NameCensus.

UK surname

Thapa

A Nepalese surname of Chhetri or Magar origin, indicating a connection to the Thapa clan or family.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Greenwich, Rushmoor and Reading.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Thapa is 1,723 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

1,723

2016, ranked #3,622

Peak year

2016

1,723 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,723 in 2016, ranked #3,622.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 9 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Thapa surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Thapa surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Thapa 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 9 #32,724
1891 historical 1 #34,674
1997 modern 54 #32,210
1998 modern 67 #31,282
1999 modern 71 #31,036
2000 modern 99 #27,845
2001 modern 102 #27,093
2002 modern 125 #24,492
2003 modern 139 #22,734
2004 modern 174 #19,871
2005 modern 213 #17,435
2006 modern 306 #13,724
2007 modern 369 #12,098
2008 modern 480 #9,948
2009 modern 616 #8,428
2010 modern 860 #6,632
2011 modern 871 #6,495
2012 modern 1,260 #4,698
2013 modern 1,436 #4,290
2014 modern 1,591 #3,958
2015 modern 1,658 #3,773
2016 modern 1,723 #3,622

Geography

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Where Thapas 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 Greenwich, Rushmoor and Reading. 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 Greenwich 006 Greenwich
2 Rushmoor 002 Rushmoor
3 Greenwich 007 Greenwich
4 Reading 010 Reading
5 Rushmoor 008 Rushmoor

Forenames

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First names often paired with Thapa

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

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

Thapa 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

Thapa falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Thapa 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
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Thapa

The surname Thapa is of Nepali origin, with roots tracing back several centuries. It is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit word 'sthapaka,' which means 'one who establishes or founds.' This suggests that the name may have initially been associated with individuals who played a significant role in establishing settlements or communities.

The Thapa surname is predominant among the Khas people, an ethnic group native to the western and central regions of Nepal. Historical records indicate that the Thapa clan held influential positions in various Nepalese kingdoms, particularly during the Gorkha Kingdom era (1559–1768).

One of the earliest documented mentions of the Thapa name can be found in the chronicles of the Nepalese royal court during the 16th century. Amar Singh Thapa, a renowned military commander and statesman, played a crucial role in the unification of Nepal under the Gorkha Empire in the late 18th century.

Another notable figure from the Thapa lineage was Bhimsen Thapa (1775–1839), who served as the prime minister of Nepal and commander-in-chief of the Nepalese army during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816). His strategic leadership and diplomatic skills were instrumental in shaping Nepal's political landscape during that period.

In the late 19th century, Ranodip Singh Thapa (1841–1892) gained prominence as a revered poet and writer. His literary works, particularly his poems, are considered significant contributions to Nepali literature and have been widely celebrated.

The Thapa surname has also been associated with various place names across Nepal, such as Thapatoli and Thapal Danda, further solidifying its deep-rooted presence in the region's cultural and geographical landscape.

Other notable individuals bearing the Thapa surname include Prachanda Man Singh Thapa (1797–1858), a military leader and statesman; Bhupi Shamsher Rana Thapa (1797–1858), a distinguished general; and Gagan Singh Thapa (1822–1876), a renowned warrior and military commander.

While the Thapa surname has its origins in Nepal, it has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora communities. Individuals carrying this surname can be found in various countries, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and historical significance of this ancient name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Thapa surname: questions and answers

How common is the Thapa surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,723 in 2016. That gives Thapa a modern rank of #3,622.

What does the Thapa surname mean?

A Nepalese surname of Chhetri or Magar origin, indicating a connection to the Thapa clan or family.

What does the Thapa map show?

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