NameCensus.

UK surname

Mu

A Chinese surname possibly referring to ancient wooden structures.

In the 1881 census there were 4 people recorded with the Mu surname, ranking it #33,288 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 108, ranked #29,578, up from #33,288 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Somerset, Cornwall and Stroud.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mu is 108 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 2600.0%.

1881 census count

4

Ranked #33,288

Modern count

108

2016, ranked #29,578

Peak year

2016

108 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Mu had 4 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,288 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 4 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Mu surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Mu surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mu 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
1997 modern 13 #36,672
1998 modern 13 #36,679
1999 modern 17 #36,261
2000 modern 19 #36,007
2001 modern 20 #35,754
2002 modern 21 #35,798
2003 modern 21 #35,825
2004 modern 29 #35,270
2005 modern 26 #35,674
2006 modern 32 #35,392
2007 modern 34 #35,410
2008 modern 31 #35,670
2009 modern 33 #35,671
2010 modern 51 #34,773
2011 modern 60 #34,202
2012 modern 76 #33,191
2013 modern 77 #33,275
2014 modern 81 #33,061
2015 modern 94 #31,872
2016 modern 108 #29,578

Geography

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Where Mus 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 North Somerset, Cornwall and Stroud. 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 North Somerset 023 North Somerset
2 Cornwall 065 Cornwall
3 North Somerset 022 North Somerset
4 North Somerset 020 North Somerset
5 Stroud 004 Stroud

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mu

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

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Mu is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

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

Mu 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

Mu falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Mu 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 - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Mu

The surname Mu is derived from the Mandarin Chinese word 'mu' meaning wood or tree. It is believed to have originated in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) when surnames were first widely adopted. The name was likely given to those who lived near or worked with trees, such as carpenters, woodcutters, or those who lived in heavily forested areas.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Mu can be found in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) historical records, where a scholar named Mu Xiaozhong (生卒年不详) is mentioned. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), there was a famous general named Mu Anding (生卒年不详) who played a crucial role in defending the empire against northern invaders.

In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), there was a renowned painter and calligrapher named Mu Xin (生卒年不详) who was known for his innovative brush techniques and naturalistic depictions of landscapes. Another notable figure from this period was Mu Ying (生卒年不详), a high-ranking official and scholar who served as a minister under several emperors.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), the Mu surname gained prominence with the rise of Mu Qing (1717-1788), a respected scholar and official who held several important positions in the imperial government. Another prominent figure from this time was Mu Dan (1834-1896), a pioneering female writer and poet who challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for women's education.

In more recent history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Mu, such as Mu Guang (1901-1988), a prominent artist and educator who played a significant role in the development of modern Chinese art education. Mu Xin (1927-2011) was a renowned writer and literary critic who made significant contributions to the study of Chinese literature and culture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Mu surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mu surname in 1881?

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

How common is the Mu surname today?

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

What does the Mu surname mean?

A Chinese surname possibly referring to ancient wooden structures.

What does the Mu map show?

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