NameCensus.

UK surname

Sama

An Arabic surname indicating equivalence, equality, or sameness.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Sama is 134 in 2011. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

133

2016, ranked #25,765

Peak year

2011

134 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 133 in 2016, ranked #25,765.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Sama surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Sama surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Sama 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 2 #33,133
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1911 historical 1 #34,332
1997 modern 53 #32,329
1998 modern 55 #32,399
1999 modern 60 #32,078
2000 modern 54 #32,710
2001 modern 55 #32,482
2002 modern 66 #31,821
2003 modern 63 #32,152
2004 modern 67 #31,976
2005 modern 82 #30,617
2006 modern 91 #29,725
2007 modern 97 #29,156
2008 modern 110 #27,391
2009 modern 118 #26,766
2010 modern 123 #26,728
2011 modern 134 #25,050
2012 modern 119 #27,100
2013 modern 125 #26,695
2014 modern 123 #27,206
2015 modern 126 #26,654
2016 modern 133 #25,765

Geography

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Where Samas 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 Brent, Sighthill, Newham and Oadby and Wigston. 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 Brent 020 Brent
2 Sighthill Glasgow City
3 Newham 032 Newham
4 Oadby and Wigston 009 Oadby and Wigston
5 Newham 015 Newham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Sama

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

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Sama, 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 Sama surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Sama 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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Sama 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

Sama 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

Sama 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 Sama is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
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 Sama, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Sama

The surname SAMA originates from the Indian subcontinent, derived from the Sanskrit word 'sama' meaning 'equal' or 'same'. It is believed to have been used as a title or honorific for individuals who were regarded as impartial or fair in their dealings.

The earliest recorded instances of the name SAMA can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE. It was commonly found in regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, where Sanskrit was widely used as a scholarly language.

During the medieval period, the SAMA surname gained prominence among the Brahmin and Kshatriya communities, particularly in regions under the rule of the Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and Pala dynasties. Several notable figures bearing this name are mentioned in historical records and literary works from this era.

One of the earliest known individuals with the surname SAMA was Ravi Sama, a renowned poet and scholar from the 7th century CE. His works, including the epic poem 'Ravisama Kavya', are considered literary treasures and provide valuable insights into the cultural and social landscape of that time.

In the 12th century, Samara Sama, a renowned astronomer and mathematician, made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. His treatise, 'Sama Siddhanta', is regarded as a seminal work on celestial calculations and was widely studied by scholars across the Indian subcontinent.

Another prominent figure was Acharya Sama, a revered spiritual leader and philosopher from the 14th century. He was known for his teachings on ethics, metaphysics, and the pursuit of knowledge, and his writings continue to influence various philosophical and spiritual traditions in India.

During the reign of the Mughal Empire, the SAMA surname was also found among the nobility and administrative officials. Mir Sama, a prominent courtier and advisor to Emperor Akbar, played a crucial role in the governance of the empire and was known for his wisdom and diplomatic skills.

In the 18th century, Rani Sama Devi, a brave and influential queen from the princely state of Bundi, was renowned for her military prowess and her efforts in defending her kingdom against external threats.

While the SAMA surname is more prevalent in certain regions of India, it has also been carried to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, the historical roots of this name can be traced back to the ancient and rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Sama families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Sama 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. Royal Navy leads with 1 Samas recorded in 1881 and an index of 909.09x.

County Total Index
Royal Navy 1 909.09x

FAQ

Sama surname: questions and answers

How common is the Sama surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 133 in 2016. That gives Sama a modern rank of #25,765.

What does the Sama surname mean?

An Arabic surname indicating equivalence, equality, or sameness.

What does the Sama map show?

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