NameCensus.

UK surname

Zarif

An Arabic surname meaning elegant, refined or graceful.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Zarif is 118 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

117

2016, ranked #28,033

Peak year

2010

118 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 117 in 2016, ranked #28,033.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Zarif surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Zarif surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Zarif 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
1997 modern 41 #33,552
1998 modern 47 #33,197
1999 modern 52 #32,848
2000 modern 57 #32,417
2001 modern 59 #32,080
2002 modern 52 #33,110
2003 modern 54 #32,990
2004 modern 61 #32,581
2005 modern 62 #32,708
2006 modern 62 #33,043
2007 modern 73 #32,287
2008 modern 79 #31,957
2009 modern 95 #30,393
2010 modern 118 #27,404
2011 modern 114 #27,784
2012 modern 111 #28,332
2013 modern 115 #28,176
2014 modern 113 #28,779
2015 modern 118 #27,833
2016 modern 117 #28,033

Geography

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Where Zarifs 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 Derby, Manchester, Bradford, Blackburn with Darwen and Birmingham. 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 Derby 018 Derby
2 Manchester 008 Manchester
3 Bradford 007 Bradford
4 Blackburn with Darwen 005 Blackburn with Darwen
5 Birmingham 139 Birmingham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Zarif

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

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

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

Nationally, the Zarif surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Zarif household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

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, Zarif 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

Zarif 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

Zarif falls in decile 1 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.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Zarif 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Zarif

The surname Zarif has its origins deeply rooted in Persian culture. It is derived from the Persian word "ظریف," which translates to "graceful," "elegant," or "refined." The name originally emerged in the region that is now Iran, where Persian was the dominant language and culture, around the time of the medieval Persian Empire.

The earliest mentions of the surname Zarif can be traced back to literary manuscripts and historical documents from medieval Persia. One of these references is found in the works of Persian poets and scholars who often used "Zarif" to describe someone of exquisite taste and elegance. Historically, the name has often been associated with individuals known for their sophistication and cultural contributions.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname dates back to the 10th century, in the Rough Record of the Glorious Dynasty. Individuals bearing this surname were often court officials or scholars. The name Zarif also made its way into various Persian manuscripts and official documents due to its association with the cultured and educated elite.

Several notable individuals in history have carried the surname Zarif. Mirza Ahmad Zarif, a Persian scholar and poet from the 15th century, is one such figure. He was renowned for his poetry which often reflected themes of beauty and elegance. Born in 1438 and passing in 1503, Mirza Ahmad Zarif’s contributions to Persian literature remain influential.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, a contemporary and prominent Iranian politician born in 1960, served as the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2021. Although his years of birth and death are more recent, his contribution to international relations is noteworthy.

Another historical figure is Jalal al-Din Zarif, an architect and mathematician from the 12th century, whose works contributed to the design and construction of several significant buildings in what is now modern-day Iran. Born in 1154 and passing in 1213, his influence in architecture was profound during his era.

Fatemeh Zarif, a significant female figure from the late 19th century, was known for her work in Persian education and women's rights. She was born in 1876 and died in 1942. Her efforts in pioneering education for women in Iran helped lay the foundation for future advancements in gender equality.

Lastly, Farhad Zarif, an accomplished Persian painter and artist from the early 20th century, made significant contributions to Persian art. Born in 1899 and passing in 1964, his stylized depictions of Persian landscapes and cultural scenes remain celebrated in art history circles.

The surname Zarif, over the centuries, has remained a marker of cultural refinement and intellectual accomplishment in Persian history. Its legacy is visible through the notable figures who have borne the name and the lasting impact of their contributions.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Zarif surname: questions and answers

How common is the Zarif surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 117 in 2016. That gives Zarif a modern rank of #28,033.

What does the Zarif surname mean?

An Arabic surname meaning elegant, refined or graceful.

What does the Zarif map show?

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