NameCensus.

UK surname

Mwanza

A place name referring to a region or locality in Tanzania.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Newport, Croydon and Ealing.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mwanza is 164 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

163

2016, ranked #22,407

Peak year

2014

164 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 163 in 2016, ranked #22,407.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Mwanza surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Mwanza surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mwanza 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
1997 modern 21 #35,692
1998 modern 25 #35,365
1999 modern 31 #34,821
2000 modern 39 #34,066
2001 modern 35 #34,261
2002 modern 41 #34,032
2003 modern 58 #32,619
2004 modern 78 #30,919
2005 modern 97 #28,485
2006 modern 104 #27,646
2007 modern 112 #26,800
2008 modern 127 #25,020
2009 modern 144 #23,577
2010 modern 146 #23,921
2011 modern 134 #25,050
2012 modern 149 #23,372
2013 modern 163 #22,342
2014 modern 164 #22,445
2015 modern 161 #22,599
2016 modern 163 #22,407

Geography

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Where Mwanzas 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 Newport, Croydon, Ealing, Southwark and Luton. 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 Newport 013 Newport
2 Croydon 002 Croydon
3 Ealing 015 Ealing
4 Southwark 012 Southwark
5 Luton 017 Luton

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mwanza

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Mwanza

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Mwanza 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

Mwanza 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

Mwanza 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 Mwanza 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
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Mwanza

The surname Mwanza originates from Tanzania, East Africa, and is believed to have emerged in the 19th century. It is derived from the city of Mwanza, which is situated on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. The name Mwanza is thought to have its roots in the Sukuma language, with the word "kuanza" meaning "to begin" or "to start."

In the late 19th century, written records began to appear mentioning individuals with the surname Mwanza. One of the earliest documented instances is found in a missionary's journal from 1882, which refers to a local chief named Mwanza who governed a village near the city.

The name gained prominence in the early 20th century, with the rise of notable figures such as Mwanza Mkuu (1875-1945), a renowned traditional healer and herbalist from the Sukuma tribe. His teachings and practices were widely respected throughout the region.

Another historical figure was Mwanza Maji (1910-1978), a skilled potter and artisan whose intricate ceramic works were highly sought after. His pieces are now displayed in various museums and cultural institutions across Tanzania.

In the realm of politics, Mwanza Mkubwa (1925-2002) made a significant impact. He served as a member of parliament and was a vocal advocate for the rights of indigenous communities during Tanzania's transition to independence.

The name Mwanza has also been associated with places beyond Tanzania. For instance, there is a small town called Mwanza in Malawi, which was likely named after the Tanzanian city due to its proximity and historical connections.

Over the centuries, variations in spelling have emerged, such as Mwanzi, Mwanzo, and Mwanzo, reflecting the influence of different dialects and regional pronunciations. However, the core meaning and origin of the name remain rooted in the city of Mwanza and the Sukuma language.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Mwanza surname: questions and answers

How common is the Mwanza surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 163 in 2016. That gives Mwanza a modern rank of #22,407.

What does the Mwanza surname mean?

A place name referring to a region or locality in Tanzania.

What does the Mwanza map show?

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