NameCensus.

UK surname

Reddy

Derived from a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, or from a place name.

In the 1881 census there were 435 people recorded with the Reddy surname, ranking it #7,500 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,751, ranked #3,582, up from #7,500 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes and Tynemouth (Chirton, Preston, Murton, Whitley, Monkseaton), Earsdon (Earsdon). In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Preston, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Windsor and Maidenhead.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Reddy is 1,773 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 302.5%.

1881 census count

435

Ranked #7,500

Modern count

1,751

2016, ranked #3,582

Peak year

2014

1,773 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Reddy had 435 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,500 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,751 in 2016, ranked #3,582.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 548 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Reddy surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Reddy surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Reddy 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 168 #11,873
1861 historical 257 #9,629
1881 historical 435 #7,500
1891 historical 519 #7,208
1901 historical 525 #7,771
1911 historical 548 #7,311
1997 modern 1,213 #4,669
1998 modern 1,293 #4,593
1999 modern 1,344 #4,459
2000 modern 1,362 #4,398
2001 modern 1,327 #4,411
2002 modern 1,355 #4,416
2003 modern 1,397 #4,231
2004 modern 1,390 #4,249
2005 modern 1,440 #4,094
2006 modern 1,526 #3,900
2007 modern 1,552 #3,868
2008 modern 1,608 #3,776
2009 modern 1,652 #3,778
2010 modern 1,762 #3,626
2011 modern 1,728 #3,643
2012 modern 1,704 #3,639
2013 modern 1,737 #3,634
2014 modern 1,773 #3,588
2015 modern 1,768 #3,565
2016 modern 1,751 #3,582

Geography

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Where Reddys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes, Tynemouth (Chirton, Preston, Murton, Whitley, Monkseaton), Earsdon (Earsdon), Manchester and Liverpool. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Preston, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Windsor and Maidenhead, Hounslow and Welwyn Hatfield. 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 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
2 London parishes London 3
3 Tynemouth (Chirton, Preston, Murton, Whitley, Monkseaton), Earsdon (Earsdon) Northumberland
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Liverpool Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Preston 014 Preston
2 Rhondda Cynon Taf 001 Rhondda Cynon Taf
3 Windsor and Maidenhead 016 Windsor and Maidenhead
4 Hounslow 017 Hounslow
5 Welwyn Hatfield 009 Welwyn Hatfield

Forenames

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First names often paired with Reddy

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Reddy

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Reddy 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

Reddy 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

Reddy falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Reddy 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
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Reddy

The surname Reddy has its roots in India, specifically in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It originated as an occupational name for farmers or cultivators, derived from the Telugu word "reddi," which means "cultivator" or "landowner."

The earliest recorded use of the name Reddy can be traced back to the 9th century AD, during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty in the Deccan region. It was initially used by members of the Kapu community, which was predominantly involved in agriculture and land cultivation.

In the 13th century, the Reddy dynasty, also known as the Reddi Kingdom, ruled over parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This dynasty was founded by Prolaya Vema Reddy, who established the kingdom in the region around present-day Kurnool. The Reddy rulers played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of the region, and their influence led to the further spread of the surname.

One of the earliest known references to the name Reddy can be found in the inscriptions and copper plate grants issued by the Reddy dynasty rulers during their reign. These historical records provide valuable insights into the use and significance of the surname during that period.

Notable historical figures bearing the surname Reddy include:

1. Prolaya Vema Reddy (c. 1325 - 1368), the founder of the Reddy dynasty. 2. Gona Ganna Reddy (c. 1350 - 1414), a prominent ruler of the Reddy dynasty known for his administrative reforms. 3. Kapaya Nayaka Reddy (c. 1490 - 1542), a military commander and chieftain during the Vijayanagar Empire. 4. Potti Sreeramulu (1901 - 1952), a revolutionary and freedom fighter who led the "Vivisection of Madras Province" movement for the creation of Andhra Pradesh. 5. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (1909 - 1994), the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after its formation in 1956.

The surname Reddy has also been associated with various place names and older spellings of place names in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions. For example, the town of Reddigudem in Andhra Pradesh and the Reddy Palle village in Telangana are believed to have derived their names from the Reddy community or individuals with the surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Reddy families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Reddy 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 162 Reddys recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.21x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 162 3.21x
Surrey 42 2.03x
Middlesex 34 0.80x
Northumberland 26 4.11x
Cheshire 24 2.56x
Durham 20 1.58x
Devon 16 1.81x
Warwickshire 14 1.31x
Norfolk 13 1.99x
Gloucestershire 12 1.44x
Yorkshire 12 0.28x
Worcestershire 10 1.80x
Berkshire 8 2.51x
Lanarkshire 8 0.58x
Angus 6 1.52x
Essex 6 0.71x
Kent 5 0.34x
Lincolnshire 4 0.59x
Renfrewshire 4 1.21x
Hampshire 3 0.34x
Sussex 2 0.28x
Ayrshire 1 0.31x
Channel Islands 1 0.79x
Cornwall 1 0.21x
Huntingdonshire 1 1.18x
Stirlingshire 1 0.64x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Great Bolton in Lancashire leads with 38 Reddys recorded in 1881 and an index of 56.85x.

Place Total Index
Great Bolton 38 56.85x
Liverpool 22 7.18x
Little Bolton 17 26.20x
Byker 16 51.15x
Kings Lynn St Margaret 13 66.23x
Heswall Cum Oldfield 11 852.71x
Manchester 11 4.85x
Newington 11 7.00x
Stoke Damerel 10 16.14x
Stourbridge 10 69.98x
Salford 9 6.06x
Bray 8 85.29x
Elton 8 45.87x
Everton 8 4.97x
Reigate Foreign 8 35.65x
Glasgow 7 2.87x
Over Darwen 7 17.37x
Aston 6 2.03x
Battersea 6 3.83x
Chelsea London 6 4.68x
Dawdon 6 38.56x
Dundee 6 4.08x
Great Torrington 6 119.52x
Rotherhithe 6 11.42x
Stapleton 6 37.93x
Castleton 5 9.92x
Headingley Cum Burley 5 18.43x
North Shields 5 39.59x
Shoreditch London 5 2.71x
Stockton On Tees 5 8.20x
West Derby 5 3.39x
Westoe 5 6.97x
Wickwar 5 373.13x
Brinnington 4 45.61x
Burnley 4 9.41x
Coventry Holy Trinity 4 12.49x
Eccleston In Prescot 4 15.79x
Heap 4 14.94x
Hetton Le Hole 4 24.95x
Lambeth 4 1.08x
Liscard 4 23.65x
Poplar London 4 4.98x
South Shoebury 4 118.69x
St Marylebone London 4 1.76x
St Pancras London 4 1.17x
Westgate 4 10.21x
Wigan 4 5.67x
Aldershot 3 10.27x
Altrincham 3 18.29x
Coventry St Michael 3 8.71x
Croydon 3 2.61x
Erith 3 20.98x
Lancaster 3 9.99x
Accrington 2 4.36x
Bermondsey 2 1.58x
Colchester St Botolph 2 28.01x
Drypool 2 31.01x
Grantham 2 22.57x
Islington London 2 0.49x
Manningham 2 3.85x
Paisley High Church 2 7.62x
Paisley Middle Church 2 10.42x
Pennington In Leigh 2 20.66x
St Maryle Wigford 2 37.88x
Barony 1 0.29x
Bromley London 1 1.07x
East Ardsley 1 27.40x
East Molesey 1 20.79x
Eastbourne 1 3.03x
Farnworth 1 3.31x
Fulham London 1 1.62x
Layton With Warbreck 1 5.40x
Lewisham 1 1.29x
Newcastle On Tyne All Sts 1 2.65x
St Giles In Fields 1 6.82x
St Gilesin Fields 1 40.32x
St Ives 1 22.83x
Stockport 1 2.07x
West Kilbride 1 33.00x
Westminster St James 1 2.29x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 40
Elizabeth 15
Sarah 13
Ann 12
Margaret 10
Bridget 9
Alice 7
Ellen 7
Jane 6
Hannah 5
Anne 4
Catherine 4
Clara 4
Emily 4
Emma 4
Louisa 4
Maria 4
Annie 3
Edith 3
Florence 3
Margt. 3
Rose 3
Amelia 2
Anna 2
Caroline 2
Eliza 2
Fanny 2
Frances 2
Isabella 2
Jessie 2
Lucy 2
Rebecca 2
Susannah 2
Amy 1
Barbara 1
Betsy 1
Blanche 1
Direndow 1
Eleanor 1
Elizth. 1
Ellenor 1
Esther 1
F. 1
Harriet 1
Isabel 1
Julia 1
K.A. 1
K.H. 1
Linda 1
Winnafred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 39
James 21
William 17
Thomas 16
Michael 9
Charles 8
George 8
Martin 8
Patrick 6
Joseph 5
Edward 4
Robert 4
Alfred 3
Andrew 3
Lewis 3
Albert 2
David 2
Edwin 2
Frederick 2
Gerald 2
Hugh 2
Michel 2
Simon 2
Anthony 1
Arthur 1
Caleb 1
Christopher 1
Dan. 1
Daniel 1
Earnest 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Freddy 1
Fredrick 1
Giles 1
J. 1
Jas. 1
Mathoney 1
Matthew 1
Michal 1
Nicholas 1
Owen 1
P. 1
Patk. 1
Peter 1
Richard 1
Willm. 1

FAQ

Reddy surname: questions and answers

How common was the Reddy surname in 1881?

In 1881, 435 people were recorded with the Reddy surname. That placed it at #7,500 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Reddy surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,751 in 2016. That gives Reddy a modern rank of #3,582.

What does the Reddy surname mean?

Derived from a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, or from a place name.

What does the Reddy map show?

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