NameCensus.

UK surname

Sima

A locational surname derived from the Spanish word "sima", meaning a deep chasm or ravine.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Sima is 159 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

159

2016, ranked #22,798

Peak year

2016

159 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 159 in 2016, ranked #22,798.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 14 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Sima surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Sima surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Sima 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 14 #32,072
1891 historical 5 #33,939
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1997 modern 8 #37,372
1998 modern 11 #36,908
1999 modern 10 #37,072
2000 modern 16 #36,316
2001 modern 15 #36,265
2002 modern 20 #35,894
2003 modern 24 #35,552
2004 modern 23 #35,786
2005 modern 28 #35,510
2006 modern 40 #34,854
2007 modern 48 #34,488
2008 modern 58 #33,918
2009 modern 77 #32,553
2010 modern 91 #31,497
2011 modern 84 #32,237
2012 modern 106 #29,187
2013 modern 111 #28,856
2014 modern 119 #27,813
2015 modern 144 #24,369
2016 modern 159 #22,798

Geography

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Where Simas 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 Ashfield, Bromley, Brent, Manchester and Barnet. 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 Ashfield 004 Ashfield
2 Bromley 005 Bromley
3 Brent 010 Brent
4 Manchester 031 Manchester
5 Barnet 036 Barnet

Forenames

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First names often paired with Sima

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Sima

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

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Sima surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Sima 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

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, Sima 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

Sima 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

Sima 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 Sima 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
White - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Sima

The surname SIMA has its origins in the Czech Republic, dating back to the 12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Czech word "sima," which means "gorge" or "ravine," suggesting that the name may have been initially associated with a topographical feature or a person living near such a landform.

In the 14th century, the name SIMA appeared in various historical records and documents from the region, including the Bohemian land registers and local administrative archives. One notable mention is found in the Deeds of Landowners of the Chrudim Region, where a certain Petr Sima is listed as a landowner in the year 1387.

The earliest recorded individual with the surname SIMA is Jan Sima, born around 1320 in the village of Náchod, located in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic. He was a prominent farmer and landowner in the area during the mid-14th century.

In the 16th century, the name SIMA appeared in the town of Litomyšl, where a family of that name owned a brewery and contributed significantly to the local economy. A notable member of this family was Václav Sima (1528-1597), who was a respected brewer and philanthropist, known for his support of education and charitable causes.

During the 17th century, the name SIMA spread across various regions of the Czech Republic, and it can be found in historical records from cities such as Prague, Brno, and Olomouc. One notable figure from this era was Jan Sima (1612-1677), a scholar and theologian who taught at the University of Prague and authored several influential works on religious philosophy.

Another prominent individual with the surname SIMA was Antonín Sima (1788-1861), a Czech painter and portraitist who achieved recognition for his realistic depictions of nobility and prominent figures of the time. His works can be found in various art galleries and museums across the Czech Republic and neighboring countries.

Throughout its history, the surname SIMA has been associated with various professions and occupations, ranging from landowners and farmers to brewers, scholars, and artists. While its origins may have been rooted in a topographical feature, the name has transcended its initial meaning and become an integral part of Czech cultural heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Sima surname: questions and answers

How common is the Sima surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 159 in 2016. That gives Sima a modern rank of #22,798.

What does the Sima surname mean?

A locational surname derived from the Spanish word "sima", meaning a deep chasm or ravine.

What does the Sima map show?

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