NameCensus.

UK surname

Paracha

A surname derived from the Sanskrit word "prachya," meaning easterly.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Wokingham, Brent and Tunbridge Wells.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Paracha is 148 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

142

2016, ranked #24,625

Peak year

2014

148 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 142 in 2016, ranked #24,625.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 7 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Paracha surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Paracha surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Paracha 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 7 #33,053
1997 modern 66 #31,038
1998 modern 68 #31,181
1999 modern 69 #31,223
2000 modern 66 #31,553
2001 modern 67 #31,297
2002 modern 73 #31,159
2003 modern 75 #30,994
2004 modern 95 #28,746
2005 modern 108 #26,736
2006 modern 108 #27,015
2007 modern 118 #25,913
2008 modern 121 #25,785
2009 modern 126 #25,686
2010 modern 136 #25,009
2011 modern 123 #26,512
2012 modern 134 #25,059
2013 modern 147 #23,977
2014 modern 148 #24,075
2015 modern 142 #24,617
2016 modern 142 #24,625

Geography

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Where Parachas 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 Wokingham, Brent, Tunbridge Wells, Harrow and Reading. 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 Wokingham 006 Wokingham
2 Brent 008 Brent
3 Tunbridge Wells 007 Tunbridge Wells
4 Harrow 005 Harrow
5 Reading 014 Reading

Forenames

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First names often paired with Paracha

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Paracha

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

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Paracha surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Paracha household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Paracha 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

Paracha 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

Paracha 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 Paracha 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Paracha

The surname Paracha is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, likely in the region of Punjab or surrounding areas. Its roots can be traced back to the Sanskrit language, where "paracha" means "belonging to the other side" or "foreigner." This suggests that the name may have been given to individuals or groups who migrated from one region to another or were perceived as outsiders in a particular area.

The earliest known records of the surname Paracha date back to the 16th century, during the Mughal Empire's rule in the Indian subcontinent. It is possible that the name was associated with certain professions or occupations at the time, although specific details are not clearly documented.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the Paracha surname can be found in the "Ain-i-Akbari," a detailed document commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. This document contained extensive records of the administrative system, population statistics, and other aspects of the Mughal Empire.

Over the centuries, the Paracha surname has been associated with several notable individuals. One prominent figure was Ghulam Murtaza Paracha, a renowned Sufi mystic and spiritual leader who lived in the 19th century and was known for his contributions to the Chishti order of Sufism.

Another noteworthy individual was Syed Mubarak Ali Shah Paracha, a scholar and poet who lived during the 18th century and authored several works on Islamic theology and literature. His writings were widely respected and influential during his time.

In the realm of politics, Rana Shaukat Mahmood Paracha was a prominent figure who served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan in the late 20th century, representing the city of Gujranwala.

The Paracha surname has also been associated with military personnel, such as Major General Nusrat Naeem Paracha, who served in the Pakistan Army and held various important positions throughout his career.

It is worth noting that variations in spelling, such as "Parracha" or "Parrache," have also been documented over time, reflecting the various local dialects and linguistic influences in the regions where the name was prevalent.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Paracha surname: questions and answers

How common is the Paracha surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 142 in 2016. That gives Paracha a modern rank of #24,625.

What does the Paracha surname mean?

A surname derived from the Sanskrit word "prachya," meaning easterly.

What does the Paracha map show?

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