NameCensus.

UK surname

Nandi

An Indian surname derived from the name of a sacred bull.

In the 1881 census there were 1 people recorded with the Nandi surname, ranking it #34,027 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 171, ranked #21,726, up from #34,027 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Birmingham, Bath and North East Somerset and Reading.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Nandi is 177 in 2011. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 17000.0%.

1881 census count

1

Ranked #34,027

Modern count

171

2016, ranked #21,726

Peak year

2011

177 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Nandi had 1 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #34,027 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 171 in 2016, ranked #21,726.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Nandi surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Nandi surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Nandi 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 1 #34,027
1911 historical 1 #34,332
1997 modern 103 #26,498
1998 modern 97 #28,054
1999 modern 111 #26,182
2000 modern 110 #26,248
2001 modern 111 #25,767
2002 modern 118 #25,358
2003 modern 126 #24,146
2004 modern 134 #23,425
2005 modern 138 #22,999
2006 modern 145 #22,420
2007 modern 149 #22,318
2008 modern 161 #21,431
2009 modern 172 #20,950
2010 modern 175 #21,186
2011 modern 177 #20,874
2012 modern 167 #21,598
2013 modern 171 #21,654
2014 modern 166 #22,277
2015 modern 170 #21,800
2016 modern 171 #21,726

Geography

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Where Nandis 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 Birmingham, Bath and North East Somerset, Reading, Gravesham and Horsham. 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 Birmingham 079 Birmingham
2 Bath and North East Somerset 010 Bath and North East Somerset
3 Reading 001 Reading
4 Gravesham 002 Gravesham
5 Horsham 002 Horsham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Nandi

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

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Nandi is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Nandi 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

Nandi 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 Nandi 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 - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Nandi

The surname Nandi originated in India, and its roots can be traced back to the 6th century AD. It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'nanda,' which means joy or delight. The name is particularly prevalent in the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

In ancient Hindu scriptures and texts, the word 'Nandi' is often associated with Lord Shiva's sacred bull, known as Nandi. This bull is revered as Shiva's gate-keeper and is depicted sitting at the entrance of many Shiva temples. The name's connection to this sacred animal highlights its religious and cultural significance in the region.

The Nandi surname can be found in various forms in historical records and manuscripts, including the Nandi inscriptions from the 9th century AD. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the cultural and political landscape of the time, as well as the prevalence of the name in certain regions.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the Nandi surname was Nandi Adigal, a renowned Tamil poet and philosopher who lived in the 9th century AD. His literary works, particularly the Nandikkalambakam, a poetic treatise on grammar, are considered masterpieces of Tamil literature.

Another notable figure was Nandi Timmanna, a 14th-century Hindu philosopher and poet from the Vijayanagara Empire. He is best known for his work, the Nandikeshvara Kavya, a poetic composition dedicated to Lord Shiva's sacred bull, Nandi.

In the 17th century, Nandi Mallappa was a prominent figure in the Maratha Empire. He served as a military commander and played a crucial role in the expansion of the empire under the leadership of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire.

During the 19th century, Nandi Subramanya Iyer was a renowned scholar and reformer from Tamil Nadu. He is credited with establishing the first modern Tamil printing press and promoting education and social reforms in the region.

Lastly, Nandi Bhaskar Rao was a 20th-century Indian administrator and diplomat. He served as the Governor of Karnataka and held various diplomatic positions, including Ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom.

Throughout history, the surname Nandi has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including poets, philosophers, military leaders, scholars, and diplomats. Its rich cultural and religious roots have contributed to its enduring presence in the Indian subcontinent.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Nandi families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Nandi 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. Kent leads with 1 Nandis recorded in 1881 and an index of 15.20x.

County Total Index
Kent 1 15.20x
Royal Navy 1 434.78x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Canterbury St Mary in Kent leads with 1 Nandis recorded in 1881 and an index of 2500.00x.

Place Total Index
Canterbury St Mary 1 2500.00x
Royal Navy 1 500.00x

Top male names

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

Name Count
Georgio 1
John 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 Nandi households.

Occupation Count
Bandsman 1
Soldier Private 1

FAQ

Nandi surname: questions and answers

How common was the Nandi surname in 1881?

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

How common is the Nandi surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 171 in 2016. That gives Nandi a modern rank of #21,726.

What does the Nandi surname mean?

An Indian surname derived from the name of a sacred bull.

What does the Nandi map show?

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