 Meah 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Meah

The surname "MEAH" is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "meah," which means "kinsman" or "relative." The name may have originally been used to refer to someone who was related to a prominent family or clan.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname "MEAH" can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners and property holdings in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. In this document, the name appears as "Meha," which was likely an early spelling variation.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the surname "MEAH" was concentrated primarily in the counties of Warwickshire and Staffordshire, where it was associated with several small villages and hamlets. Some of these place names, such as Meaham and Meahampton, may have been derived from the surname itself.

In the 14th century, a notable figure named John Meah (c. 1320 - 1390) was a wealthy merchant and landowner in the city of York. He was recorded as owning several properties and businesses within the city walls.

Another individual of note was William Meah (c. 1450 - 1525), a prominent clergyman who served as the Dean of Lincoln Cathedral during the early years of the 16th century. He was known for his efforts to reform the cathedral's administration and strengthen its finances.

During the Tudor period, the surname "MEAH" gained some prominence among the English gentry. One notable example was Thomas Meah (c. 1520 - 1589), a country squire and landowner in Warwickshire who served as a Justice of the Peace and was involved in local government affairs.

In the 17th century, a man named Samuel Meah (1628 - 1702) was a respected scholar and author who published several works on theology and philosophy. He was also a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and served as the college's librarian for many years.

Another notable figure was Elizabeth Meah (1670 - 1746), a wealthy heiress and philanthropist who used her fortune to establish several charitable foundations and endowments in her hometown of Staffordshire. She is remembered for her generosity and commitment to supporting education and social welfare initiatives.

While the surname "MEAH" has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it continues to be associated with its English origins and connections to the counties of Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Meah families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Meah 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. Royal Navy leads with 4 Meahs recorded in 1881 and an index of 312.50x.

County Total Index
Royal Navy 4 312.50x
Essex 3 14.18x
Cheshire 1 4.22x
Glamorgan 1 5.36x
Kent 1 2.73x
Middlesex 1 0.93x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. East Ham in Essex leads with 3 Meahs recorded in 1881 and an index of 769.23x.

Place Total Index
East Ham 3 769.23x
Birkenhead 1 52.91x
Poplar London 1 49.51x
Walmer 1 625.00x
Ystradyfodwg 1 60.98x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Doola 1
Fuzel 1
Heerah 1
Ishan 1
Musby 1
Sidney 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 Meah households.

FAQ

Meah surname: questions and answers

How common was the Meah surname in 1881?

In 1881, 7 people were recorded with the Meah surname. That placed it at #32,765 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Meah surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,436 in 2016. That gives Meah a modern rank of #4,270.

What does the Meah surname mean?

A surname of unclear origin, possibly related to "mead" or an archaic spelling of "meadow".

What does the Meah map show?

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