NameCensus.

UK surname

Yadav

A surname originating from pastoral communities in India.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Hounslow, Brent and Barnet.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Yadav is 768 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

768

2016, ranked #7,143

Peak year

2016

768 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 768 in 2016, ranked #7,143.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Yadav surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Yadav surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Yadav 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 260 #14,880
1998 modern 274 #14,759
1999 modern 277 #14,737
2000 modern 289 #14,272
2001 modern 291 #14,000
2002 modern 334 #13,045
2003 modern 343 #12,607
2004 modern 361 #12,175
2005 modern 387 #11,463
2006 modern 436 #10,506
2007 modern 473 #9,965
2008 modern 525 #9,286
2009 modern 581 #8,793
2010 modern 636 #8,388
2011 modern 609 #8,585
2012 modern 691 #7,676
2013 modern 728 #7,510
2014 modern 736 #7,498
2015 modern 742 #7,364
2016 modern 768 #7,143

Geography

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Where Yadavs 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 Hounslow, Brent and Barnet. 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 Hounslow 018 Hounslow
2 Hounslow 015 Hounslow
3 Brent 013 Brent
4 Barnet 020 Barnet
5 Brent 019 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Yadav

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

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

Yadav 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

Yadav falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Yadav

The surname Yadav originates from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from the regions that are today known as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. The name dates back to the ancient times of the Vedic period around 1500 to 500 BCE. Yadav is derived from the Sanskrit word Yadu, referring to the legendary king Yadu. The descendants of Yadu are known as Yadavas, marking the genesis of the surname.

The etymology of Yadav is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and literature. Yadu was a prominent figure in the ancient Indian texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, where he is chronicled as a significant ancestor of Lord Krishna. The Puranas mention that the Yadavas were a prominent clan of the Chandravamsha (lunar dynasty) to which Krishna belonged. Thus, Yadav literally means a descendant of Yadu.

Historically, the Yadavas were known to be a powerful and influential group. They were first mentioned in various ancient Indian scriptures and manuscripts. Inscriptions dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries have been found that reference Yadava rulers. Historically, the name Yadav has been associated with various dynasties, such as the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty that ruled parts of present-day Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh between the 9th and 14th centuries.

The earliest recorded examples of the Yadav surname appear in medieval Indian history. One of the most notable figures is King Bhillama V, who ruled the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty from 1187 to 1191. His reign marks significant achievements in expanding the kingdom and consolidating its power.

In terms of place names, the name has been associated with many regions in India. The city of Devagiri (modern-day Daulatabad) served as the capital of the Yadava dynasty during the rule of King Bhillama V and his successors. Some variations in place names related to Yadav rulers exist due to regional linguistic influences.

Another historic figure bearing the surname is Simhana, a prominent Yadava king who ruled from circa 1200 to 1247. During his reign, the Yadava dynasty reached its zenith, establishing significant architectural and cultural advancements in the region.

Further historical reference to the Yadav surname includes the medieval military leader Raja Jai Singh Yadav, who played a crucial role in resisting invasions during the late medieval period, contributing to his community's lasting legacy.

Jagat Singh Yadav was another influential Yadav figure who played a pivotal role in the early resistance against colonial forces during the 19th century. His contributions are remembered in local folklore and recorded in regional historical accounts.

In the realm of modern history, Rao Tula Ram Yadav (1825-1863) stands out as a notable freedom fighter during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He led forces against British colonial rule, leaving an indelible mark on the history of India's struggle for independence.

Over centuries, the Yadav surname has remained a testament to the rich cultural and historical fabric of India, rooted deeply in ancient traditions, mythologies, and significant epochs of Indian history. All these aspects together paint a detailed and intricate history of the surname Yadav, woven with tales of valor, governance, and resilience.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Yadav surname: questions and answers

How common is the Yadav surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 768 in 2016. That gives Yadav a modern rank of #7,143.

What does the Yadav surname mean?

A surname originating from pastoral communities in India.

What does the Yadav map show?

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