NameCensus.

UK surname

Thong

A Vietnamese surname derived from a placename.

In the 1881 census there were 2 people recorded with the Thong surname, ranking it #33,721 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 112, ranked #28,844, up from #33,721 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Thong is 113 in 2013. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 5500.0%.

1881 census count

2

Ranked #33,721

Modern count

112

2016, ranked #28,844

Peak year

2013

113 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Thong had 2 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,721 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 112 in 2016, ranked #28,844.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 80 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Thong surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Thong surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Thong 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 21 #29,550
1861 historical 80 #23,566
1881 historical 2 #33,721
1891 historical 10 #33,355
1901 historical 6 #33,591
1911 historical 2 #34,020
1997 modern 53 #32,329
1998 modern 64 #31,562
1999 modern 75 #30,661
2000 modern 68 #31,380
2001 modern 65 #31,501
2002 modern 78 #30,601
2003 modern 75 #30,994
2004 modern 78 #30,919
2005 modern 81 #30,740
2006 modern 81 #31,044
2007 modern 88 #30,515
2008 modern 85 #31,247
2009 modern 99 #29,754
2010 modern 103 #29,780
2011 modern 105 #29,287
2012 modern 112 #28,174
2013 modern 113 #28,502
2014 modern 108 #29,658
2015 modern 110 #29,157
2016 modern 112 #28,844

Geography

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Where Thongs 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 Harlow, Lewisham and Croydon. 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 Harlow 003 Harlow
2 Lewisham 002 Lewisham
3 Harlow 002 Harlow
4 Harlow 008 Harlow
5 Croydon 027 Croydon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Thong

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

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

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Thong surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Thong 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 includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Thong is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Thong 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

Thong 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 Thong 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 - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Thong

The surname Thong originated in Vietnam during the 15th century. It is derived from the Vietnamese word "thống," meaning "to unify" or "to govern." This name was likely given to individuals or families who held positions of authority or served as local governors.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the Thong surname can be found in the Đại Việt Sử Ký (The Complete Annals of Đại Việt), a historical text compiled during the Lê Dynasty in the 15th century. It references a man named Thong Trung, who served as a high-ranking official in the imperial court.

In the 16th century, there are records of a village named Thong Nhat, which translates to "United Village," located in the northern region of Vietnam. This suggests that the Thong surname may have been particularly prevalent in that area during that time period.

A notable figure bearing the Thong surname was Trần Thong, a famous Vietnamese poet and scholar who lived during the 17th century. His poetry and writings have had a significant influence on Vietnamese literature and culture.

During the 18th century, a man named Nguyen Thong Hien gained recognition as a skilled military strategist and commander. He played a crucial role in defending Vietnam against foreign invasions and is celebrated as a national hero.

In the 19th century, the Thong surname gained prominence with the birth of Phan Thong Trieu, a renowned Vietnamese artist and calligrapher. His works are highly regarded and can be found in various museums and collections throughout Vietnam.

Another influential figure was Nguyen Thong, a prominent political leader and activist who played a significant role in the Vietnamese independence movement against French colonial rule in the early 20th century.

While the Thong surname is predominantly found in Vietnam, it has also spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its origins and historical significance remain deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Thong families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Thong 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. Middlesex leads with 1 Thongs recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.19x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 1 5.19x
Surrey 1 10.65x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kensington London in Middlesex leads with 1 Thongs recorded in 1881 and an index of 93.46x.

Place Total Index
Kensington London 1 93.46x
Lambeth 1 59.52x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Thong surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Japhet 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Thong surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Jacob 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Thong households.

Occupation Count
Assistant Cheesemonger 1

FAQ

Thong surname: questions and answers

How common was the Thong surname in 1881?

In 1881, 2 people were recorded with the Thong surname. That placed it at #33,721 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Thong surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 112 in 2016. That gives Thong a modern rank of #28,844.

What does the Thong surname mean?

A Vietnamese surname derived from a placename.

What does the Thong map show?

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