NameCensus.

UK surname

Yim

A Chinese surname meaning "strict" or "stern," likely referring to an ancestor's personality traits or moral character.

In the 1881 census there were 3 people recorded with the Yim surname, ranking it #33,498 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 187, ranked #20,488, up from #33,498 in 1881.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Yim is 187 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 6133.3%.

1881 census count

3

Ranked #33,498

Modern count

187

2016, ranked #20,488

Peak year

2016

187 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Yim had 3 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,498 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 187 in 2016, ranked #20,488.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 3 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Yim surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Yim surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Yim 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
1881 historical 3 #33,498
1997 modern 98 #27,179
1998 modern 94 #28,435
1999 modern 94 #28,593
2000 modern 93 #28,701
2001 modern 94 #28,246
2002 modern 113 #26,024
2003 modern 116 #25,415
2004 modern 121 #24,939
2005 modern 135 #23,297
2006 modern 145 #22,420
2007 modern 142 #23,025
2008 modern 149 #22,530
2009 modern 153 #22,611
2010 modern 162 #22,292
2011 modern 162 #22,101
2012 modern 167 #21,598
2013 modern 179 #21,028
2014 modern 181 #21,033
2015 modern 180 #20,997
2016 modern 187 #20,488

Geography

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Where Yims 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 Birmingham, Wealden, Lambeth, Portsmouth 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 Birmingham 040 Birmingham
2 Wealden 001 Wealden
3 Lambeth 036 Lambeth
4 Portsmouth 016 Portsmouth
5 Barnet 013 Barnet

Forenames

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First names often paired with Yim

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

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

City Support Workers

Within London, Yim is most associated with areas classed as City Support Workers, 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

Scattered throughout Inner London, these areas house relatively few workers in the most senior roles within organisations, and greater prevalence of administrative roles relative to the Supergroup mean. Residents are less likely to be of Chinese ethnicity and are more likely to have been born in Africa. Relative to the Supergroup average, residents are also more likely to live in social housing and live in overcrowded conditions.

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

Yim 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

Yim 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 Yim is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Yim

The surname Yim originated in China, where it has been traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It is believed to have derived from the Chinese word "yin," which means "forest" or "shade." The name was likely given to someone who lived near a wooded area or worked with forestry.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yim can be found in the "Song Hui Yao Ji Guan," a compilation of government records from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). This document mentions a person named Yim Shao-xing, who served as a military commander during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong (997-1022 AD).

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), there was a notable scholar and official named Yim Yuanzhang (1328-1398). He was born in Fengyang County, Anhui Province, and served as a high-ranking official in the imperial court. Yim Yuanzhang was known for his contributions to the development of Neo-Confucianism.

In the 18th century, there was a famous painter and calligrapher named Yim Zhengming (1701-1767). He was born in Zhejiang Province and was renowned for his landscape paintings and his mastery of the "cursive script" calligraphic style.

Another notable figure with the surname Yim was Yim Wending (1898-1976), a prominent Chinese diplomat and politician. He served as the Foreign Minister of the Republic of China from 1949 to 1954 and played a significant role in the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and other countries after World War II.

In the world of literature, one prominent figure with the surname Yim was Yim Sang (1955-present), a renowned Chinese writer and poet. Born in Hubei Province, Yim Sang is known for his novels and short stories that explore themes of modern Chinese society and cultural identity.

While the surname Yim has its roots in ancient China, it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly in regions with significant Chinese diaspora populations. However, the name's origins can be traced back to the forests and wooded areas of China, where it was likely first bestowed upon an individual or family many centuries ago.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Yim families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Yim 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. Monmouthshire leads with 3 Yims recorded in 1881 and an index of 142.18x.

County Total Index
Monmouthshire 3 142.18x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Trevethin in Monmouthshire leads with 3 Yims recorded in 1881 and an index of 1500.00x.

Place Total Index
Trevethin 3 1500.00x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Agnes 1
Edith 1
Elizabeth 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 Yim households.

Occupation Count
Dressmaker 1

FAQ

Yim surname: questions and answers

How common was the Yim surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3 people were recorded with the Yim surname. That placed it at #33,498 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Yim surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 187 in 2016. That gives Yim a modern rank of #20,488.

What does the Yim surname mean?

A Chinese surname meaning "strict" or "stern," likely referring to an ancestor's personality traits or moral character.

What does the Yim map show?

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