NameCensus.

UK surname

Sarfaraz

Of Arabic origin, meaning leader or commander.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Croydon, Kirklees and Hounslow.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Sarfaraz is 106 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

106

2016, ranked #29,927

Peak year

2016

106 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 106 in 2016, ranked #29,927.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Sarfaraz surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Sarfaraz surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Sarfaraz 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
1861 historical 1 #34,435
1997 modern 25 #35,261
1998 modern 30 #34,833
1999 modern 32 #34,717
2000 modern 38 #34,146
2001 modern 36 #34,171
2002 modern 41 #34,032
2003 modern 40 #34,215
2004 modern 53 #33,336
2005 modern 63 #32,602
2006 modern 66 #32,629
2007 modern 68 #32,760
2008 modern 73 #32,555
2009 modern 81 #32,172
2010 modern 89 #31,745
2011 modern 93 #31,169
2012 modern 94 #31,258
2013 modern 104 #30,076
2014 modern 104 #30,365
2015 modern 104 #30,269
2016 modern 106 #29,927

Geography

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Where Sarfaraz' 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 Croydon, Kirklees, Hounslow, Newham and Bristol. 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 Croydon 033 Croydon
2 Kirklees 024 Kirklees
3 Hounslow 017 Hounslow
4 Newham 006 Newham
5 Bristol 025 Bristol, City of

Forenames

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First names often paired with Sarfaraz

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

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

Sarfaraz 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

Sarfaraz 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 Sarfaraz 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Sarfaraz

The surname Sarfaraz is of Persian origin, with roots tracing back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Sasanian Empire (224-651 AD). The name is derived from the Persian words "sar" meaning "head" or "chief," and "faraz" meaning "exalted" or "elevated." Together, Sarfaraz can be interpreted as "the exalted one" or "the one with a high rank."

Early records indicate that the name was initially used as a title or honorific bestowed upon individuals of high social standing or military rank within the Persian nobility and aristocracy. Over time, it transitioned into a hereditary surname, passing from generation to generation within prominent Persian families.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Sarfaraz can be found in the Shahnameh, the epic Persian poem written by Ferdowsi in the late 10th century AD. The work mentions several historical figures bearing the name, including Sarfaraz Khan, a prominent military commander during the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736 AD).

Another notable figure was Sarfaraz Khan Koka, a powerful noble and governor during the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. He served under the reign of Emperor Akbar and played a significant role in the administration of the empire's territories.

During the 18th century, Sarfaraz Ali Khan was a renowned military leader and statesman who served as the Nawab (ruler) of Arcot, a former princely state in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. His reign spanned from 1742 to 1763, and he is remembered for his military victories and political acumen.

In the 19th century, Mirza Sarfaraz Hussain Khan was a prominent poet and writer from the Lucknow region of India. He was renowned for his contributions to Urdu literature and his poetic works, which were widely celebrated during his lifetime (1825-1894).

Another historical figure of note was Sarfaraz Khan Bhatti, a chieftain and military leader from the Bhatti tribe in present-day Pakistan. He played a crucial role in the resistance against the British East India Company during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, earning him a reputation as a valiant warrior and defender of his people's rights.

While the surname Sarfaraz has its roots in ancient Persia, it has also been adopted and used by various ethnic groups and communities across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Central Asia, reflecting the cultural and historical influences of the Persian Empire and its linguistic and cultural diaspora.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Sarfaraz surname: questions and answers

How common is the Sarfaraz surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 106 in 2016. That gives Sarfaraz a modern rank of #29,927.

What does the Sarfaraz surname mean?

Of Arabic origin, meaning leader or commander.

What does the Sarfaraz map show?

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