NameCensus.

UK surname

Oh

A Korean surname derived from the Chinese surname 吳 (Wu), meaning "to exceed" or "to go beyond."

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Kingston upon Thames and Camden.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Oh is 301 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

301

2016, ranked #14,696

Peak year

2016

301 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 301 in 2016, ranked #14,696.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Oh surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Oh surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Oh 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 72 #30,415
1998 modern 82 #29,754
1999 modern 90 #29,056
2000 modern 80 #30,139
2001 modern 81 #29,828
2002 modern 99 #28,082
2003 modern 128 #23,890
2004 modern 128 #24,117
2005 modern 142 #22,577
2006 modern 145 #22,420
2007 modern 170 #20,471
2008 modern 169 #20,745
2009 modern 193 #19,463
2010 modern 210 #18,836
2011 modern 204 #19,040
2012 modern 240 #16,979
2013 modern 260 #16,350
2014 modern 268 #16,111
2015 modern 282 #15,417
2016 modern 301 #14,696

Geography

Back to top

Where Ohs 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 Kingston upon Thames and Camden. 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 Kingston upon Thames 007 Kingston upon Thames
2 Kingston upon Thames 015 Kingston upon Thames
3 Camden 004 Camden
4 Kingston upon Thames 012 Kingston upon Thames
5 Kingston upon Thames 008 Kingston upon Thames

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Oh

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

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

Central Connected Professionals and Managers

Group

Senior Professionals

Within London, Oh is most associated with areas classed as Senior Professionals, part of Central Connected Professionals and Managers. 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 very central neighbourhoods house residents whose ages are more skewed towards older age cohorts than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Few households have young children. Rates of illness are low. Indian ethnicity is rare compared to the Supergroup mean. Property under occupation is more common, despite the centrality of neighbourhoods, and more residents live in communal establishments than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Adult residents of these neighbourhoods are typically aged 25 to 44, working full-time in professional, managerial or associate professional occupations. There are few families with dependent children. The predominantly Inner London neighbourhoods have an international character, including many residents born elsewhere in Europe alongside high numbers of individuals identifying as of Chinese ethnicity. Many individuals are never married, childless and/or living alone. Above average numbers of individuals, likely to be full-time students, live in communal establishments. Elsewhere, privately rented flats are the dominant housing type. Residents of these areas are well-qualified, with a significant number holding Level 4 or above qualifications. There is a correspondingly high level of individuals employed full-time in professional, managerial and associated professional or technical occupations. Employing industries are financial, real estate, professional, administration, and, to a lesser degree, transport and communications. Unemployment is uncommon.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Oh 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

Oh falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Oh 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 Oh, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Oh

The surname Oh has its origins in Korea, where it can be traced back to the 14th century. It is derived from the Korean word "oh," which means "jade" or "precious stone." The name is believed to have been first adopted by families who were involved in the jade trade or worked as jade artisans.

In the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), the Oh surname was particularly prevalent in the regions of Gyeonggi and Chungcheong, where many jade mines and workshops were located. The name can be found in various historical records from this period, including genealogical records and local records.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the Oh surname dates back to the 15th century, when a man named Oh Seung-hun (1425-1493) served as a renowned scholar and government official during the reign of King Sejo. He is known for his contributions to the development of the Korean writing system, Hangul.

Another notable figure with the Oh surname was Oh Yun-ho (1571-1641), a prominent scholar and writer who lived during the Joseon Dynasty. He is best known for his works on Confucian philosophy and his poetry, which have been preserved and studied for generations.

In the late 19th century, Oh Yun-jung (1848-1896) was a pioneering educator and activist who advocated for the modernization of Korea's education system. He played a significant role in the establishment of the first modern schools in the country.

During the Korean Empire (1897-1910), Oh Sae-chon (1864-1916) was a prominent politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was instrumental in negotiating treaties and establishing diplomatic relations with foreign countries.

In the 20th century, Oh Yeong-su (1924-2022) was a renowned actor and filmmaker who left an indelible mark on Korean cinema. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the country's film industry and has received numerous awards and accolades for his work.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the Oh surname throughout history, illustrating the rich cultural and historical significance of this Korean name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Oh families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Oh 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. Essex leads with 4 Ohs recorded in 1881 and an index of 52.15x.

County Total Index
Essex 4 52.15x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. West Ham in Essex leads with 4 Ohs recorded in 1881 and an index of 236.69x.

Place Total Index
West Ham 4 236.69x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Louisa 1
Sarah 1
Zilith 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Godfried 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 Oh households.

Occupation Count
Fur Skin Dresser & Dyer 1

FAQ

Oh surname: questions and answers

How common is the Oh surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 301 in 2016. That gives Oh a modern rank of #14,696.

What does the Oh surname mean?

A Korean surname derived from the Chinese surname 吳 (Wu), meaning "to exceed" or "to go beyond."

What does the Oh map show?

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