Common Indian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for a list of common Indian last names? This comprehensive guide provides an extensive collection of popular Indian surnames, along with their detailed meanings and origins. Whether you're researching genealogy, exploring cultural nuances, or simply curious about the diverse tapestry of Indian names, this list has you covered. From traditional Hindu surnames to regional variations and modern appellations, discover the rich history and cultural significance behind these ubiquitous names.
1. **Sharma:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Sharmā", meaning "learned" or "scholarly". It is one of the most common Indian last names, often associated with the Brahmin caste.

2. **Kumar:** Meaning "son" or "prince" in Sanskrit, it is a widely used last name, particularly among the Hindu community.

3. **Singh:** A prominent surname in the Sikh community, it signifies "lion" in Punjabi and is associated with strength and courage.

4. **Patel:** This surname, common in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other regions, originates from the Sanskrit word "Patali," meaning "administrator" or "chieftain".

5. **Verma:** Another common last name originating from the Sanskrit word "Verma," meaning "protection" or "shield."

6. **Gupta:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "gupta," meaning "secret" or "hidden," it's often associated with the Vaishya caste.

7. **Joshi:** This surname is primarily found in the Brahmin community and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Joṣi," meaning "astrologer" or "priest."

8. **Mishra:** Originating from the Sanskrit word "Miśra," meaning "mixed" or "combined," this surname is often associated with the Brahmin caste.

9. **Khanna:** This surname, primarily found in the Punjab region, is believed to be derived from the Persian word "Khan," meaning "king" or "lord."

10. **Kapoor:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Kapoor," meaning "white" or "pure."

11. **Pandey:** Originating from the Sanskrit word "Pandita," meaning "learned" or "scholarly," this surname is primarily found in the Brahmin caste.

12. **Agarwal:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Agara," meaning "house" or "dwelling."

13. **Jain:** This surname is associated with the Jain religion and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Jina," meaning "conqueror" or "victorious."

14. **Rajput:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Rajaputra," meaning "son of a king" or "prince."

15. **Yadav:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is associated with the Yadav dynasty and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Yadu," meaning "descendant of Yadu."

16. **Srivastava:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sri," meaning "wealth" or "prosperity."

17. **Tiwari:** This surname, primarily found in the Brahmin caste, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Tiwari," meaning "custodian" or "keeper."

18. **Sahu:** This surname, common in the Eastern Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sahu," meaning "owner" or "lord."

19. **Sharma:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sharmā," meaning "learned" or "scholarly."

20. **Dubey:** This surname, primarily found in the Brahmin caste, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Dubey," meaning "one who lives near a forest."

21. **Chauhan:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is associated with the Chauhan dynasty and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Chauhan," meaning "king" or "lord."

22. **Chaudhary:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Chaudhary," meaning "chieftain" or "leader."

23. **Malik:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Arabic word "Malik," meaning "king" or "lord."

24. **Khan:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Persian word "Khan," meaning "king" or "lord."

25. **Bhatt:** This surname, primarily found in the Brahmin caste, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Bhatt," meaning "poet" or "singer."

26. **Mehta:** This surname, common in the Gujarat region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Mehta," meaning "chief minister" or "leader."

27. **Shah:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Arabic word "Shah," meaning "king" or "lord."

28. **Thakur:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Thakur," meaning "lord" or "master."

29. **Bajaj:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Bajaj," meaning "merchant" or "trader."

30. **Bansal:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Bansal," meaning "a merchant or a trader."

31. **Ahuja:** This surname, common in the Punjab region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Ahuja," meaning "a merchant or a trader."

32. **Sethi:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sethi," meaning "a merchant or a trader."

33. **Chopra:** This surname, common in the Punjab region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Chopra," meaning "a worker in a shop or a store."

34. **Goel:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Goel," meaning "a shepherd or a herdsman."

35. **Mittal:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Mittal," meaning "a friend or a companion."

36. **Aggarwal:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Aggarwal," meaning "a merchant or a trader."

37. **Anand:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Anand," meaning "joy" or "happiness."

38. **Khatri:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Khatri," meaning "a warrior or a soldier."

39. **Saxena:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Saxena," meaning "a scribe or a writer."

40. **Taneja:** This surname, common in the North Indian region, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Taneja," meaning "a weaver."