NameCensus.

UK surname

Peiris

A locational surname originating from Peiris, a town in Sri Lanka.

In the 1881 census there were 1 people recorded with the Peiris surname, ranking it #34,027 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 281, ranked #15,449, up from #34,027 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Peiris is 295 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 28000.0%.

1881 census count

1

Ranked #34,027

Modern count

281

2016, ranked #15,449

Peak year

2010

295 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Peiris had 1 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #34,027 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 281 in 2016, ranked #15,449.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Peiris surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Peiris surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Peiris 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
1881 historical 1 #34,027
1997 modern 143 #21,761
1998 modern 168 #20,181
1999 modern 170 #20,153
2000 modern 170 #20,120
2001 modern 171 #19,770
2002 modern 194 #18,651
2003 modern 195 #18,411
2004 modern 202 #18,110
2005 modern 218 #17,170
2006 modern 251 #15,696
2007 modern 245 #16,134
2008 modern 257 #15,777
2009 modern 257 #16,099
2010 modern 295 #14,911
2011 modern 280 #15,310
2012 modern 275 #15,459
2013 modern 283 #15,401
2014 modern 278 #15,692
2015 modern 273 #15,789
2016 modern 281 #15,449

Geography

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Where Peiris' 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 Three Rivers, Greenwich, Harrow, Brent and Hillingdon. 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 Three Rivers 010 Three Rivers
2 Greenwich 030 Greenwich
3 Harrow 033 Harrow
4 Brent 016 Brent
5 Hillingdon 030 Hillingdon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Peiris

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Peiris

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Peiris, 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 Peiris surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Peiris 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, Peiris 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

Peiris 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

Peiris falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Peiris 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
White - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Peiris

The surname PEIRIS is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka, with its roots tracing back to the 16th century. It is derived from the Sinhala word "Peria," which means "big" or "great," and was likely used as a descriptive surname for individuals who held positions of authority or were considered influential members of society.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the PEIRIS surname can be found in the "Cūlavamsa," a historical chronicle of Sri Lanka written in the 13th century. The text mentions a prominent figure named PEIRIS Bandara, who held a high-ranking position during the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I in the late 15th century.

During the Portuguese colonization of Sri Lanka, which began in the early 16th century, the PEIRIS surname became more widespread as it was adopted by local families who converted to Christianity. The name was often spelled in various ways, such as "Perera," "Pereira," or "Perea," reflecting the influence of Portuguese orthography.

In the 18th century, the PEIRIS surname gained further prominence with the rise of the Kandyan Kingdom, a powerful Sinhalese monarchy that ruled the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Several notable figures bearing the PEIRIS name emerged during this period, including Mohottiwatte Disawe PEIRIS (1721-1795), a high-ranking official and chief minister under King Kirti Sri Rajasinha.

Another prominent individual with the PEIRIS surname was Sir James PEIRIS (1856-1930), a distinguished lawyer and statesman who served as the first Ceylonese member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He played a crucial role in advocating for greater self-governance and political reforms during the British colonial period.

In more recent history, Dr. Ralph PEIRIS (1921-2005) was a renowned Sri Lankan scholar and linguist who made significant contributions to the study of Sinhala language and literature. He served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and was a recipient of the prestigious Deshamanya honor, one of Sri Lanka's highest national awards.

It is worth noting that while the PEIRIS surname is primarily associated with Sri Lanka, it has also been adopted by individuals of Sri Lankan descent in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Sri Lankan diaspora communities, such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Peiris families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Peiris 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. Cambridgeshire leads with 1 Peiris' recorded in 1881 and an index of 163.93x.

County Total Index
Cambridgeshire 1 163.93x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. All Saints Cambridge in Cambridgeshire leads with 1 Peiris' recorded in 1881 and an index of 0.00x.

Place Total Index
All Saints Cambridge 1 0.00x

Top male names

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

Name Count
James 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 Peiris households.

Occupation Count
Student 1

FAQ

Peiris surname: questions and answers

How common was the Peiris surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1 people were recorded with the Peiris surname. That placed it at #34,027 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Peiris surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 281 in 2016. That gives Peiris a modern rank of #15,449.

What does the Peiris surname mean?

A locational surname originating from Peiris, a town in Sri Lanka.

What does the Peiris map show?

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