NameCensus.

UK surname

Popov

A Russian surname derived from the word "pop" meaning priest.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Popov is 301 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

300

2016, ranked #14,738

Peak year

2015

301 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 300 in 2016, ranked #14,738.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 9 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Popov surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Popov surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Popov 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 9 #32,724
1997 modern 36 #34,071
1998 modern 39 #33,967
1999 modern 38 #34,142
2000 modern 43 #33,709
2001 modern 42 #33,658
2002 modern 52 #33,110
2003 modern 63 #32,152
2004 modern 69 #31,784
2005 modern 85 #30,219
2006 modern 103 #27,785
2007 modern 144 #22,804
2008 modern 161 #21,431
2009 modern 182 #20,201
2010 modern 218 #18,375
2011 modern 214 #18,436
2012 modern 246 #16,702
2013 modern 277 #15,644
2014 modern 298 #14,911
2015 modern 301 #14,727
2016 modern 300 #14,738

Geography

Back to top

Where Popovs 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, Northumberland, Croydon, Wandsworth and Telford and Wrekin. 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 022 Lambeth
2 Northumberland 038 Northumberland
3 Croydon 027 Croydon
4 Wandsworth 001 Wandsworth
5 Telford and Wrekin 004 Telford and Wrekin

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Popov

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Popov

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Popov is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Popov 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

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

Meaning and origin of Popov

The surname Popov is of Russian origin, with its roots traced back to the 11th century. It is derived from the Russian word "pop," which means a priest or a clergyman. The name suggests that the earliest bearers of this surname were descendants of priests or had some connection to the clergy.

In the early days, the name was often spelled as "Popoff" or "Popovich," reflecting regional variations and the influence of local dialects. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be found in the Veliky Novgorod chronicles, which date back to the 12th century, where it was mentioned in reference to a certain Popov family residing in the region.

During the 14th century, the name Popov appeared in various historical documents, including the records of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. One notable figure from this time was Ivan Popov, a wealthy merchant and landowner who lived in the city of Novgorod between 1320 and 1380.

As time progressed, the Popov surname spread across various regions of Russia, and several prominent individuals bore this name. In the 16th century, Feodor Popov was a renowned icon painter who contributed significantly to the development of Russian religious art.

In the 18th century, Mikhail Popov (1742-1806) was a respected Russian architect who designed several notable buildings, including the Smolny Cathedral in St. Petersburg. His contemporary, Alexander Popov (1749-1827), was a celebrated actor and writer who made significant contributions to the Russian theater.

The 19th century saw the rise of another prominent figure, Alexander Popov (1859-1906), a Russian physicist and inventor who is credited with the invention of the radio. His groundbreaking work in wireless communication earned him a place in history as a pioneer in the field of radio technology.

Another notable bearer of the Popov surname was Nikolai Popov (1890-1943), a Soviet military commander who played a crucial role in the defense of Leningrad during World War II. His bravery and strategic leadership earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Throughout history, the Popov surname has been associated with various professions, from clergy and merchants to artists, architects, scientists, and military leaders. While its origins can be traced back to the Russian Orthodox Church, the name has transcended its religious roots and become a part of Russia's rich cultural heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Popov surname: questions and answers

How common is the Popov surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 300 in 2016. That gives Popov a modern rank of #14,738.

What does the Popov surname mean?

A Russian surname derived from the word "pop" meaning priest.

What does the Popov map show?

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