NameCensus.

UK surname

Misra

A surname of Indian origin referring to a wealthy or prosperous person.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Misra is 410 in 2013. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

405

2016, ranked #11,774

Peak year

2013

410 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 405 in 2016, ranked #11,774.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 8 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Misra surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Misra surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Misra 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
1861 historical 8 #32,887
1891 historical 1 #34,674
1911 historical 1 #34,332
1997 modern 218 #16,704
1998 modern 240 #16,117
1999 modern 240 #16,226
2000 modern 237 #16,331
2001 modern 231 #16,365
2002 modern 261 #15,369
2003 modern 258 #15,293
2004 modern 258 #15,386
2005 modern 285 #14,273
2006 modern 295 #14,053
2007 modern 318 #13,503
2008 modern 324 #13,437
2009 modern 320 #13,796
2010 modern 351 #13,220
2011 modern 356 #12,943
2012 modern 370 #12,417
2013 modern 410 #11,693
2014 modern 407 #11,848
2015 modern 404 #11,814
2016 modern 405 #11,774

Geography

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Where Misras 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 Hillingdon, Westminster, Manchester and Barrow-in-Furness. 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 Hillingdon 027 Hillingdon
2 Westminster 001 Westminster
3 Westminster 020 Westminster
4 Manchester 032 Manchester
5 Barrow-in-Furness 003 Barrow-in-Furness

Forenames

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First names often paired with Misra

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

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

Misra 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

Misra falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Misra 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
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Misra

The surname Misra is of Indian origin, specifically from the northern regions of the country. It is believed to have originated during the medieval period, around the 11th or 12th century CE. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "misra," which means "mixed" or "blended," potentially referring to a person of mixed ancestry or someone who belonged to a mixed caste or community.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Misra can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata. These texts mention individuals with the surname Misra, often associated with scholarly or priestly roles within the Hindu tradition. The name is also present in various historical records and manuscripts from the medieval era, particularly those related to religious and philosophical texts.

In the 13th century, a prominent scholar and philosopher named Madhavacharya Misra (1238-1317) lived in the Dwaraka region of Gujarat. He wrote several influential works on Vedanta philosophy and is considered one of the most influential thinkers of his time. Another notable figure was Narayan Misra (1499-1581), a renowned poet and writer from the Braj region of northern India, who made significant contributions to Hindi literature.

During the Mughal period, which spanned from the 16th to the 19th century, the name Misra was often associated with learned individuals and scholars. One such figure was Raja Todar Mal Misra (1530-1589), a renowned finance minister and one of the most trusted advisors of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He is credited with reforming the revenue system and introducing policies that improved agricultural productivity.

In more recent history, Jayaprakash Misra (1908-1988) was a prominent Indian independence activist and social reformer who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of marginalized communities in India.

Another notable figure was Sumitranandan Pant Misra (1920-1997), a celebrated Hindi poet and writer who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Hindi literature. His works explored themes of social injustice, poverty, and the human condition, and he received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Hindi poetry.

The surname Misra has also been associated with various place names and older spellings over the centuries. For example, the town of Misrikh in Uttar Pradesh is believed to have derived its name from the Misra community that settled there. Additionally, variations such as Mishra, Mishri, and Mishri have been used historically, reflecting regional dialects and linguistic influences.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Misra surname: questions and answers

How common is the Misra surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 405 in 2016. That gives Misra a modern rank of #11,774.

What does the Misra surname mean?

A surname of Indian origin referring to a wealthy or prosperous person.

What does the Misra map show?

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