Education
A Complete List of Indian Last Names & Meanings
Indian last names, also known as surnames or family names, reflect the rich cultural diversity of India. These names often indicate a person’s caste, occupation, place of origin, or familial lineage. Here’s a brief overview of some common Indian last names and their meanings:
- Patel: Derived from the word “patlikh,” meaning “village headman.”
- Singh: Meaning “lion,” commonly used by Sikhs and Rajputs.
- Kumar: Translates to “prince” or “young boy.”
- Sharma: Traditionally associated with the Brahmin caste, meaning “teacher” or “protector.”
- Gupta: Refers to “protector” or “governor.”
- Reddy: Derived from “raidhu,” meaning “village headman” in Telugu.
- Das: Meaning “servant” or “devotee.”
- Rao: Denotes “king” or “chief” in various Indian languages.
- Jain: Indicates followers of Jainism.
- Desai: Means “one who lives in a village.”
These are just a few examples from the vast array of Indian surnames, each with its own unique history and significance.