NameCensus.

UK surname

Patel

A status name derived from the Indian term "patidar," denoting a landowner or village headman.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Patel is 123,802 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

118,049

2016, ranked #19

Peak year

2010

123,802 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 118,049 in 2016, ranked #19.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 18 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Patel surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Patel surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Patel 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
1851 historical 9 #31,675
1861 historical 18 #31,580
1891 historical 10 #33,355
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1911 historical 8 #32,903
1997 modern 83,062 #41
1998 modern 87,280 #41
1999 modern 90,121 #40
2000 modern 95,429 #35
2001 modern 91,694 #37
2002 modern 98,060 #33
2003 modern 100,539 #31
2004 modern 102,397 #29
2005 modern 104,556 #28
2006 modern 107,312 #26
2007 modern 111,718 #22
2008 modern 113,683 #21
2009 modern 117,650 #19
2010 modern 123,802 #18
2011 modern 122,425 #18
2012 modern 115,234 #19
2013 modern 120,062 #19
2014 modern 119,556 #19
2015 modern 118,717 #19
2016 modern 118,049 #19

Geography

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Where Patels 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 Brent, Harrow, Leicester and Kirklees. 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 Brent 019 Brent
2 Brent 029 Brent
3 Harrow 033 Harrow
4 Leicester 021 Leicester
5 Kirklees 024 Kirklees

Forenames

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First names often paired with Patel

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Recent female names

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Patel

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

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

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

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

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, Patel 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

Patel 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

Patel 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 Patel 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 Patel, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Patel

The surname Patel originated in India and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Pati," which means "headman" or "village chief." The name is most commonly associated with the Patidar community, a group of landowners and farmers from the Indian state of Gujarat.

In ancient times, the Patel surname was given to those who held positions of authority and leadership within their respective villages. These individuals were responsible for overseeing the village's affairs, resolving disputes, and ensuring the well-being of the community.

The earliest known references to the Patel surname can be traced back to the 12th century, when it appeared in various historical texts and records from the Gujarat region. One notable example is the Navanathabhushan, a Sanskrit text written in the late 12th century, which mentions several individuals with the Patel surname.

During the medieval period, the Patel surname gained prominence as the Patidar community played a significant role in the agricultural and economic development of Gujarat. The surname was associated with landowners and influential figures who wielded considerable power and influence within their communities.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the Patel surname was Rajaram Patel, a prominent landowner and community leader who lived in the 14th century. He was known for his contributions to the development of irrigation systems and agricultural practices in the region.

Another notable figure was Ranchhodji Patel, a 17th-century landowner and philanthropist who established several educational institutions and temples in Gujarat. His legacy continues to be celebrated by the Patel community to this day.

In the 19th century, the Patel surname gained further recognition with the rise of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent freedom fighter and one of the key figures in India's struggle for independence. Born in 1875, Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in uniting the princely states of India and is widely regarded as the "Iron Man of India."

Other notable individuals with the Patel surname include Natwarlal Patel, a celebrated Indian painter born in 1928, and Ramanbhai Patel, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist who lived from 1921 to 2010.

Over time, the Patel surname has spread across India and beyond, with members of the Patidar community settling in various parts of the world. While the name retains its strong connection to the Gujarati heritage, it has become a recognizable surname globally, representing the rich cultural and historical significance of its origins.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Patel surname: questions and answers

How common is the Patel surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 118,049 in 2016. That gives Patel a modern rank of #19.

What does the Patel surname mean?

A status name derived from the Indian term "patidar," denoting a landowner or village headman.

What does the Patel map show?

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