NameCensus.

UK surname

Yun

A Korean surname derived from the Chinese surname Wen, meaning "literary" or "cultivated."

In the 1881 census there were 1 people recorded with the Yun surname, ranking it #34,027 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 106, ranked #29,927, up from #34,027 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Mendip, Southwark and Richmond upon Thames.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Yun is 106 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 10500.0%.

1881 census count

1

Ranked #34,027

Modern count

106

2016, ranked #29,927

Peak year

2016

106 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Yun had 1 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #34,027 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 106 in 2016, ranked #29,927.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Yun surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Yun surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Yun 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
1881 historical 1 #34,027
1901 historical 1 #34,548
1997 modern 34 #34,282
1998 modern 36 #34,246
1999 modern 44 #33,601
2000 modern 48 #33,288
2001 modern 40 #33,842
2002 modern 48 #33,459
2003 modern 55 #32,895
2004 modern 60 #32,684
2005 modern 63 #32,602
2006 modern 65 #32,743
2007 modern 70 #32,580
2008 modern 68 #33,047
2009 modern 83 #31,950
2010 modern 97 #30,697
2011 modern 89 #31,659
2012 modern 97 #30,798
2013 modern 98 #31,078
2014 modern 105 #30,204
2015 modern 103 #30,444
2016 modern 106 #29,927

Geography

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Where Yuns 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 Mendip, Southwark, Richmond upon Thames, Barnet and Haringey. 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 Mendip 004 Mendip
2 Southwark 013 Southwark
3 Richmond upon Thames 013 Richmond upon Thames
4 Barnet 007 Barnet
5 Haringey 010 Haringey

Forenames

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First names often paired with Yun

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

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Yun 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

Yun 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

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

Meaning and origin of Yun

The surname YUN has its origins in China and can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). It is believed to have originated from the ancient Chinese word "yún" which means "cloud" or "mist." The name was likely derived from a topographical feature or a place name associated with clouds or misty conditions.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the YUN surname was well-established and appeared in various official records and historical documents. One notable example is the "Jiu Tang Shu" (Old Book of Tang), which mentions several individuals with the surname YUN who held prominent positions in the imperial court.

In the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), a branch of the YUN family migrated to the southern region of China and settled in the area now known as Guangdong province. This is evidenced by the presence of YUN ancestral shrines and genealogical records in cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

The earliest recorded instance of the YUN surname can be traced back to the 3rd century AD, when a scholar named YUN Zhongyi (207-280 AD) rose to prominence during the Three Kingdoms period. He is renowned for his work in promoting Confucian ideals and his contributions to the field of philosophy.

Another notable figure was YUN Guang (512-596 AD), a Buddhist monk and scholar who played a significant role in the propagation of Buddhism in China during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. He is credited with translating numerous Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Chinese.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the YUN surname gained further prominence with the birth of YUN Shouping (1633-1690), a renowned painter and calligrapher who was highly celebrated for his artistic talents and his mastery of the "literati painting" style.

In the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), YUN Zhen (1866-1924) was a prominent military leader and statesman who played a crucial role in the Xinhai Revolution, which eventually led to the establishment of the Republic of China.

Another notable figure is YUN Gong (1899-1952), a celebrated poet and novelist who was part of the influential "Crescent Moon" literary movement in the early 20th century. His works are widely regarded as masterpieces of modern Chinese literature.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Yun families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Yun 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 Yuns recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.37x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 1 10.37x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. St Marylebone London in Middlesex leads with 1 Yuns recorded in 1881 and an index of 196.08x.

Place Total Index
St Marylebone London 1 196.08x

Top male names

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

Name Count
Hsai 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 Yun households.

Occupation Count
General Servant Domestic 1

FAQ

Yun surname: questions and answers

How common was the Yun surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1 people were recorded with the Yun surname. That placed it at #34,027 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Yun surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 106 in 2016. That gives Yun a modern rank of #29,927.

What does the Yun surname mean?

A Korean surname derived from the Chinese surname Wen, meaning "literary" or "cultivated."

What does the Yun map show?

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