Indian Last Names: Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Are you curious about the origins and meanings behind common Indian last names? This comprehensive list explores some of the most popular surnames in India, offering insights into their cultural significance and historical context. Whether you're researching your own family history or simply interested in the rich tapestry of Indian culture, this exploration provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and vibrant world of Indian names.
1. **Agarwal:** Descendant of Agra; belonging to Agra.
2. **Ahuja:** A place name; a clan from the town of Ahuja.
3. **Anand:** Joy, bliss, happiness.
4. **Bajaj:** A name of a clan of merchants.
5. **Bhatia:** A place name; from Bhatia in Punjab.
6. **Bhatnagar:** Descendant of Bhatnagar; belonging to Bhatnagar.
7. **Biswas:** Trust, faith, belief.
8. **Chauhan:** A Rajput clan, known for their bravery and chivalry.
9. **Choudhary:** A title of respect, often used for landowners or chiefs.
10. **Chopra:** A name from the town of Chopra.
11. **Das:** Servant, follower, disciple.
12. **Dhawan:** A name from the town of Dhawan in Punjab.
13. **Gandhi:** Sweet, fragrant, perfumed.
14. **Garg:** A name of a clan of priests.
15. **Goel:** A name from the town of Goel in Punjab.
16. **Gupta:** Hidden, secret, concealed.
17. **Jain:** A follower of Jainism, a religion that emphasizes non-violence and asceticism.
18. **Kapoor:** One who works with flowers.
19. **Khanna:** A place name; from Khanna in Punjab.
20. **Khatri:** A warrior caste, traditionally associated with trade.
21. **Kohli:** A name from the town of Kohli in Punjab.
22. **Kumar:** Prince, son, young man.
23. **Lal:** Red, ruby.
24. **Mahajan:** Great merchant.
25. **Malhotra:** Descendant of Malhotra; belonging to Malhotra.
26. **Mehta:** A title of respect, often used for a learned person.
27. **Mishra:** Mixed, blended, combined.
28. **Mittal:** A name from the town of Mittal in Punjab.
29. **Modi:** A title of respect, often used for a merchant.
30. **Mukherjee:** Descendant of Mukherjee; belonging to Mukherjee.
31. **Nagpal:** A name from the town of Nagpal in Punjab.
32. **Nanda:** Happy, joyful, blissful.
33. **Patel:** A title of respect, often used for a village headman.
34. **Prasad:** Blessing, gift, offering.
35. **Rajput:** A warrior caste, known for their valor and loyalty.
36. **Sharma:** A name of a clan of priests.
37. **Singh:** Lion.
38. **Sood:** A name from the town of Sood in Punjab.
39. **Srivastava:** A name of a clan of priests.
40. **Tandon:** A name from the town of Tandon in Punjab.
41. **Verma:** A title of respect, often used for a learned person.
42. **Yadav:** A name of a clan of warriors.