NameCensus.

UK surname

Tung

A Chinese surname derived from the ancient state of Tung during the Zhou dynasty, or referring to the paulownia tree.

In the 1881 census there were 2 people recorded with the Tung surname, ranking it #33,721 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 215, ranked #18,670, up from #33,721 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Liverpool, Birmingham and Pollokshields West.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Tung is 216 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 10650.0%.

1881 census count

2

Ranked #33,721

Modern count

215

2016, ranked #18,670

Peak year

2015

216 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Tung had 2 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,721 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 215 in 2016, ranked #18,670.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 28 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Tung surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Tung surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Tung 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 4 #32,658
1861 historical 28 #30,405
1881 historical 2 #33,721
1891 historical 24 #32,320
1901 historical 19 #31,911
1911 historical 24 #30,800
1997 modern 119 #24,302
1998 modern 145 #22,139
1999 modern 144 #22,405
2000 modern 154 #21,415
2001 modern 149 #21,568
2002 modern 169 #20,307
2003 modern 160 #20,789
2004 modern 176 #19,731
2005 modern 190 #18,753
2006 modern 186 #19,140
2007 modern 208 #18,013
2008 modern 201 #18,584
2009 modern 212 #18,328
2010 modern 213 #18,660
2011 modern 212 #18,575
2012 modern 211 #18,539
2013 modern 213 #18,743
2014 modern 214 #18,825
2015 modern 216 #18,600
2016 modern 215 #18,670

Geography

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Where Tungs 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 Liverpool, Birmingham, Pollokshields West, Barking and Dagenham and Isle of Wight. 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 Liverpool 045 Liverpool
2 Birmingham 040 Birmingham
3 Pollokshields West Glasgow City
4 Barking and Dagenham 011 Barking and Dagenham
5 Isle of Wight 006 Isle of Wight

Forenames

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First names often paired with Tung

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

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Tung, 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 Tung surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Tung 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

Central Connected Professionals and Managers

Group

Senior Professionals

Within London, Tung is most associated with areas classed as Senior Professionals, part of Central Connected Professionals and Managers. 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 very central neighbourhoods house residents whose ages are more skewed towards older age cohorts than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Few households have young children. Rates of illness are low. Indian ethnicity is rare compared to the Supergroup mean. Property under occupation is more common, despite the centrality of neighbourhoods, and more residents live in communal establishments than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Adult residents of these neighbourhoods are typically aged 25 to 44, working full-time in professional, managerial or associate professional occupations. There are few families with dependent children. The predominantly Inner London neighbourhoods have an international character, including many residents born elsewhere in Europe alongside high numbers of individuals identifying as of Chinese ethnicity. Many individuals are never married, childless and/or living alone. Above average numbers of individuals, likely to be full-time students, live in communal establishments. Elsewhere, privately rented flats are the dominant housing type. Residents of these areas are well-qualified, with a significant number holding Level 4 or above qualifications. There is a correspondingly high level of individuals employed full-time in professional, managerial and associated professional or technical occupations. Employing industries are financial, real estate, professional, administration, and, to a lesser degree, transport and communications. Unemployment is uncommon.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Tung 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

Tung 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 Tung 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 - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Tung

The surname TUNG originates from China, with roots dating back thousands of years to ancient Chinese civilizations. It is derived from the Chinese word "tong," which means "east" or "eastern," suggesting that the name may have been initially associated with individuals or communities located in the eastern regions of the country.

One of the earliest known references to the surname TUNG can be found in the Baihu Tongyi, a historical text compiled during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The text mentions various individuals bearing the TUNG surname, indicating that the name had already gained prominence by that time.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), the TUNG surname was particularly prevalent in the regions of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, where several prominent individuals with this last name made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, philosophy, and government administration.

One notable figure from this era was TUNG Chih-ch'ang (1555-1636), a renowned scholar and philosopher who played a crucial role in reviving the study of Confucian classics during the Ming Dynasty. His works and teachings had a profound impact on the intellectual landscape of his time.

In the 13th century, the TUNG surname gained further recognition with the rise of the TUNG family of merchants and traders. This influential family established a vast trading network spanning across Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultural influences between China and other regions.

Another prominent individual bearing the TUNG surname was TUNG Ch'i-ch'ang (1555-1636), a highly acclaimed painter and calligrapher during the Ming Dynasty. His works are celebrated for their innovative techniques and artistic mastery, and many of his paintings and calligraphic scrolls are preserved in renowned museums and collections worldwide.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the TUNG surname continued to hold significance, with several members of the imperial court and government officials bearing this last name. One such figure was TUNG Hsing (1620-1683), a high-ranking official and scholar who served as the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.

Throughout history, the TUNG surname has been associated with various place names and older spellings. For instance, the city of Dongyang in Zhejiang Province was historically known as Tunghsiang, reflecting the prevalence of the TUNG surname in that region.

While the TUNG surname has its roots firmly planted in China's rich history, individuals bearing this last name have contributed to numerous fields and have left their mark on societies around the world, solidifying the enduring legacy of this ancient and respected surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Tung families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Tung 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. Lancashire leads with 1 Tungs recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.37x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 1 4.37x
Yorkshire 1 5.23x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Bradford in Yorkshire leads with 1 Tungs recorded in 1881 and an index of 217.39x.

Place Total Index
Bradford 1 217.39x
Liverpool 1 71.94x

Top male names

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

Name Count
AH 1
Adam 1
Chas. 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 Tung households.

FAQ

Tung surname: questions and answers

How common was the Tung surname in 1881?

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

How common is the Tung surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 215 in 2016. That gives Tung a modern rank of #18,670.

What does the Tung surname mean?

A Chinese surname derived from the ancient state of Tung during the Zhou dynasty, or referring to the paulownia tree.

What does the Tung map show?

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