Indian last names reflect the incredible cultural makeup of the nation of India. Indian surnames are diverse and reflect the surname holder’s history, culture, and states and territories. Here, you will find common surnames of Indian origin representing nearly all of India’s regions and communities.
What are Indian Last Names?
Indian last names are incredibly diverse due to the diversity of Indian society. Different ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups have their themes and meanings. Still, common themes found throughout Indian last names are historical people, titles, important traits, and religious concepts that are seen as important. Some unique qualities of Indian last names are their elegance and allure due to their spelling and history. As Indians have migrated from the Asian subcontinent, so too have their surnames. Common American-Indian last names originating from the Asian subcontinent include Patel, Singh, Kaur, Kumar, and Gupta; unique surnames include Chowdhury, Rao, Prasad, Rana, and Ram.
India is a nation of many cultures and religions, and this is reflected in the multitudes of surnames found in the nation. Islamic surnames are found throughout the country alongside Hindu, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, and Christian last names. Ancient languages like Sanskrit are still represented in surnames. Popular surnames like Khan, which arrived with Mongolian invasions; Ahuja, which Sikhs use; and Bakshi, which comes from the Persians, reflect the diverse fabric of India. On this page, however, you’ll find a comprehensive list of Indian last names that originated in India.
Top 100 Indian Last Names
Here, we present a list of the most common last names originating in India. Indian last names reflect lineage, profession, region, or caste. Over time, many of these surnames have transcended their original regional or linguistic boundaries and can now be found nationwide.
- Devi – Goddess
- Singh – Lion
- Kumar – Young Boy
- Das – Servant or Devotee
- Kaur – Princess
- Ram – God Rama
- Yadav – Descendant of Yadu
- Kumari – Young Girl
- Lal – Beloved or Red
- Bai – Lady
- Sharma – Shelter
- Patel – Village Chief or Landowner
- Gupta – Protected
- Jain – Follower of Jainism
- Mandal – Circle or Region
- Ray – King
- Mondal – Circle or Region
- Sah – Honest
- Prasad – Offering to God
- Choudhury – Chief or Landowner
- Patil – Village Chief
- Ghosh – Cowherd
- Pal – Protector
- Sahu – Merchant
- Biswas – Belief or Trust
- Sarkar – Government or Lord
- Paramar – Variant of Parmar, a Warrior Clan
- Mahto – Leader or Headman
- Nayak – Leader or Hero
- Ma – Mother
- Rathod – Rajput Clan
- Jadhav – Surname of a prominent Maratha clan
- Reddy – Of the Reddy caste
- Mahato – Leader or Headman
- Rani – Queen
- Barman – Big Man or Headman in Assamese
- Behera – Chief or Leader
- Mishra – Mixed or Various
- Chand – Moon
- Roy – King
- Saha – Honest
- Paswan – Name of a tribe/community in Bihar
- Thakur – Lord or Master
- Thakor –Lord or Master
- Chauhan – Warrior Clan
- Pawar – Strength or Power
- Majhi – Boatman
- Naik – Leader
- Pradhan – Chief or Head
- Shinde – Surname of a Maratha clan
- Sardar – Chief or Leader
- Nath – Lord
- Raut – Warrior or Soldier
- Bauri – Name of a community
- Chandra – Moon
- Patra – Leaf or Document
- Jha – Derived from a Brahmin group
- Murmu – Surname used by the Santal tribe
- Solanki – Rajput Clan
- Cauhan –Warrior Clan
- Prakash – Light
- Sinh – Lion
- Pandey – Priestly caste
- Patal – Underworld
- Munda – Head or Chief, also a tribal group
- Dutta – Given or Granted
- Chaudhari – Chief or Holder of Four
- Raj – King
- Pandit – Scholar or Priest
- Kamble – Surname among the Dalit community
- Manjhi – Boatman
- Rana – King or Warrior
- Chaudhary – Chief
- Jena – Life
- Chakraborty – Ruler of Territory
- Gayakwad – Singer or Bard
- Nisha – Night
- Vasav – Residence or habitat
- Debnath – Lord of Gods
- Rai – Noble or King
- Varma – Armor or Protection
- Karmakar – Blacksmith
- Jana – People or Folk
- Sih – Lion
- Oraon – A tribal community from Jharkhand
- Kadam – Footstep
- Giri – Mountain
- Barik – Soldier or Guard
- Tudu – A tribal surname from Jharkhand and Bengal
- Bhagat – Devotee
- Sinha – Lion
- Kanwar – Prince
- De – Divine
- Sekha – Learner
- Tiwari – Priest
- Mallik – Lord or Master
- Dey –God
- Mal – Gardener
- Basumatary – A tribal surname from Assam
- Verma – Armor or Protection
Unique Indian Last Names
Unique Indian last names represent specific ancestral stories, lesser-known traditions, or localized histories. Possessing a unique Indian surname can provide a direct connection to a particular region or community.
- Adhikari – Official or authority
- Ahuja – Descendant of Ahu
- Bagdi – A community’s name
- Bahadur – Brave or courageous
- Bajpai – Priest or Scholar
- Bajpayee –Priest or Scholar
- Balakrishnan – Young Krishna
- Banerjee – Teacher from the village of Bandoghat
- Behl – Derived from a Punjabi clan name
- Bera – Brave or a community’s name in Bengal
- Bhoi – Fisherman or Boatman community
- Bhosle – Royal Maratha clan of India
- Chatterjee – Of Brahmin lineage
- Choudhary – Chief or Holder of Four
- Chowdhury –Chief or Holder of Four
- Debbarma – Tribe name from Tripura
- Dei – Goddess
- Desai – Landlord or revenue collector
- Deshmukh – District Chief or Landowner
- Dhawan – Runner or Messenger
- Dube – Priest
- Gogoi – A surname from Assam
- Grover – Descendant of a village chief
- Haldar – Caste traditionally associated with the priestly class
- Hegde – Guard or Boundary
- Hembram – Name of a tribal community
- Iyer – Priest from the Tamil Brahmin community
- Jhala – Warrior clan
- Joshi – Astrologer
- Kalita – Landowner
- Lohar – Blacksmith
- Mahanta – Great Soul or Head Monk
- Mahapatra – Great teacher or scholar
- Maity – Respected Person
- Mali – Gardener
- Mehta – Chief or Great
- Menon – A subgroup of Nair community in Kerala
- Mohanty – Head of a monastery or institution
- Mukherjee – Top Priest from Mukh village
- Mukhopadhyay – Top Scholar or Teacher
- Murali – Flute
- Nagpal – Protector of Snakes
- Nair – Leader or Soldier, from Kerala
- Narayan – Eternal Human Being
- Nigam – Organization or Institution
- Panda – Priest in Temples of Odisha
- Pande – Priest
- Pathak – Scholar
- Pilli – Cat in Telugu
- Pramanik – Proof or Evidence
- Raghavan – Descendant of Raghu, referring to Lord Rama
- Rao – Prince
- Rathav – Variant of Rathod, a Rajput clan
- Sahni – Descendant of Sahana
- Sahoo – Businessperson or Trader
- Saikia – Officer in charge of a hundred soldiers
- Saini – Warrior
- Sangma – A tribal surname from Meghalaya
- Saw –Honest
- Sawant – Leader or Chief
- Sen – Army
- Shankar – Beneficent or Causing Prosperity
- Shrivastav – Sun
- Shukla – Bright or White
- Singha – Lion
- Somani – A business community surname
- Soren – Of the Sun, a tribal surname
- Swamy – Lord
- Tandon – Business Community
- Vaghel – A Rajput clan
- Venkatesh – Lord Venkateswara
- Waghmare – Tiger killer
Cute Indian Last Names
Cute Indian last names have a certain charm, resonating with warmth and familiarity. Drenched in centuries of culture, these surnames sound endearing or have adorable meanings.
- Amma – Mother or Elderly Woman
- Bala – Young or Little
- Bar – A community’s name or title
- Bariha – A tribal surname
- Bha –Devotee
- Bind – A community related to fishing
- Bora – A community from Assam or Trading community
- Chetry –Warrior Class in Nepal
- Da – Shortened form of titles like Das or Dey
- Dash – Servant of God
- Dayal – Compassionate
- Debi – Goddess
- Dev – God
- Doley – A tribal surname from Assam
- Dulari – Dear or Beloved
- Golla – Community related to cattle rearing
- Gopal – Protector of cows
- Gope – Community related to worship of Lord Krishna
- Harijan – People of God; term for Dalits coined by Gandhi
- Kala – Art
- Kali – Black or Goddess Kali
- Kandi – A type of terrain or region
- Kara – Doer or Worker
- Karri – Type of tree; also a South Indian surname
- Katta – A type of makeshift bench or platform
- Kishan –God Krishna
- Kishor – Youth or Youngster
- Kole – A community’s name
- Koli – Fisherman community
- Kour –Princess, used by Sikh women
- Krishn –God Krishna
- Kui – A tribal community
- Lakshmi – Goddess of Wealth
- Lata – Vine or Creeper
- Laxmi –Goddess of Wealth
- Mala – Necklace or Mountain range
- Malla – Wrestler
- Mati – Soil or Intellect
- Mehata –Chief or Great
- Mochi – Cobbler
- Mukhi – Leader or Chief of a segment
- Nand – Joy
- Pagi – A community related to tracking
- Pati – Owner or Husband
- Pita – Father
- Pyari – Beloved or Dear
- Raja – King
- Ramana – Pleasing or Delighting
- Sada – Always or Forever
- Sama – Equal or Season
- Sav – Early Morning
- Shri – Luminous or Radiant; title of respect
- Shyam – Dark or Name of Lord Krishna
- Sil – Stone or Sculptor’s tool
- Sonar – Goldsmith
- Soni – Goldsmith
- Sundar – Beautiful
- Tara – Star
- Tiwari – Priest
Pretty Indian Last Names
Pretty Indian last names have poetic, melodic, or visually appealing connotations. Many of these surnames are derived from words that signify beauty, nature, or positive qualities in various Indian languages.
- Arora – A community from Punjab
- Arya – Noble
- Babu – Respectful term
- Bairagi – Ascetic
- Bansal – A clan within the Agarwal community
- Baria – Community name
- Baruah – Title in Assam
- Basu – Enlightened
- Bharati – Related to Goddess Saraswati
- Bharti – Variant of Bharati
- Bhatia – Community from Punjab and Sindh
- Bihari – From Bihar
- Chanda – Moon
- Chander – Moon
- Dave – God
- Deb – God
- Dhara – Earth or Stream
- Gosavi – Ascetic
- Haque – Right or Truth
- Jani – Life or Birth
- Josi – Astrologer
- Kahar – Palanquin-bearer
- Kale – Black
- Kalindi – The River Yamuna
- Kant – Beautiful
- Kapoor – Derived from Camphor
- Kayal – Fish
- Konwar – Young Prince in Assam
- Krishna – Hindu God Krishna
- Krishnan – Variant of Krishna
- Maiti – Friendship
- Maji – Boatman
- Manna – Heavenly
- Mardi – Tribe in Eastern India
- Medhi – Community from Assam
- Mekala – Region or Place
- Mitra – Friend
- Naidu – Leader. Title in South India
- Nandi – Bull; Vahana of Shiva
- Paravin – Variant of Parveen
- Parida – Surname from Odisha
- Parkash – Light
- Parveen – Star
- Parvin – Variant of Parveen
- Patani – Wife
- Pillai – Child or Noble
- Praveen – Skilled
- Puri – From the city of Puri
- Ramani – Beautiful woman
- Ranjan – Pleasurable
- Ravi – Sun
- Rishidev – Surname in Bihar, related to Rishi
- Sagar – Ocean
- Samanta – Feudal title
- Saren – Tribe in Eastern India
- Subba – Community in Himalayan region
- Suthar – Carpenter
- Swami – Lord
- Tambe – Metal, specifically Copper
- Thapa – A community from Nepal
- Tomar – Clan name
- Urao – Tribe in Eastern India
- Vani – Voice
- Vati – Small vessel or utensil
- Vora – Trader
Cool Indian Last Names
Cool Indian surnames sound distinct and modern and connect the bearer to contemporary times. These last names mirror the grandeur of majestic palaces and the fierceness of historical warriors
- Areddy – Variant of Reddy. Of the Reddy caste
- Bankar – Possibly related to banking or trade
- Baro – Variant of Boro
- Boro – A tribe
- Bose – Derived from Vasa, meaning lord
- Brahma – Hindu God of Creation
- Charan – Foot or one who serves at the feet
- Chouhan – Variant of Chauhan
- Dhali – Possibly related to metalwork
- Gandhi – Perfume seller or grocer
- Gond – A tribal community
- Goud – Specific community, often linked to toddy tapping
- Gurung – Specific community
- Kashyap – Ancient Hindu sage
- Khot – Land tenant or farmer
- Kishore – Youthful
- Kol – A tribal community
- Krishan – Variant of Krishna, a Hindu deity
- Kunwar – Prince or young lord
- Mallick – Derived from Malik, meaning owner or king
- Mistri – Craftsman or artisan
- Mittal – Derived from Mital, meaning friend
- Modak – A sweet delicacy
- Modi – Hereditary title given to a village accountant
- Mohan – Charming or delightful
- Nishad – Community associated with boatmen or fishing
- Parmar – A Rajput clan
- Rajak – Derived from Rajaka, meaning washer man
- Rajan – King
- Rajput – Son of a king
- Raju – King or prince
- Sahay – Helper or aide
- Sarma – Variant of Sharma
- Shek – Variant of Shaikh
- Shekhar – Crest or peak
- Simha – Lion
- Tanti – Weaver community
- Thota – Garden or farm
- Yadv – Descendant of Yadu, legendary Hindu king
Rare Indian Last Names
This list of Indian last names reflects India’s rarer cultures and communities. Rare Indian last names can indicate specific regional, tribal, or community origins that are not widespread.
- Adhikary – Official or one in a position of authority
- Barui – Herbalist or one who knows about medicinal plants
- Bhila – A tribal community
- Bhumij – One from the earth or a tribal community
- Boruah – Variant of Baruah
- Chakma – A tribal community
- Damor – A tribal community
- Dehuri – A priestly title among certain tribes
- Dongre – Hill or elevated land
- Gayen – Singer
- Kambale – Fisherman
- Kshetrapal – Protector of a region or territory
- Kuvar – Young prince
- Mahali – A tribal community
- Marathe – From the Maratha community
- Mukhiya – Head or leader of a village
- Panja – Palm of the hand
- Rabari – A nomadic pastoral community
- Reang – A tribal community
- Sabar – A tribal community
- Saroj – Lotus flower
- Shabar – Variant of Sabar
- Shil – Stone or sculptor
- Tadavi – A tribal community
- Talavar – Sword
- Vaidya – Physician or doctor
- Valvi – A tribal community
Uncommon Indian Last Names
Our uncommon Indian last names were found in the farthest reaches of India’s mountains and fields. These surnames might be specific to smaller tribes and lesser-known regions
- Acharya – Teacher or scholar
- Akhtar – Star
- Anand – Joy or happiness
- Badiger – Occupation, typically related to weaving
- Bagul – Herons or egret bird
- Bagum – Variant of Begum, meaning lady or princess
- Baishya – Businessman or trader
- Bandaru – Monkey
- Barot – A bard or genealogist
- Bhakta – Devotee
- Bhan – Sun or ray of light
- Bhati – Light or splendor
- Challa – Ring or bangle
- Chavhan – Variant of Chauhan, a warrior clan
- Dass – Servant
- Dhumal – Fog or mist
- Gaddam – Beard
- Ghadge – Weapon or sword
- Ghorai – Horse
- Hajong – A tribal community
- Khade – Standing
- Khatua – Carpet maker
- Kummari – Potter
- Kurmi – A farming community
- Kushvaha – Variant of Kushwaha, a farming community
- Lepcha – A tribal community from the Himalayas
- Lohara – Blacksmith
- Magar – A tribal community
- Mahale – House or mansion
- Malhotra – From the Khatri community
- Mansuri – Profession of making scissors or related tools
- Mate – Friend or companion
- Mohanta – Leader or head of a monastery
- Nadaf – Cotton cleaner
- Naresh – King or lord
- Padhi – Scholar or teacher
- Paik – Soldier or foot soldier
- Panchaal – Region of five territories
- Pardeshi – Foreigner or outsider
- Patar – Stone
- Pattnayak – Leader or chieftain
- Rajwar – King
- Rama – God Rama
- Ramesh – God Rama + lord Shiva
- Saksena – Variant of Saxena
- Sathe – Tenant or occupant
- Satpute – Good virtue
- Sonavane – Goldsmith
- Sonkar – Goldsmith
- Suna – Gold
- Tadvi – A tribal community
- Tamboli – Betel leaf trader
- Tandel – Helmsman or sailor
- Trivedi – One who knows three Vedas
More Lists:
Famous People with Indian Last Names
Vallabhbhai Patel led India’s fight for independence from Great Britain and served as the nation’s first Deputy Prime Minister. Born in India in 1875, he was a lawyer and politician who fiercely advocated for Indian unity and peace throughout his life. His Indian last name is a title for a village chieftain.
Shah Rukh Khan is called the King of Bollywood for his popularity and stellar performances. Born in India in 1965, he has acted in major Bollywood films and is a producer. He has won prestigious awards for his artistic impact. Khan is a Turco-Mongol title out of Mongolia for rulers and military chiefs.
Priyanka Chopra is an actress, producer, and Miss World Champion. Forbes has listed her as one of the world’s most powerful women, and today she promotes charitable causes. Her Indian last name originates from a legendary soldier named Chaupat Rai, whose descendants took the name Chopra in his honor.
Bhagat Singh, born in Pakistan in 1907, was an Indian revolutionary who sometimes used violence to support India’s independence movement. He promoted nationalism and militarism and is considered a martyr of India’s independence. Singh is an Indian surname that means ‘lion’.
Mahatma Gandhi is considered the face of India’s nonviolent independence movement and the father of nonviolent resistance around the world. Born in India in 1869, he studied law and began his nonviolent movement in South Africa before returning to India to fight for independence. Gandhi is an ancient Indian surname meaning ‘perfume seller.’
References
Information from Wikipedia on Indian last names was used in the collection of this data.
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