NameCensus.

UK surname

Rezai

A surname of Persian/Iranian origin meaning "weaver".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Hartlepool, Merton and Sheffield.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Rezai is 135 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

135

2016, ranked #25,505

Peak year

2016

135 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 135 in 2016, ranked #25,505.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Rezai surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Rezai surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Rezai 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 18 #36,053
1998 modern 21 #35,788
1999 modern 20 #35,923
2000 modern 20 #35,915
2001 modern 25 #35,248
2002 modern 30 #34,950
2003 modern 34 #34,681
2004 modern 38 #34,555
2005 modern 41 #34,478
2006 modern 51 #33,992
2007 modern 52 #34,195
2008 modern 59 #33,827
2009 modern 73 #32,923
2010 modern 84 #32,289
2011 modern 89 #31,659
2012 modern 107 #29,017
2013 modern 114 #28,347
2014 modern 122 #27,358
2015 modern 128 #26,356
2016 modern 135 #25,505

Geography

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Where Rezais 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 Hartlepool, Merton, Sheffield, Enfield and Hounslow. 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 Hartlepool 014 Hartlepool
2 Merton 006 Merton
3 Sheffield 047 Sheffield
4 Enfield 028 Enfield
5 Hounslow 020 Hounslow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Rezai

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

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

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Rezai surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Rezai household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Rezai is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Rezai 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

Rezai falls in decile 1 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.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Rezai 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Rezai

The surname "REZAI" is believed to have originated in Iran, where it is thought to have derived from the Persian word "rez," meaning "to pour" or "to flow." This name may have initially been associated with individuals who worked in occupations related to pouring or flowing liquids, such as winemakers, water carriers, or irrigation workers.

The earliest recorded instances of the name "REZAI" can be traced back to the 14th century during the Ilkhanate period in Persia. Several manuscripts and historical documents from that era mention individuals bearing this surname, indicating its presence in various regions of present-day Iran.

One notable individual with the surname "REZAI" was Mirza Mohammad Reza'i, a renowned Iranian philosopher and scholar who lived in the 16th century. His works on Islamic theology and ethics were highly influential during his lifetime and continue to be studied by scholars today.

In the 18th century, a prominent figure named Mirza Reza'i served as a high-ranking official in the court of Nader Shah, the ruler of the Afsharid dynasty in Persia. Mirza Reza'i played a significant role in the administration and diplomacy of the empire during that period.

Another individual of historical significance was Ahmad Reza'i, a Persian poet and writer who lived in the late 19th century. His poetry collections and literary works were widely acclaimed, and he is considered one of the most influential figures in the revival of Persian literature during that era.

Moving into the 20th century, Morteza Rezai was a renowned Iranian painter and calligrapher who made significant contributions to the art world. His intricate calligraphic works and paintings were exhibited in galleries across Iran and internationally, earning him recognition and acclaim.

It is worth noting that the surname "REZAI" has also been found in various historical records and documents from neighboring regions, such as Afghanistan and Central Asia, where Persian culture and language have had a significant influence over the centuries.

While the origin and meaning of surnames can sometimes be subject to debate and interpretation, the surname "REZAI" holds a rich history and cultural significance, particularly in the Persian-speaking world. It has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions throughout the centuries, leaving an indelible mark on various aspects of society.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Rezai surname: questions and answers

How common is the Rezai surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 135 in 2016. That gives Rezai a modern rank of #25,505.

What does the Rezai surname mean?

A surname of Persian/Iranian origin meaning "weaver".

What does the Rezai map show?

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