NameCensus.

UK surname

Quainoo

A Ghanaian surname potentially derived from the name of an Akan clan or ethnic group.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Quainoo is 128 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

128

2016, ranked #26,401

Peak year

2016

128 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 128 in 2016, ranked #26,401.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Quainoo surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Quainoo surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Quainoo 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
1891 historical 1 #34,674
1997 modern 48 #32,878
1998 modern 59 #32,027
1999 modern 60 #32,078
2000 modern 59 #32,217
2001 modern 62 #31,798
2002 modern 65 #31,903
2003 modern 71 #31,393
2004 modern 83 #30,352
2005 modern 92 #29,271
2006 modern 101 #28,125
2007 modern 97 #29,156
2008 modern 101 #28,825
2009 modern 115 #27,207
2010 modern 116 #27,704
2011 modern 110 #28,478
2012 modern 101 #30,078
2013 modern 106 #29,740
2014 modern 121 #27,503
2015 modern 122 #27,245
2016 modern 128 #26,401

Geography

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Where Quainoos 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 Luton, Croydon, Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea and Rotherham. 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 Luton 011 Luton
2 Croydon 007 Croydon
3 Greenwich 002 Greenwich
4 Kensington and Chelsea 005 Kensington and Chelsea
5 Rotherham 017 Rotherham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Quainoo

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Quainoo

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

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Quainoo surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Quainoo 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Quainoo 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

Quainoo 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

Quainoo falls in decile 2 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.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Quainoo 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
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Quainoo

The surname Quainoo has its origins in the West African nation of Ghana. It is believed to have emerged in the late 17th or early 18th century, originating from the Akan language spoken by various ethnic groups in the region.

One theory suggests that Quainoo is derived from the Akan word "kwaino," which means "truthful" or "honest." This could indicate that the name was initially given to individuals who were known for their integrity and truthfulness within their communities.

Another plausible explanation traces the name's roots to the Akan word "kwain," which translates to "industrious" or "hardworking." If this is the case, Quainoo may have been bestowed upon those who displayed exceptional diligence and a strong work ethic.

Some of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Quainoo can be found in various historical documents and records from the region, such as land deeds, court records, and local archives dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

One notable individual bearing the Quainoo surname was Nana Kwasi Quainoo, a prominent chief and political leader in the Ashanti region of Ghana during the late 19th century. He played a significant role in negotiations with British colonial authorities and was highly respected for his diplomatic skills.

Another figure of historical significance was Kofi Quainoo, a successful merchant and trader who lived in the coastal town of Cape Coast in the early 19th century. He established a thriving business exporting goods to Europe and was instrumental in fostering trade relations between Ghana and various European nations.

In the realm of academia, Dr. Ama Quainoo, born in 1932, was a pioneering Ghanaian scholar and educator. She made invaluable contributions to the field of African literature and was widely recognized for her work in promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ghana.

Another notable individual was Joseph Quainoo, a talented artist and sculptor who lived in the late 20th century. His intricate wooden carvings and sculptures, deeply rooted in traditional Akan art forms, gained international acclaim and are displayed in museums and galleries around the world.

Lastly, mention should be made of Kwame Quainoo, a renowned musician and composer who was born in 1945. His unique blend of traditional Ghanaian rhythms and melodies with modern influences helped shape the vibrant music scene in Ghana and contributed to the global recognition of the country's rich musical traditions.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Quainoo surname: questions and answers

How common is the Quainoo surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 128 in 2016. That gives Quainoo a modern rank of #26,401.

What does the Quainoo surname mean?

A Ghanaian surname potentially derived from the name of an Akan clan or ethnic group.

What does the Quainoo map show?

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