NameCensus.

UK surname

Rama

A Hindu name derived from the Sanskrit term for "pleasing" or "dark-colored."

In the 1881 census there were 10 people recorded with the Rama surname, ranking it #32,243 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 629, ranked #8,388, up from #32,243 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Rama is 629 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 6190.0%.

1881 census count

10

Ranked #32,243

Modern count

629

2016, ranked #8,388

Peak year

2016

629 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Rama had 10 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #32,243 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 629 in 2016, ranked #8,388.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 15 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Rama surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Rama surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Rama 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 15 #30,614
1861 historical 4 #33,628
1881 historical 10 #32,243
1891 historical 6 #33,800
1901 historical 3 #34,063
1911 historical 2 #34,020
1997 modern 172 #19,371
1998 modern 177 #19,523
1999 modern 197 #18,400
2000 modern 211 #17,603
2001 modern 205 #17,683
2002 modern 247 #15,941
2003 modern 245 #15,822
2004 modern 282 #14,451
2005 modern 340 #12,642
2006 modern 389 #11,476
2007 modern 413 #11,100
2008 modern 456 #10,306
2009 modern 480 #10,162
2010 modern 498 #10,091
2011 modern 514 #9,754
2012 modern 547 #9,203
2013 modern 558 #9,223
2014 modern 600 #8,807
2015 modern 611 #8,619
2016 modern 629 #8,388

Geography

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Where Ramas 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 Leicester 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 Leicester 017 Leicester
2 Leicester 010 Leicester
3 Brent 029 Brent
4 Brent 026 Brent
5 Leicester 006 Leicester

Forenames

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First names often paired with Rama

These lists show first names that appear often with the Rama 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 Rama

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

Rama 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

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

Meaning and origin of Rama

The surname Rama has its origins in India, where it dates back to ancient times. It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'rama', which means 'pleasing' or 'delightful'. The name is closely associated with the Hindu deity Lord Rama, the central figure of the epic Ramayana.

Rama is considered one of the most revered names in Hinduism and is believed to have been in use since the Vedic period, which spans from around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. The name has been found in numerous ancient Hindu texts and inscriptions, including the Vedas, Puranas, and other sacred literature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rama can be found in the Ramayana itself, where it is mentioned as the name of the heroic prince who later became the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic poem that is believed to have been composed between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the surname Rama. One of the most famous was Rama VI, also known as King Vajiravudh or Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua, who ruled Siam (now Thailand) from 1910 to 1925. He was a prolific writer and poet and is credited with introducing many modernizations to Siam during his reign.

Another notable figure with the surname Rama was Rama Rao, an Indian film actor, director, and producer who was a prominent figure in the Telugu cinema industry. He was born in 1909 and passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of over 180 films.

In the field of literature, Rama Sundri Autar was a renowned Indian poet and writer who lived in the 18th century. She is best known for her work 'Vidya Sundari', which is considered a masterpiece of Braj Bhasha literature.

The name Rama has also been associated with several places and locations. For example, Rama is the name of a town in Ontario, Canada, which was named after the Hindu deity. Similarly, Ramapur is a town in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, which is believed to have been founded by Lord Rama during his exile.

In summary, the surname Rama is deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including kings, actors, and writers, and is associated with various places and locations, reflecting its enduring significance and cultural importance.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Rama families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Rama 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. Lancashire leads with 8 Ramas recorded in 1881 and an index of 6.93x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 8 6.93x
Lanarkshire 1 3.18x
Norfolk 1 6.68x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kirkdale in Lancashire leads with 7 Ramas recorded in 1881 and an index of 360.82x.

Place Total Index
Kirkdale 7 360.82x
Govan Church 1 0.00x
Great Yarmouth 1 80.65x
Liverpool 1 14.27x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 2
Bridget 1
Ellen 1
Esther 1
Fanny 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Martin 1
Mich. 1
Terence 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 Rama households.

Occupation Count
Dressmaker 1
Labourer 1
Scholar 1

FAQ

Rama surname: questions and answers

How common was the Rama surname in 1881?

In 1881, 10 people were recorded with the Rama surname. That placed it at #32,243 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Rama surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 629 in 2016. That gives Rama a modern rank of #8,388.

What does the Rama surname mean?

A Hindu name derived from the Sanskrit term for "pleasing" or "dark-colored."

What does the Rama map show?

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