Common Last Names in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you interested in learning about the most common last names in India? India, with its rich history and diverse culture, boasts a wide range of surnames, each carrying unique meaning and origin. This comprehensive guide will explore some of the most prevalent last names in India, shedding light on their significance and the stories they tell.
1. **Kumar:** Meaning "prince" or "son", it's a common surname among various communities, indicating respect and nobility.
2. **Sharma:** Derived from "Sharmā," a Sanskrit word meaning "learned," it signifies intellectual prowess and respect for knowledge.
3. **Singh:** A prominent surname in North India, "Singh" signifies a "lion" in Punjabi and represents strength, courage, and royalty.
4. **Patel:** Meaning "chieftain" or "leader," it originates from Gujarat and signifies a position of authority and influence.
5. **Gupta:** Derived from "Gupta," meaning "hidden," this surname signifies secrecy, knowledge, and a connection to ancient wisdom.
6. **Verma:** Originating from the Sanskrit word "Varma," meaning "armor" or "protection," it symbolizes strength and resilience.
7. **Pandey:** Derived from "Pandit," meaning "learned" or "scholar," it signifies a high degree of education and intellectualism.
8. **Mishra:** Meaning "mixed" or "combination," this surname indicates a blending of different traditions or lineages.
9. **Jaiswal:** Derived from "Jaiswal," meaning "a person who is skilled in the art of warfare," it reflects a warrior spirit and military lineage.
10. **Yadav:** A prominent surname in North India, "Yadav" originates from the Yadava clan, associated with Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology.
11. **Khanna:** Meaning "small house," it's a common surname among Punjabi and Kashmiri communities, reflecting a connection to a specific place.
12. **Srivastava:** Meaning "belonging to the Srivastava clan," this surname indicates a connection to a specific lineage and history.
13. **Tripathi:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Tripathi," meaning "three paths," it symbolizes a multifaceted nature or a connection to a particular region.
14. **Chaudhary:** Meaning "chieftain" or "leader," it's a common surname in North India, signifying a position of authority and leadership.
15. **Tiwari:** Derived from "Tiwari," meaning "a person who guards the door," it reflects a sense of responsibility and protection.
16. **Sahu:** Meaning "owner" or "possessor," it's a common surname among communities in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, indicating ownership of land or property.
17. **Shah:** Meaning "king" or "emperor," it's a prominent surname among communities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, signifying royalty and power.
18. **Khan:** Derived from the Persian word "Khan," meaning "king" or "lord," it signifies a position of authority and leadership.
19. **Rajput:** Meaning "son of a king," it's a prominent surname among communities in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, signifying a noble lineage.
20. **Jain:** Meaning "conqueror" or "victor," it's a common surname among the Jain community, signifying a pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
21. **Bhatia:** Meaning "a person who is knowledgeable," it's a common surname among communities in Punjab and Sindh, indicating a connection to knowledge and learning.
22. **Agarwal:** Meaning "belonging to the Agarwala clan," this surname indicates a connection to a specific lineage and history.
23. **Dubey:** Meaning "a person who is knowledgeable," it's a common surname among communities in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, signifying a connection to learning and wisdom.
24. **Dixit:** Meaning "a person who is wise," it's a common surname among communities in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, signifying a connection to knowledge and intellect.
25. **Chaturvedi:** Meaning "a person who is skilled in the four Vedas," it's a common surname among communities in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, signifying a connection to religious knowledge.
26. **Mandal:** Meaning "circle" or "group," it's a common surname among communities in Bengal and Bihar, signifying a connection to a specific community or group.
27. **Roy:** Meaning "king" or "ruler," it's a common surname among communities in Bengal and Odisha, signifying a position of authority and leadership.
28. **Das:** Meaning "servant" or "follower," it's a common surname among communities in Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, signifying a connection to a specific deity or religious tradition.
29. **Bhattarai:** Meaning "a person who is knowledgeable," it's a common surname among communities in Nepal and India, signifying a connection to knowledge and learning.
30. **Sharma:** Derived from "Sharmā," a Sanskrit word meaning "learned," it signifies intellectual prowess and respect for knowledge.
31. **Srivastava:** Meaning "belonging to the Srivastava clan," this surname indicates a connection to a specific lineage and history.
32. **Kapoor:** Meaning "one who guards the gate," it's a common surname among communities in Punjab and Delhi, signifying a connection to a specific occupation or role.
33. **Chauhan:** Meaning "chieftain" or "leader," it's a common surname among communities in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, signifying a position of authority and leadership.
34. **Singh:** A prominent surname in North India, "Singh" signifies a "lion" in Punjabi and represents strength, courage, and royalty.
35. **Khatri:** Meaning "a person who is skilled in warfare," it's a common surname among communities in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, signifying a connection to military traditions.
36. **Sood:** Meaning "merchant" or "trader," it's a common surname among communities in Punjab and Haryana, signifying a connection to business and commerce.
37. **Ahuja:** Meaning "a person who is knowledgeable," it's a common surname among communities in Punjab and Delhi, signifying a connection to knowledge and learning.
38. **Gulati:** Meaning "one who is full of flowers," it's a common surname among communities in Punjab and Delhi, signifying a connection to beauty and prosperity.
39. **Kumar:** Meaning "prince" or "son", it's a common surname among various communities, indicating respect and nobility.
40. **Sharma:** Derived from "Sharmā," a Sanskrit word meaning "learned," it signifies intellectual prowess and respect for knowledge.