NameCensus.

UK surname

Mifsud

A Maltese surname derived from the Arabic "miftah" meaning key.

In the 1881 census there were 4 people recorded with the Mifsud surname, ranking it #33,288 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 545, ranked #9,349, up from #33,288 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Cherwell.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mifsud is 564 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 13525.0%.

1881 census count

4

Ranked #33,288

Modern count

545

2016, ranked #9,349

Peak year

2014

564 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Mifsud had 4 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,288 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 545 in 2016, ranked #9,349.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 8 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Mifsud surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Mifsud surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Mifsud 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 4 #33,288
1911 historical 8 #32,903
1997 modern 443 #10,189
1998 modern 454 #10,338
1999 modern 460 #10,293
2000 modern 459 #10,261
2001 modern 451 #10,212
2002 modern 491 #9,752
2003 modern 468 #9,958
2004 modern 469 #9,983
2005 modern 466 #9,935
2006 modern 473 #9,871
2007 modern 499 #9,574
2008 modern 507 #9,540
2009 modern 532 #9,402
2010 modern 536 #9,559
2011 modern 549 #9,281
2012 modern 535 #9,375
2013 modern 562 #9,162
2014 modern 564 #9,208
2015 modern 545 #9,387
2016 modern 545 #9,349

Geography

Back to top

Where Mifsuds 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, Tower Hamlets, Cherwell, Barking and Dagenham and Torbay. 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 030 Southwark
2 Tower Hamlets 001 Tower Hamlets
3 Cherwell 005 Cherwell
4 Barking and Dagenham 007 Barking and Dagenham
5 Torbay 018 Torbay

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Mifsud

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

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

Mifsud 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

Mifsud 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 Mifsud 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
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Mifsud

The surname Mifsud has its origins in Malta, an island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, derived from the Arabic word "miftah," meaning "key." This suggests that the name may have been associated with a professionor trade related to locksmithing or metalworking.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Mifsud can be found in the "Militia Muster Rolls" of the 16th century. These historical documents, maintained by the Maltese authorities, listed individuals eligible for military service, including those bearing the name Mifsud.

In the 17th century, the surname Mifsud appeared in various parish records and civil documents across Malta. Notable examples include the birth record of Giovanni Mifsud in 1612 and the marriage record of Pasquale Mifsud and Caterina Vella in 1673, both from the town of Żebbuġ.

The 18th century saw the emergence of several notable individuals with the surname Mifsud. One such figure was Don Giovanni Battista Mifsud (1698-1762), a prominent ecclesiastic and theologian who served as the Bishop of Malta from 1744 until his death.

During the 19th century, the Mifsud family established itself as a respected and influential clan in Malta. One prominent member was Sir Michele Andrea Mifsud (1819-1891), a lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Justice of Malta from 1885 until his passing.

Another notable figure was Emmanuele Luigi Mifsud (1853-1933), a highly regarded historian and author who made significant contributions to the study of Maltese history and culture. His works, including "Origine della Lingua Maltese" (Origins of the Maltese Language), are widely recognized as seminal texts in their field.

In more recent times, the name Mifsud has gained international recognition through individuals such as Mark Mifsud (born 1963), a renowned Maltese artist known for his vibrant paintings and sculptures. Additionally, Joseph Mifsud (born 1960) is a Maltese academic who gained notoriety for his involvement in the Trump-Russia investigation in the United States.

While the surname Mifsud has its roots in Malta, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora communities. However, its origins can be traced back to the medieval era, when it emerged as a reflection of the island's rich cultural heritage and diverse influences.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Mifsud families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Mifsud 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. Middlesex leads with 3 Mifsuds recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.41x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 3 4.41x
Royal Navy 3 370.37x
Berkshire 1 19.57x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Islington London in Middlesex leads with 3 Mifsuds recorded in 1881 and an index of 45.45x.

Place Total Index
Islington London 3 45.45x
Royal Navy 3 434.78x
Old Windsor 1 1666.67x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Frances 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Carmelo 1
Guiseppe 1
John 1
Joseph 1
Philip 1
Vincenzo 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 Mifsud households.

FAQ

Mifsud surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mifsud surname in 1881?

In 1881, 4 people were recorded with the Mifsud surname. That placed it at #33,288 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Mifsud surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 545 in 2016. That gives Mifsud a modern rank of #9,349.

What does the Mifsud surname mean?

A Maltese surname derived from the Arabic "miftah" meaning key.

What does the Mifsud map show?

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