Common Last Names in India: A Comprehensive List with Meanings

Discover the most prevalent last names in India, each with its rich history and cultural significance. This list delves into the meanings behind these surnames, providing insights into the diverse origins and traditions of Indian families. Whether you're researching your ancestry or simply curious about the cultural tapestry of India, this comprehensive guide offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's vibrant heritage.
1. **Sharma:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Sharmā," meaning "learned" or "scholar." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies knowledge and wisdom.
2. **Kumar:** A common last name, meaning "son" or "prince" in Sanskrit. It's widely used across various castes and religions in India.
3. **Singh:** A title meaning "lion" in Sanskrit. Primarily used by the Sikh community, it signifies strength, courage, and nobility.
4. **Patel:** Originating from the Sanskrit word "Patali," meaning "leaf," it's a title traditionally given to village chiefs and landowners.
5. **Gupta:** From the Sanskrit word "Gupta," meaning "secret" or "hidden." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes merchants and traders.
6. **Verma:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Varman," meaning "armor" or "protection." It's associated with the Kshatriya caste and signifies warriors and protectors.
7. **Jha:** A title used primarily by the Brahmin caste, it's derived from the Sanskrit word "Jha," meaning "to know" or "to understand."
8. **Mishra:** From the Sanskrit word "Misra," meaning "mixed" or "combined." It's associated with the Brahman caste and denotes a mixed lineage.
9. **Pandey:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Pandita," meaning "learned" or "scholar." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies knowledge and wisdom.
10. **Tiwari:** From the Sanskrit word "Tiwari," meaning "custodian of the temple." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies a connection to religious institutions.
11. **Yadav:** A title used by the Yadav community, it's derived from the name of the Hindu god Krishna's clan.
12. **Sahu:** From the Sanskrit word "Sahoo," meaning "merchant" or "trader." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes business acumen.
13. **Khanna:** A title derived from the Sanskrit word "Khana," meaning "house" or "dwelling." It's associated with the Khatri caste and signifies a connection to a specific location or lineage.
14. **Rajput:** A title used by the Rajput community, it's derived from the Sanskrit word "Raja," meaning "king" or "ruler."
15. **Rao:** A title meaning "chieftain" or "leader" in Sanskrit. It's used by various communities in India and denotes a position of authority.
16. **Agarwal:** From the Sanskrit word "Agarwal," meaning "front" or "leading." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes a position of prominence.
17. **Jain:** A title used by the Jain community, it's derived from the Sanskrit word "Jina," meaning "conqueror" or "victorious."
18. **Thakur:** A title meaning "lord" or "chieftain" in Sanskrit. It's used by various communities in India and denotes a position of power.
19. **Bhatia:** From the Sanskrit word "Bhatia," meaning "merchant" or "trader." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes business acumen.
20. **Kapoor:** A title derived from the Sanskrit word "Kapoor," meaning "camphor." It's associated with the Khatri caste and denotes a connection to a specific location or lineage.
21. **Chauhan:** A title used by the Chauhan community, it's derived from the Sanskrit word "Chauhan," meaning "chieftain" or "leader."
22. **Dubey:** From the Sanskrit word "Dubey," meaning "priest" or "scholar." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies a connection to religious knowledge.
23. **Srivastava:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Sri," meaning "prosperity" or "wealth," and "vasta," meaning "dwelling." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes a prosperous lineage.
24. **Tripathi:** From the Sanskrit word "Tripathi," meaning "three paths" or "three ways." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies a connection to religious knowledge.
25. **Sharma:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Sharmā," meaning "learned" or "scholar." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies knowledge and wisdom.
26. **Bhardwaj:** From the Sanskrit word "Bhardwaj," meaning "the one who nourishes." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies a connection to agricultural practices.
27. **Goswami:** A title meaning "master" or "lord" in Sanskrit. It's used by various communities in India and denotes a position of authority.
28. **Sood:** From the Sanskrit word "Sood," meaning "merchant" or "trader." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes business acumen.
29. **Khatri:** A title used by the Khatri community, it's derived from the Sanskrit word "Khatri," meaning "warrior" or "protector."
30. **Chaudhary:** A title meaning "chieftain" or "leader" in Sanskrit. It's used by various communities in India and denotes a position of authority.
31. **Gupta:** From the Sanskrit word "Gupta," meaning "secret" or "hidden." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes merchants and traders.
32. **Malhotra:** From the Sanskrit word "Malhotra," meaning "owner of the hill." It's associated with the Khatri caste and denotes a connection to a specific location or lineage.
33. **Bhatt:** A title used by the Bhatt community, it's derived from the Sanskrit word "Bhatt," meaning "poet" or "singer."
34. **Verma:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Varman," meaning "armor" or "protection." It's associated with the Kshatriya caste and signifies warriors and protectors.
35. **Joshi:** A title used by the Joshi community, it's derived from the Sanskrit word "Joshi," meaning "astronomer" or "astrologer."
36. **Kaur:** A title meaning "princess" in Punjabi. It's used by Sikh women and denotes a position of respect and honor.
37. **Pandey:** Derived from the Sanskrit word "Pandita," meaning "learned" or "scholar." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies knowledge and wisdom.
38. **Tiwari:** From the Sanskrit word "Tiwari," meaning "custodian of the temple." It's associated with the Brahman caste and signifies a connection to religious institutions.
39. **Yadav:** A title used by the Yadav community, it's derived from the name of the Hindu god Krishna's clan.
40. **Sahu:** From the Sanskrit word "Sahoo," meaning "merchant" or "trader." It's associated with the Vaishya caste and denotes business acumen.