NameCensus.

UK surname

Quansah

A Ghanaian surname derived from the Akan word "akwansaw" signifying a warrior or soldier.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bury, Manchester and Hertsmere.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Quansah is 219 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

219

2016, ranked #18,422

Peak year

2016

219 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 219 in 2016, ranked #18,422.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Quansah surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Quansah surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Quansah 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
1997 modern 103 #26,498
1998 modern 101 #27,479
1999 modern 107 #26,754
2000 modern 124 #24,469
2001 modern 122 #24,366
2002 modern 136 #23,296
2003 modern 140 #22,634
2004 modern 149 #21,905
2005 modern 148 #21,961
2006 modern 171 #20,131
2007 modern 192 #18,975
2008 modern 204 #18,403
2009 modern 208 #18,551
2010 modern 216 #18,492
2011 modern 205 #18,965
2012 modern 212 #18,481
2013 modern 210 #18,932
2014 modern 213 #18,883
2015 modern 216 #18,600
2016 modern 219 #18,422

Geography

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Where Quansahs 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 Bury, Manchester, Hertsmere, Barnet and Brent. 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 Bury 007 Bury
2 Manchester 039 Manchester
3 Hertsmere 007 Hertsmere
4 Barnet 029 Barnet
5 Brent 018 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Quansah

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Quansah

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

Quansah 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

Quansah 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 Quansah is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Quansah

The surname Quansah has its origins in West Africa, specifically in the Akan people of Ghana. It is believed to have emerged during the 16th or 17th century, when the region was known as the Gold Coast. The name is derived from the Akan word "kwansah," which means "wanderer" or "one who travels extensively."

One of the earliest known records of the name Quansah can be found in the Dutch archives from the 17th century, when the Dutch had established settlements along the Gold Coast. These archives mention individuals with the name Quansah who were involved in trade and other activities with the Dutch settlers.

In the 18th century, the name Quansah appeared in British colonial records from the Gold Coast region. These records often referred to individuals with this surname as merchants, traders, or local leaders who interacted with the British colonial authorities.

During the 19th century, the name Quansah gained prominence among the Akan people of Ghana. One notable individual with this surname was Kwaku Quansah (c. 1820-1892), a wealthy merchant and landowner who played a significant role in the development of the town of Cape Coast.

Another prominent figure with the surname Quansah was Nana Kodwo Quansah (1855-1925), a powerful chief and leader of the Essikadu people in the Western Region of Ghana. He was known for his resistance against British colonial rule and his efforts to preserve traditional Akan customs and practices.

In the 20th century, several individuals with the surname Quansah made their mark in various fields. For example, Kwesi Quansah (1920-2008) was a renowned Ghanaian artist and sculptor, whose works celebrated Akan culture and traditions.

Another notable individual with this surname was Gladys Quansah (1932-2022), a Ghanaian educator and women's rights activist. She played a crucial role in promoting girls' education and advocating for gender equality in Ghana.

The name Quansah has also been associated with several place names in Ghana, such as Quansah Farms and Quansah Village, reflecting the historical presence and influence of individuals with this surname in various regions of the country.

Overall, the surname Quansah has a rich history rooted in the Akan culture of Ghana, and it has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions in various spheres, including trade, leadership, arts, education, and activism.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Quansah surname: questions and answers

How common is the Quansah surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 219 in 2016. That gives Quansah a modern rank of #18,422.

What does the Quansah surname mean?

A Ghanaian surname derived from the Akan word "akwansaw" signifying a warrior or soldier.

What does the Quansah map show?

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