NameCensus.

UK surname

Xu

A Chinese surname meaning "to continue" or "to allow," which originated from the ancient state of Xu.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Manchester, Barking and Dagenham and Oxford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Xu is 1,016 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

1,016

2016, ranked #5,735

Peak year

2016

1,016 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,016 in 2016, ranked #5,735.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Xu surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Xu surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Xu 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 59 #31,734
1998 modern 69 #31,076
1999 modern 89 #29,168
2000 modern 111 #26,111
2001 modern 114 #25,344
2002 modern 162 #20,839
2003 modern 227 #16,718
2004 modern 258 #15,386
2005 modern 319 #13,275
2006 modern 367 #12,016
2007 modern 421 #10,920
2008 modern 467 #10,146
2009 modern 529 #9,442
2010 modern 719 #7,619
2011 modern 669 #7,975
2012 modern 891 #6,291
2013 modern 926 #6,216
2014 modern 962 #6,067
2015 modern 981 #5,899
2016 modern 1,016 #5,735

Geography

Back to top

Where Xus 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 Manchester, Barking and Dagenham, Oxford, Lancaster and Tower Hamlets. 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 Manchester 026 Manchester
2 Barking and Dagenham 008 Barking and Dagenham
3 Oxford 008 Oxford
4 Lancaster 017 Lancaster
5 Tower Hamlets 028 Tower Hamlets

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Xu

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Xu

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Xu is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Xu 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

Xu 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 Xu 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 Xu, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Xu

The surname "XU" originates from China, where it first appeared in historical records dating back to the 7th century AD. The name is believed to be derived from the Chinese word "xu," which means "humble" or "modest." It was commonly adopted by families living in the regions of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong.

One of the earliest known references to the surname "XU" can be found in the "Book of Tang," a historical text compiled in the 10th century. This text mentions several prominent individuals with the surname, including Xu Jingzong, a renowned scholar and poet who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

In the 11th century, the "XU" surname gained further prominence when Xu Xian, a prominent general and military strategist, played a crucial role in the successful defense of the Song Dynasty against the Liao Empire. His military achievements and loyalty to the imperial court were widely celebrated and recorded in various historical texts.

The "XU" surname has also been associated with several notable scholars and philosophers throughout Chinese history. One such individual was Xu Guangqi (1562-1633), a prominent scholar, mathematician, and agricultural scientist who played a significant role in the introduction of Western science and technology to China during the Ming Dynasty.

Another prominent figure with the "XU" surname was Xu Xiake (1587-1641), a renowned geographer, travel writer, and explorer who traveled extensively throughout China and documented his observations in meticulous detail. His writings provided valuable insights into the geography, culture, and customs of various regions in China during the Ming Dynasty.

In the 19th century, Xu Shou (1818-1884) gained recognition as a prominent writer and poet during the Qing Dynasty. His literary works, which often explored themes of social commentary and personal introspection, were widely praised and influential during his time.

Throughout history, the "XU" surname has been associated with numerous scholars, writers, military leaders, and prominent figures in various fields, reflecting the diverse contributions of individuals bearing this ancient Chinese name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Xu surname: questions and answers

How common is the Xu surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,016 in 2016. That gives Xu a modern rank of #5,735.

What does the Xu surname mean?

A Chinese surname meaning "to continue" or "to allow," which originated from the ancient state of Xu.

What does the Xu map show?

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