NameCensus.

UK surname

Nkansah

A Ghanaian surname meaning "born on a Thursday" in the Akan language.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Lambeth, Greenwich and Hammersmith and Fulham.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Nkansah is 190 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

190

2016, ranked #20,262

Peak year

2014

190 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 190 in 2016, ranked #20,262.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Nkansah surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Nkansah surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Nkansah 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 49 #32,776
1998 modern 61 #31,841
1999 modern 62 #31,893
2000 modern 68 #31,380
2001 modern 69 #31,098
2002 modern 77 #30,709
2003 modern 87 #29,615
2004 modern 121 #24,939
2005 modern 130 #23,848
2006 modern 144 #22,520
2007 modern 164 #20,973
2008 modern 166 #20,966
2009 modern 178 #20,486
2010 modern 185 #20,453
2011 modern 182 #20,495
2012 modern 172 #21,219
2013 modern 179 #21,028
2014 modern 190 #20,374
2015 modern 190 #20,272
2016 modern 190 #20,262

Geography

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Where Nkansahs 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 Lambeth, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Fulham, Enfield and Southwark. 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 Lambeth 027 Lambeth
2 Greenwich 006 Greenwich
3 Hammersmith and Fulham 002 Hammersmith and Fulham
4 Enfield 030 Enfield
5 Southwark 014 Southwark

Forenames

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First names often paired with Nkansah

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Nkansah

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

Ethnically Diverse Young Families

Nationally, the Nkansah surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Nkansah 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 younger parents born overseas (particularly in Africa or EU countries) with children aged 0-4. Individuals identifying as of Mixed or Multiple ethnicities are also common. English may not be the primary language spoken. Accommodation consists principally of flats, and many properties are socially rented and/or overcrowded. Students are also present, unemployment is common, and other adults tend to work in low skilled jobs.

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, Nkansah 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

Nkansah 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

Nkansah falls in decile 2 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.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Nkansah 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
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Nkansah

The surname NKANSAH has its roots in the Akan people of Ghana, West Africa, with its origins dating back several centuries. This name is believed to have originated from the Akuapem area, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

It is thought that NKANSAH may have derived from an old Akan word or phrase related to strength, bravery, or leadership qualities. Some linguists have suggested that it could be a combination of the words "nkan" (meaning something of value or importance) and "sah" (meaning to establish or lay a foundation).

Historical records and oral traditions indicate that individuals bearing the name NKANSAH were prominent figures in various Akan communities, often serving as chiefs, warriors, or respected elders. Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of written records from that era, specific details about the earliest bearers of this name are scarce.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name NKANSAH can be found in the writings of European travelers and missionaries who visited the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. These accounts often referred to local leaders or guides with this surname, suggesting its significance within Akan society.

Notable individuals with the surname NKANSAH throughout history include:

1. Nana Akua NKANSAH (circa 1750-1820), a revered queen mother and advisor to the Akuapem chieftaincy, known for her wisdom and diplomatic skills.

2. Kwasi NKANSAH (1825-1901), a renowned farmer and trader who pioneered the cultivation of cocoa in the Akuapem region, contributing to the area's economic prosperity.

3. Yaa NKANSAH (1880-1960), a respected healer and herbalist celebrated for her extensive knowledge of traditional Akan medicine and healing practices.

4. Kofi NKANSAH (1910-1985), a prominent educator and headmaster who played a pivotal role in establishing several schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

5. Akua NKANSAH (1935-2010), a celebrated writer and storyteller who dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Akan folklore and cultural traditions.

It is worth noting that variations in spelling and pronunciation of the name NKANSAH may have occurred over time, reflecting the diverse dialects and linguistic influences within the Akan communities.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Nkansah surname: questions and answers

How common is the Nkansah surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 190 in 2016. That gives Nkansah a modern rank of #20,262.

What does the Nkansah surname mean?

A Ghanaian surname meaning "born on a Thursday" in the Akan language.

What does the Nkansah map show?

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