Indian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Meanings

Discover the rich tapestry of Indian culture through its last names. This guide explores the diverse meanings behind these names, providing insights into their origins, significance, and the stories they hold. From ancient Sanskrit roots to regional influences, delve into the fascinating world of Indian surnames and their profound connections to history, religion, and identity.
1. **Agarwal:** Descendant of a merchant or trader, originating from the city of Agra.
2. **Ahuja:** A member of the Khatri caste, known for their trading skills and business acumen.
3. **Aiyengar:** A Brahmin sub-caste from Tamil Nadu, traditionally scholars and priests.
4. **Anand:** Joy, happiness, bliss.
5. **Bajaj:** One who plays the "baj", a musical instrument.
6. **Bansal:** Descendant of a merchant or trader, often associated with the city of Banswara.
7. **Batra:** One who protects or guards, referring to a warrior or defender.
8. **Bedi:** A member of the Khatri caste, often associated with the city of Bedi.
9. **Bhalla:** One who is strong or powerful, also associated with the city of Bhallan.
10. **Bhargava:** Descendant of the sage Bhrigu, associated with wisdom and knowledge.
11. **Bhatia:** One who is a Bhat, a scholar or a learned person.
12. **Bhatnagar:** One who is from the city of Bhatnagar.
13. **Chadha:** A member of the Khatri caste, known for their business skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
14. **Chhabra:** One who is from the city of Chhabra.
15. **Chopra:** One who works with wood or is a carpenter.
16. **Dalal:** A broker or a middleman.
17. **Das:** Servant or follower of a deity or a guru.
18. **Dhami:** A member of a priestly class, known for their knowledge of rituals and ceremonies.
19. **Dogra:** A member of a warrior caste from the Himalayan region.
20. **Gandhi:** One who sells perfumes or spices.
21. **Garg:** Descendant of the sage Gargacharya, known for his knowledge of astronomy and astrology.
22. **Gaur:** One who is from the region of Gauda, in present-day Bengal.
23. **Gill:** One who is a member of the Jatt caste, known for their agricultural skills.
24. **Goel:** One who is a merchant or a trader.
25. **Gupta:** One who is hidden or secret.
26. **Jain:** One who follows the Jain religion, emphasizing non-violence and ethical conduct.
27. **Jha:** One who is a priest or a scholar.
28. **Kapoor:** One who makes or sells perfumes.
29. **Kar:** One who is a farmer or an agriculturist.
30. **Khanna:** One who is from the city of Khanna.
31. **Khosla:** One who is a warrior or a defender.
32. **Kumar:** Son, prince, young man.
33. **Lal:** Red, denoting color or a specific region.
34. **Mahajan:** A great merchant or trader.
35. **Malhotra:** One who is from the city of Malhotra.
36. **Mehra:** One who is a member of the Khatri caste, known for their business skills.
37. **Mehta:** A leading figure or a headman.
38. **Mishra:** Descendant of the sage Vishwamitra, associated with knowledge and wisdom.
39. **Mittal:** One who is a merchant or a trader.
40. **Mohan:** Enchanter, charmer, captivator.
41. **Mukherjee:** One who is from the city of Mukherjee.
42. **Nanda:** One who is happy or joyful.
43. **Nayyar:** One who is a leader or a chief.
44. **Nigam:** One who is a member of the Vaishya caste, known for their trading skills.
45. **Pal:** A protector or a guardian.
46. **Pandey:** A member of a priestly class, associated with rituals and ceremonies.
47. **Patel:** A headman or a leader in a village.
48. **Purohit:** A priest or a religious leader.
49. **Raheja:** One who is a merchant or a trader.
50. **Raj:** King, ruler, sovereign.
51. **Rajput:** A member of a warrior caste known for their bravery and chivalry.
52. **Ram:** God, divine, supreme.
53. **Rao:** A king, ruler, or chief.
54. **Rawat:** A member of a warrior caste, often associated with the city of Rawat.
55. **Saini:** A member of a warrior caste, known for their martial skills.
56. **Saxena:** One who is a scholar or a learned person.
57. **Sehgal:** One who is from the city of Sehgal.
58. **Sharma:** Descendant of the sage Vishwamitra, associated with knowledge and wisdom.
59. **Singh:** Lion, referring to strength and courage.
60. **Sood:** One who is from the city of Sood.
61. **Srivastava:** One who is a scholar or a learned person.
62. **Tandon:** One who is from the city of Tandon.
63. **Thakur:** Lord, master, king.
64. **Tripathi:** Descendant of the sage Vasishtha, associated with knowledge and wisdom.
65. **Verma:** One who is great or excellent.
66. **Vyas:** One who is a scholar or a learned person.