NameCensus.

UK surname

Zammit

A surname with Maltese origins meaning an olive grower or seller.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Zammit is 802 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

743

2016, ranked #7,347

Peak year

2010

802 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 743 in 2016, ranked #7,347.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 7 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Communities.

Zammit surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Zammit surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Zammit 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
1891 historical 2 #34,436
1901 historical 7 #33,435
1911 historical 2 #34,020
1997 modern 632 #7,843
1998 modern 640 #7,999
1999 modern 643 #8,034
2000 modern 680 #7,660
2001 modern 652 #7,779
2002 modern 655 #7,896
2003 modern 663 #7,718
2004 modern 687 #7,509
2005 modern 704 #7,310
2006 modern 720 #7,201
2007 modern 731 #7,207
2008 modern 732 #7,244
2009 modern 751 #7,235
2010 modern 802 #7,014
2011 modern 758 #7,246
2012 modern 714 #7,493
2013 modern 722 #7,554
2014 modern 753 #7,352
2015 modern 745 #7,341
2016 modern 743 #7,347

Geography

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Where Zammits 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 Southampton, Birmingham and Three Rivers. 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 Southampton 030 Southampton
2 Birmingham 131 Birmingham
3 Southampton 031 Southampton
4 Southampton 016 Southampton
5 Three Rivers 010 Three Rivers

Forenames

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First names often paired with Zammit

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Zammit

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Zammit, 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

Baseline UK

Group

Challenged Communities

Nationally, the Zammit surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Communities, within Baseline UK. This does not mean every Zammit household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Residents of these neighbourhoods typically live in households with dependent children, and there are fewer-than-average residents of normal retirement age or over. Identification with ethnic minorities, particularly Black, or Mixed or Multiple ethnicities is common. The rate of Christian religious affiliation is low. Housing predominantly consists of semi-detached houses, along with a significant number of terraced properties and flats. Overcrowded social housing is common, and private renting occurs at average UK levels. Those in employment work mainly in caring leisure and other services; process, plant and machine operation; or elementary occupations. Unemployment is high, and few individuals have degree level qualifications. Many of these neighbourhoods occur in commuter towns or less accessible areas of larger towns and cities.

Wider pattern

This Supergroup exemplifies the broad base to the UK’s social structure, encompassing as it does the average or modal levels of many neighbourhood characteristics, including all housing tenures, a range of levels of educational attainment and religious affiliations, and a variety of pre-retirement age structures. Yet, in combination, these mixes are each distinctive of the parts of the UK. Overall, terraced houses and flats are the most prevalent, as is employment in intermediate or low-skilled occupations. However, this Supergroup is also characterised by above average levels of unemployment and lower levels of use of English as the main language. Many neighbourhoods occur in south London and the UK’s other major urban centres.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Zammit is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Zammit 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

Zammit falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Zammit 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
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Zammit

The surname Zammit has its origins in the Mediterranean region, specifically Malta. The name first appeared in historical records in the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century. Zammit is believed to be derived from an Arabic word or name, predominantly the word za’im, which means "leader" or "chieftain." This is reflective of the significant Arabic influence in Malta due to the Arab rule between 870 and 1091 AD.

In ancient manuscripts and documents, the surname Zammit often appears in varying spellings, including Zammito and Zammiti, capturing the fluidity of orthographic standards in the pre-modern period. The name's earliest known recorded instance appears in the 1500s in the registers of Maltese parishes, which meticulously documented the island's inhabitants.

Several notable bearers of the surname Zammit have made significant contributions to various fields. Among these is Sir Temi Zammit (1864–1935), a renowned Maltese archaeologist and historian. His work in uncovering prehistoric Malta opened new avenues for understanding the island's ancient past. Another distinguished figure is Antonino Zammit (1851–1939), an influential Italian-Maltese lawyer and politician known for his role in the political landscape of Malta.

In more recent history, John Zammit (1946–2013) was a prominent Maltese journalist and political activist, best known for his advocacy for secularism and human rights. His impactful work spanned several decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the Maltese media.

Among the records of those who bore the name, one finds Joseph Zammit, a prominent merchant and shipowner in the 18th century. His trade activities contributed significantly to Malta's economy during a time when maritime commerce was essential for the island's prosperity.

Another historical figure is Carmelo Zammit (1903–1953), a respected physician and public health advocate. His efforts in improving sanitation and medical practices in rural areas greatly benefited the Maltese population during his time.

Throughout its history, the surname Zammit has been associated with leadership, intellect, and social contribution, reflecting its etymological roots as a term denoting authority and guidance. The name remains a prominent and respected surname in Malta and among Maltese diaspora communities worldwide.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Zammit families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Zammit 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. Royal Navy leads with 4 Zammits recorded in 1881 and an index of 869.57x.

County Total Index
Royal Navy 4 869.57x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Royal Navy in Royal Navy leads with 4 Zammits recorded in 1881 and an index of 1000.00x.

Place Total Index
Royal Navy 4 1000.00x

Top male names

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

Name Count
Angelo 1
Enrico 1
Michael 1
V. 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 Zammit households.

FAQ

Zammit surname: questions and answers

How common is the Zammit surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 743 in 2016. That gives Zammit a modern rank of #7,347.

What does the Zammit surname mean?

A surname with Maltese origins meaning an olive grower or seller.

What does the Zammit map show?

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