NameCensus.

UK surname

Menon

A surname of Malayalam origin indicating a high-caste Hindu family from the Indian state of Kerala.

In the 1881 census there were 1 people recorded with the Menon surname, ranking it #34,027 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 654, ranked #8,139, up from #34,027 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Menon is 662 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 65300.0%.

1881 census count

1

Ranked #34,027

Modern count

654

2016, ranked #8,139

Peak year

2014

662 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Menon had 1 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #34,027 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 654 in 2016, ranked #8,139.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 12 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Menon surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Menon surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Menon 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 4 #32,658
1861 historical 8 #32,887
1881 historical 1 #34,027
1891 historical 9 #33,451
1901 historical 5 #33,728
1911 historical 12 #32,302
1997 modern 263 #14,769
1998 modern 307 #13,690
1999 modern 339 #12,892
2000 modern 337 #12,901
2001 modern 330 #12,893
2002 modern 364 #12,268
2003 modern 350 #12,417
2004 modern 396 #11,372
2005 modern 452 #10,173
2006 modern 484 #9,709
2007 modern 502 #9,538
2008 modern 532 #9,195
2009 modern 554 #9,117
2010 modern 609 #8,686
2011 modern 603 #8,660
2012 modern 603 #8,573
2013 modern 642 #8,295
2014 modern 662 #8,137
2015 modern 657 #8,121
2016 modern 654 #8,139

Geography

Back to top

Where Menons 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 Harrow, Camden, Westminster, Rushmoor and St Albans. 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 Harrow 023 Harrow
2 Camden 004 Camden
3 Westminster 017 Westminster
4 Rushmoor 008 Rushmoor
5 St Albans 013 St Albans

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Menon

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Menon

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

Menon 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

Menon falls in decile 10 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

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

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Menon 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 - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Menon

The surname "MENON" is believed to have originated in India, specifically in the southern state of Kerala. It is derived from the Tamil word "Menon" or "Menne," which means "prestigious" or "respected." The name is associated with the Nair community, a prominent Hindu caste traditionally known for their military prowess and land ownership.

In ancient times, members of the Nair community held important positions in the ruling dynasties of Kerala, such as the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. The earliest known use of the surname "MENON" can be traced back to the 9th century AD, during the reign of the Kulasekhara dynasty in the region of Venadu (present-day Travancore).

One of the earliest recorded references to the name "MENON" is found in the Vatteluttu inscriptions, a form of ancient Malayalam script used in Kerala. These inscriptions mention individuals with the name "MENON" serving as chieftains, military commanders, and administrators under various royal houses.

Notable historical figures bearing the surname "MENON" include:

1. Govinda Menon (14th century), a prominent military leader and feudal chief who played a crucial role in the establishment of the Kingdom of Travancore. 2. Velu Thampi Dalava Menon (1765-1809), a celebrated Nair military commander who led the forces of Travancore against the British East India Company. 3. Govinda Pillai Menon (18th century), a renowned scholar and author of the famous work "Keralolpathi," which chronicles the history of Kerala. 4. Sir C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Menon (1879-1966), a distinguished Indian civil servant, politician, and diplomat who served as the Dewan (Prime Minister) of Travancore from 1936 to 1947. 5. V.K. Krishna Menon (1896-1974), an influential Indian politician, diplomat, and statesman who served as the Defence Minister of India from 1957 to 1962.

The surname "MENON" is also closely associated with certain place names in Kerala, such as Mannath, Mannoor, and Mannar, which are believed to have been derived from the name itself or vice versa. Additionally, variations in spelling like "Menon," "Mennon," and "Menen" are found in historical records from different regions of Kerala.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Menon families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Menon 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. Berwickshire leads with 1 Menons recorded in 1881 and an index of 833.33x.

County Total Index
Berwickshire 1 833.33x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Ayton in Berwickshire leads with 1 Menons recorded in 1881 and an index of 10000.00x.

Place Total Index
Ayton 1 10000.00x

FAQ

Menon surname: questions and answers

How common was the Menon surname in 1881?

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

How common is the Menon surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 654 in 2016. That gives Menon a modern rank of #8,139.

What does the Menon surname mean?

A surname of Malayalam origin indicating a high-caste Hindu family from the Indian state of Kerala.

What does the Menon map show?

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