NameCensus.

UK surname

Thakrar

A surname common among certain Hindu communities, particularly Gujaratis.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Oadby and Wigston, Leicester and Hillingdon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Thakrar is 1,506 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

1,362

2016, ranked #4,426

Peak year

2010

1,506 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,362 in 2016, ranked #4,426.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Thakrar surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Thakrar surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Thakrar 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 1,094 #5,097
1998 modern 1,148 #5,065
1999 modern 1,195 #4,950
2000 modern 1,216 #4,838
2001 modern 1,216 #4,748
2002 modern 1,283 #4,626
2003 modern 1,328 #4,405
2004 modern 1,370 #4,305
2005 modern 1,323 #4,375
2006 modern 1,345 #4,326
2007 modern 1,383 #4,268
2008 modern 1,391 #4,277
2009 modern 1,434 #4,257
2010 modern 1,506 #4,172
2011 modern 1,440 #4,276
2012 modern 1,353 #4,418
2013 modern 1,425 #4,310
2014 modern 1,402 #4,391
2015 modern 1,380 #4,399
2016 modern 1,362 #4,426

Geography

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Where Thakrars 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 Oadby and Wigston, Leicester and Hillingdon. 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 Oadby and Wigston 009 Oadby and Wigston
2 Leicester 006 Leicester
3 Leicester 010 Leicester
4 Hillingdon 001 Hillingdon
5 Leicester 002 Leicester

Forenames

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First names often paired with Thakrar

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

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

Thakrar 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

Thakrar falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Thakrar 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 Thakrar, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Thakrar

The surname Thakrar has its origins in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is believed to have originated sometime around the 12th century CE. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Thakkura', which means 'lord' or 'master'. It is thought that the name was initially used to refer to members of the Kshatriya caste, who were traditionally warriors and rulers.

One of the earliest known references to the name Thakrar can be found in the Rajput chronicles of the 13th century. These chronicles mention a prominent Rajput clan known as the Thakrars, who were said to have ruled over parts of present-day Gujarat and Rajasthan. The name is also mentioned in several inscriptions and copper plate grants from that era, which provide insights into the history and lineage of various Thakrar families.

In the 16th century, the Thakrars were among the many communities that migrated to the coastal regions of Gujarat, where they became involved in maritime trade and commerce. Some notable individuals from this period include Virji Vothaji Thakrar, a wealthy merchant and shipowner from the port city of Surat, who lived between 1585 and 1655.

As the British East India Company established its presence in India, the Thakrars played an important role in facilitating trade and commerce. One prominent figure was Narottam Morarji Thakrar (1751-1823), a wealthy trader and philanthropist from Surat, who was known for his generous contributions towards the construction of public works and educational institutions.

During the Indian freedom struggle, the Thakrars were actively involved in the movement against British rule. Chhaganlal Khushaldas Thakrar (1873-1942) was a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer from Gujarat, who played a significant role in the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Another notable figure is Kanaiyalal Maneklal Thakrar (1886-1972), a successful industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Kanaiyalal Maneklal Thakrar Charitable Trust, which has contributed significantly towards education and healthcare initiatives in Gujarat.

Over the centuries, the Thakrar surname has spread across various parts of India and the world, with communities of Thakrars residing in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and East Africa. While the name has evolved and taken on different spellings over time, its roots can be traced back to the ancient and illustrious history of Gujarat.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Thakrar surname: questions and answers

How common is the Thakrar surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,362 in 2016. That gives Thakrar a modern rank of #4,426.

What does the Thakrar surname mean?

A surname common among certain Hindu communities, particularly Gujaratis.

What does the Thakrar map show?

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