NameCensus.

UK surname

Nigam

A surname of Northern Indian origin indicating the holder's ancestors belonged to the brahmin caste.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Fylde, Redbridge and Hounslow.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Nigam is 123 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

123

2016, ranked #27,115

Peak year

2016

123 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 123 in 2016, ranked #27,115.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Nigam surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Nigam surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Nigam 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 1 #34,435
1997 modern 40 #33,666
1998 modern 41 #33,747
1999 modern 41 #33,866
2000 modern 46 #33,458
2001 modern 47 #33,219
2002 modern 52 #33,110
2003 modern 55 #32,895
2004 modern 65 #32,177
2005 modern 69 #32,007
2006 modern 64 #32,839
2007 modern 72 #32,397
2008 modern 87 #30,999
2009 modern 89 #31,235
2010 modern 99 #30,397
2011 modern 89 #31,659
2012 modern 96 #30,949
2013 modern 114 #28,347
2014 modern 113 #28,779
2015 modern 116 #28,151
2016 modern 123 #27,115

Geography

Back to top

Where Nigams 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 Fylde, Redbridge and Hounslow. 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 Fylde 009 Fylde
2 Redbridge 034 Redbridge
3 Redbridge 030 Redbridge
4 Hounslow 018 Hounslow
5 Redbridge 032 Redbridge

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Nigam

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

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

Nigam 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

Nigam 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 Nigam is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Nigam

The surname Nigam originates from the Sanskrit language of ancient India, tracing its roots back to around the 8th century CE. It is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Nigama," which means a collection of sacred texts or scriptures.

In ancient Indian society, the Nigams were regarded as scholars and custodians of sacred knowledge. They were entrusted with the preservation and dissemination of religious and philosophical texts, often serving as teachers and advisors to the elite.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nigam can be found in the Puranic literature, which mentions a sage named Nigama who was renowned for his wisdom and spiritual teachings. This reference dates back to the 9th century CE.

The name Nigam gained prominence during the medieval period, particularly in the northern regions of India, such as the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Several notable Nigams emerged during this time, including the celebrated poet and philosopher, Nigamasharma (1050-1125 CE), who authored the influential work "Nigamashastra."

Another prominent figure bearing the Nigam surname was Vidyadhar Nigam (1320-1390 CE), a revered scholar and mathematician from the Vijayanagara Empire. His contributions to the field of mathematics and astronomy were widely recognized during his lifetime.

In the 16th century, the Nigam family gained prominence in the court of the Mughal Empire. Govardhan Nigam (1525-1595 CE), a renowned astrologer and advisor to Emperor Akbar, was highly respected for his astrological predictions and counsel.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Nigam name was associated with several prominent figures in literature, music, and the performing arts. Pandit Shivprasad Nigam (1765-1835 CE) was a celebrated classical musician and composer who made significant contributions to the Hindustani classical music tradition.

In more recent times, the Nigam surname has been carried by notable personalities such as the renowned Indian playback singer, Sonu Nigam, who has won numerous awards for his contributions to the Indian film industry.

While the surname Nigam is predominantly found in India, it has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora communities. However, its roots and historical significance remain deeply rooted in the ancient Sanskrit tradition of India.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Nigam surname: questions and answers

How common is the Nigam surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 123 in 2016. That gives Nigam a modern rank of #27,115.

What does the Nigam surname mean?

A surname of Northern Indian origin indicating the holder's ancestors belonged to the brahmin caste.

What does the Nigam map show?

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