The last names of Brahmins carry meanings that show India’s long history and culture.
Brahmins are recognized for coming from a long line of traditional priests or teachers. Similarly, many Brahmin last names are based on their beliefs, place of birth, community, or profession.
Some Brahmins in Indian literature were dedicated to their duties as priests, while others pursued different professions like trading, poetry, agriculture, writing, or landowning.
Read this post ‘Famous Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings’ to discover a long list of popular Brahmin last names from different parts of India.
Famous Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
Telugu Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Bhagavatula
It is a last name of Brahmin origin that is frequently seen in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Battula
This Brahmin last name signifies ‘soldiers’ or ‘warriors’ and is probably derived from Sanskrit.
- Chaturvedula
Chaturvedula is a common last name for Brahmins in India, mostly seen in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It symbolizes qualities like courage, rationality, and kindness, giving it great importance.
- Deekshitulu
This Brahmin surname has several different versions like Dheekshithulu, Dekshithulu, Deekshuthulu, and Dikishitulu. Deekshitulu Chinta, an Indian writer from Telugu, hailing from Dangeru village, is well-known for having this surname.
- Josyula
The Brahmin surname Josyula is mostly seen in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but its exact meaning is unknown. It is believed to represent qualities like taking initiative and being disciplined.
- Navuluri
This Brahmin surname comes from people who lived in a village called Navuluri, located between Vijayawada and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.
- Sharma
The Brahmin surname Sharma in Sanskrit means ‘joy’ or ‘prosperity.’ It is a commonly used surname among Indian Brahmins.
- Sastry
Sastry is a Brahmin surname in Sanskrit that describes a knowledgeable scholar. It means someone who has a good understanding of the Sastras. The different spellings for Sastry are Shastri and Sastri.
- Saurashtra
This Brahmin last name means ‘land of the sun.’ People with this last name used to worship the sun and constructed temples dedicated to the sun.
- Upadhyayula
This Brahmin surname can also be spelled as Upadhyaya and it signifies a teacher or guru in the Sanskrit language. This Brahmin last name is used to describe an individual who educates students in Gurukula.
- Vardhamana
This Brahmin surname means ‘prosperous’ or ‘thriving’ in Sanskrit. Vardhamana was the childhood name of Lord Mahavira, a spiritual teacher respected in Jainism. Other typical Telugu Brahmin surnames include Dwibhashyam, Mishrula, Saraswatula, and Shashtrula.
Bengali Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Adhikari
The Brahmin last name Adhikari, which means ‘officer’ and originates from the Indian subcontinent, is most commonly linked with the Brahmin caste. It is common among different groups like Bengalis, Biharis, Sinhalese, Marathis, Odias, Nepalese, and Kumaonis.
- Bagchi
Bagchi is a common Brahmin last name among a specific group of Brahmins called the Barendra Brahmins who belong to the Sandilya Gotra. The surname Bagchi likely comes from a place name and is used to identify those who originally came from the Varendra region, which is now located in Bangladesh.
- Bandyopadhyay/Banerjee
The Brahmin surname Banerjee comes from the words ‘Ban’ which is a shortened form of the village Bandoghat, and ‘Jee’ which is a shortened form of ‘Upadhyaya,’ the Sanskrit word for priest. This means that the surname Banerjee refers to a teacher or priest from Bandoghat village.
- Bhaduri
The Brahmin last name Bhaduri comes from a place name and is used by Brahmins who were originally from the Bhadur village in the Bangaon district of West Bengal.
- Bhattacharya/Bhattacharjee
Bhattacharya is a prestigious Brahmin surname given to people who performed important religious ceremonies. This surname comes from the Sanskrit words for Vedic priest and teacher. This Brahmin last name is also common in the region of Assam.
- Chakraborty
This Brahmin last name of Bengali Brahmins comes from Sanskrit words that mean ‘wheel’ and ‘to roll.’ This could symbolize someone who is a powerful leader whose chariot moves freely without any obstacles.
- Chattopadhyay/Chatterjee
This Brahmin surname comes from the words ‘Chatta,’ which means village, and ‘Jee,’ a shortened version of ‘Upadhyaya,’ a Sanskrit term for priest or teacher. Therefore, Chatterjee/Chattopadhyay means ‘a teacher or priest from the Chatta village.’
- Choudhary
A common Brahmin surname or last name that is often found in certain regions or communities. The surname Choudhary comes from the Sanskrit word ‘chaturdhara,’ which means ‘holder of four’ and refers to a unit of land measurement.
- Dasgupta
The Brahmin last name ‘Dasgupta’ comes from Sanskrit words for ‘devotee’ and ‘protector’ and is often found among people in the Baidya community in West Bengal.
- Gangopadhyay/Ganguly
This Brahmin last name likely comes from teachers from the Gangul Village. It might also be a blend of the Sanskrit words ‘Ganga,’ which means the Ganges river, and ‘Upadhyaya,’ which means teacher or priest. So, the name signifies teachers or priests by the Ganges river.
- Ghatak
Ghatak is a Brahmin last name that is often found among Bengali Hindu Brahmins. The surname ‘Ghataks’ can be interpreted as ‘those who cause events’ or ‘those who make things occur’.
- Ghoshal
The Brahmin surname Ghoshal comes from a Sanskrit word ‘Goushal’ which means ‘cow-shed.’ It is believed that this surname was commonly used by Brahmins who were involved in cow-herding or worked as milkmen.
- Kanjilal
The Brahmin last name Kanjilal is famous in the Bengali Brahmin community and is mainly found in the Indian states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, where there is a large number of people with that surname.
- Lahiri
Lahiri is a Brahmin last name commonly seen among Barendra Brahmins of the Sandilya Gotra. This surname comes from the name of a village called Laheria, and signifies people who were originally from there.
- Maitra/Moitra
The Brahmin surname Moitra or Maitra probably comes from the name of a place and is linked to Brahmins who were from Maitreya village.
- Majumdar/Mazumdar
The Brahmin last name Majumdar comes from the Arabic word ‘Majmua,’ which means ‘collection,’ and the suffix ‘dar,’ which means someone who keeps or possesses things. So, the surname Majumdar means ‘an archivist’ or ‘keeper of records.’
- Mukhopadhyay/Mukherjee
This Brahmin last name comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Mukhya’ meaning ‘chief’ or ‘head’ and ‘Jee,’ which is a shorter version of ‘Upadhyaya,’ a word in Sanskrit that means ‘priest’ or ‘teacher.’ This surname was originally used to describe a chief priest or headteacher.
- Roy
The Brahmin last name Roy comes from the name ‘Rai,’ which means ‘king’ or ‘ruler’ in Sanskrit.
- Sanyal
It is a Brahmin last name that is frequently found among Barendra Brahmins belonging to the Vatsa Gotra. The surname Sanyal probably comes from a place name and indicated Brahmins who were originally from the Sen Lal village.
- Tagore/Thakur
The Brahmin last name Tagore comes from the name ‘Thakur,’ which used to be a title of nobility that means ‘lord’ or ‘master’ in Sanskrit.
Marathi and Kannada Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Airani
This Brahmin last name is based on the name of a village called Airani in central Karnataka. This surname is used to identify people who are originally from that village.
- Apte
Apte is a popular Indian Brahmin surname typically linked to Maharashtrian Chitpavan Brahmins. The surname comes from the Marathi word ‘apṭa,’ which means the yellow bell orchid tree, also known as Bauhinia tomentosa and is known for its medicinal properties.
- Bhatta
The Brahmin name Bhatta in Marathi originates from Sanskrit and signifies a Vedic priest, a knowledgeable person, or a scholar. This surname was probably given to individuals who had mastered all four Vedas.
- Desai
The Brahmin surname Desai comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Desa’ and ‘Swami,’ which means ‘country’ and ‘lord’ respectively. It was a title given to a village leader in Maharashtra as a sign of respect.
- Deshmukh
Deshmukh is a Brahmin surname used to describe a person who was in charge of a district or region, similar to being a chief or leader. In Marathi, this surname translates to ‘head of the state’ or ‘head of the region.’
- Deshpande
The Brahmin last name Deshpande in the Marathi language is made up of two words, ‘Desh,’ which means ‘country,’ and ‘Pande,’ which means ‘accountant.’ Initially, it was used to describe the person in charge of financial matters for a district or kingdom.
- Fadnavis/Phadnis/Phadnavis
Phadnavis is a Brahmin surname that means ‘maker of lists’ and comes from Persian words ‘Fad’ and ‘Navis.’ This surname held a significant administrative role in the kingdoms of Maharashtra.
- Garge
The Brahmin last name Garge is used by a specific Brahmin group from Maharashtra and northern Karnataka called Deshastha.
- Gokhale
The Brahmin surname Gokhale comes from India and is often found among the Chitpawan community in Maharashtra. The surname is thought to come from the Marathi word ‘gokhla,’ meaning a circular window that looks like a cow’s eye.
- Hegde
The Brahmin last name Hegde or Hegade is of Kannada Brahmin origin and comes from the Old Kannada word ‘pergade,’ which means ‘chief.’
- Joshi
This Brahmin surname comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Jyotisha’ and refers to someone who practices Vedic Astrology and astronomy. Another way to spell this last name is Jyoshi.
- Kulkarni
The Brahmin last name Kulkarni comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Kul’ which means ‘clan’ and ‘Karni’ which means ‘archivist.’ It was first used as a title for the person in charge of finances in a village or kingdom. The surname Kulkarni is common in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Patil
This Brahmin surname comes from the Marathi language and means a ‘leader’ or ‘chief’. Initially, it was used as a title for a village leader or property owner.
- Padhye
The Brahmin surname Padye, also known as Padhye, comes from the Sanskrit term ‘Upadhyaya,’ which translates to ‘priest’ or ‘teacher.’ The Padhye Brahmins are referenced in the Skanda Purana, a prominent ancient Hindu scripture.
- Rao
This Brahmin last name probably comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Raja,’ which means ‘king’ or ‘chief.’ Rao is both a title and a last name used in several Indian states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
- Shrirame
The Brahmin last name comes from Sanskrit and means either ‘Lord Rama’ or ‘Lord Vishnu.’ It can also be spelled as Sriram.
- Thakur
The Brahmin surname Thakur, commonly used by the Rajputs in India and Nepal, is typically associated with wealthy communities. It translates to ‘God’ and is most commonly found in the states of Maharashtra, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
- Vaidya
The Brahmin surname Vaidya comes from the Sanskrit word ‘vaidya,’ which means a knowledgeable person or a doctor. It is a common surname used by different groups and is linked with the Konkanasth Brahmin community.
- Varne
The Brahmin last name probably comes from the Marathi word ‘Var,’ which means ‘above,’ ‘top,’ or ‘supreme.’ Another possible source of this last name is the Sanskrit term ‘varnan,’ which means ‘narration.’ This surname might have been used to describe a chief priest or a very knowledgeable person.
Gujarati Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Bhatt
The Brahmin surname Bhatt originates from Sanskrit and can mean ‘Vedic priest,’ ‘teacher,’ or ‘scholar.’
- Dave
The Brahmin last name Dave is common among the Audichya Brahmins, who are Brahmins from Gujarat, India.
- Pandya
The Brahmin surname Pandya originate from Sanskrit and are known for honoring their ancestors and being associated with education. They are mainly found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan in India.
- Thaker
The Brahmin last name could come from the title ‘Thakur,’ which means ‘lord’ or ‘master’ in Sanskrit. It is believed that Thaker’s roots trace back to Kashiraj Thaker, a Kashmiri Brahmin who went to Gujarat in the 11th century to promote Hinduism.
- Upadhyay
The Brahmin last name ‘Brahmin’ among Hindus comes from the Sanskrit title ‘Upadhyaya,’ which signifies a teacher of the Vedas or a top priest.
- Vyasa
This Brahmin last name originates from the Sanskrit term ‘Vyasa,’ which means ‘compiler.’ This last name would have been used for people who compiled ancient texts.
Tamil Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Dikshitar
This Brahmin last name belongs to a group of Brahmins who are Shaivite priests and run the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. This surname probably comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Diksha,’ which means ‘to organize a ceremony’ or ‘to start religious worship.’
- Gurukkal
This Brahmin last name probably comes from the Sanskrit term ‘Guru,’ which means ‘teacher,’ and the ending ‘Kkal’ signifies ‘plurality.’ Gurukkals are typically the priests who serve at Shiva and Ganesha temples.
- Iyer/Aiyar
The Brahmin surname ‘Iyer’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Arya,’ which means wise or noble.
- Iyengar
Iyengars are a well-known group of Tamil Brahmins who follow the Vaishnavite sect. Both Iyer and Iyengar surnames have origins in the Sanskrit word ‘Arya,’ which translates to ‘wise,’ ‘noble,’ or ‘honorable.’
- Rajan
The Brahmin surname ‘Rajan’ is commonly used in India and means ‘king.’ It comes from the Sanskrit word ‘rajanah.’ People from various social classes in Tamil Nadu and Kerala often use this surname, including Brahmins and Kshatriyas.
- Raman
The Brahmin last name Raman means being a ‘descendant of Raghuvamsa,’ which is connected to the Hindu god Rama who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The surname Raman is commonly found in India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
- Vadama
Vadama Brahmins, who belong to the Iyer community of Tamil Brahmins, are sometimes called ‘Northerners.’ The Brahmin surname Vadama probably comes from the Tamil word ‘Vadakku,’ which means North, suggesting that Vadama Brahmins have origins in the northern areas.
- Vathima
Vathima, also known as Vadhima, is a group within the Iyer community from Tamil Nadu. They are known as Pancha Dravida Brahmins. The Brahmin surname ‘Vathima’ or ‘Vadhima’ is believed to come from a mispronounced form of ‘Madhyama,’ which means ‘central part.’
Assamese Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Acharya/Acharjee
This Brahmin surname is used to address or refer to a teacher or scholar in Indian cultural and religious contexts. The surname ‘Acharya’ comes from the Sanskrit language and means a person who teaches or instructs others.
- Baruah
This Brahmin surname comes from Borua, the first way the last name was spelled. Baruah was a label for members of the Buruk clan, who had important roles in the military in the ancient Chutia kingdom in Assam.
- Bhagavati
The Brahmin surname Bhagavati originates from Sanskrit and signifies ‘lucky’ or ‘wealth.’ It is also used as an alternate name for Goddess Durga.
- Bora
Bora is a popular Brahmin last name among Brahmins in Assam, with about 88 percent of people having it. The surname was originally associated with a high ranking military role or title.
- Gayen
The origin of the Brahmin surname ‘Gayen’ is from the Sanskrit word ‘Gayen,’ which translates to ‘singer’ or ‘praiser.’ It was probably used as a surname for bards or people who sang hymns. Another way to spell the surname is Gain, and it is common in West Bengal.
- Goswami
The Brahmin surname Goswami comes from two Sanskrit words – ‘Go’ which means ‘cattle’ and ‘Swami’ which means ‘lord’ or ‘master.’
- Pathak
The Brahmin surname Pathak comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Pathaka,’ which means ‘teacher’ or ‘scholar.’ This last name is also common among Brahmins in North India.
- Siddhanta
The Brahmin last name Siddhanta is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘axiom’ or ‘principle.’ It is believed that initially, the surname was used to describe educators and religious leaders.
Bihari Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Chaturvedi
Chaturvedi is a Brahmin surname that comes from Sanskrit and it means ‘a person who knows the four Vedas.’ It is connected to the surname Chaubey and used to describe families of saints or rishis in the past.
- Kashyap
The Kashyap clan is named after a hermit or saint ancestor. People belonging to this clan are also known as Kanshilyas or Koshyals.
- Mishra
The Brahmin surname Mishra comes from Sanskrit and can mean ‘mixed’ or ‘manifold.’ It was used as a title of respect for knowledgeable and well-educated people. Another common form of this surname is Misra.
- Ojha/Jha
The Brahmin surname Ojha or Jha comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Upadhyaya,’ which means ‘teacher’ or ‘Vedic priest.’
- Rai
The Brahmin last name Rai comes from the language Sanskrit and means ‘king.’ In the past, Zamindars in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar used the title Rai.
- Shandilya
Shandilya is a group of people descended from Rishi Shandilya who was a Brahmin. The surname could come from the Sanskrit word ‘Sanatana,’ which means ‘perpetual’ or ‘eternal.’
- Tripathi
Tripathi or Tripathy is a inherited Brahmin surname among Hindu Brahmins in India and Nepal. This surname comes from the Sanskrit word ‘tripāṭhī,’ which means a person who has studied the three Vedas in depth.
Malayali Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Kurukkal
Kurukkal is a Brahmin last name used by a group of Brahmins from the Ambalavasi community in Kerala, a major Hindu community. It is believed that Kurukkals were originally part of the Kingdom of Travancore in Kerala.
- Namboothiri/Nampoorithiri
The Namboothiri community is a group of Brahmins who follow the Vaishnavite faith and are from Kerala. The surname can also be spelled as Nambudiri, Namboodiri, or Namputiri. They are known for their special traditions and commitment to various Vedic ceremonies.
- Nambissan / Nambeesan
Nambissan is from the Pushpaka Brahmin community in Kerala, who used to make flower garlands for the temple’s god as their traditional profession.
- Pillai
The Brahmin last name Pillai or Pillay is commonly found among Tamil- and Malayalam-speaking individuals in India and Sri Lanka. It means ‘child of king or prince’ and is associated with ancient families that include Kshatriyas and Brahmins who were involved in military activities.
- Plappally
It is a last name that belongs to Brahmins who moved to a location known as Plappally in Kerala. The location was named after the Brahmins who settled there.
- Potti
In Tulu language, the surname ‘Potti’ refers to showing great respect for someone and is commonly used as a last name by a group of Malayali Brahmins.
- Unni
Unni is the Brahmin last name of a specific group of Brahmins from the Pushpaka Brahmin community. The surname Unni has its origins in Sanskrit and means a ‘leader’ or ‘lord.’
Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, And Other North Indian Brahmin Surnames
- Agnihotri
Agnihotri is a Brahmin surname that comes from Sanskrit and means ‘one who maintains the sacred fire during fire rituals.’ This surname is commonly found in various areas of North India.
- Bajpai/ Vajpayee
This Brahmin surname is for a specific group of Brahmins in the Kanyakubja Brahmin community, who are part of the Pancha Gauda major Brahmin group. The surname is mostly seen in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
- Bharadwaj
This Brahmin last name refers to people who are ancestors of Bharadwaj, a wise person mentioned in ancient Indian texts. Bharadwaj is a name of Sanskrit origin that signifies someone with power. Another surname like this is Bhargava, which means descendants of Bhrigu, another sage.
- Dikshit/Dixit
It is an adjective derived from the Sanskrit term ‘Diksha’ which refers to getting ready for a ritual or starting devotional worship. This Brahmin last name can also be seen in other parts of India.
- Dubey/Dwivedi
Dubey or Dwivedi is a Brahmin last name that belongs to the Brahmin caste. In Sanskrit, it translates to ‘versed in two Vedas.’ Other ways to spell this surname are Dave, Duvedi, Diwedi, Dubay, Dube, or Dobe.
- Pandey
The Brahmin surname Pandey comes from the Sanskrit term ‘Pandita,’ which translates to being knowledgeable, wise, or a spiritual expert.
- Pandit
This Brahmin surname is a shortened version of the Sanskrit name ‘Pandita,’ which translates to ‘learned,’ ‘wise,’ or a ‘spiritual scholar.’
- Pujari
Pujari is a Sanskrit word that means ‘worshipper’. This Brahmin surname was originally used to describe individuals who worked as priests at temples and conducted puja, a devotional ceremony in Hinduism.
- Purohit
The Brahmin last name Purohit originated from Sanskrit and translates to ‘the front placed’ or the ‘prime one.’ This surname was commonly used by family priests or spiritual advisors in the past.
- Tiwari
This Brahmin surname originates from the Sanskrit language and translates to ‘knowing three Vedas.’ Other forms of the surname include Tripathi and Trivedi.
- Shukla
The Brahmin surname Shukla comes from Sanskrit and means ‘bright,’ ‘white,’ or ‘pure.’ It is a popular last name among Brahmins in various areas of North India. Other common Brahmin last names in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and other parts of North India include Nayapaul, Nirmal, Siritiya, and Tote.
Kashmiri Pandit Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Bhan
Bhan is a Brahmin surname that is common among the Kashmiri Pandits, who come from the Kashmir Valley in India. This surname has its roots in the Brahmin community and is associated with the profession of making utensils. The surname is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘bhajana,’ which means ‘utensil.’
- Bhat
This Brahmin last name originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Bhatta,’ which means a ‘Vedic priest,’ a knowledgeable person, or a scholar.
- Dhar
Originally, this Brahmin surname was used as a mark of respect for people in positions of power, like village chiefs, warlords, or senior accountants.
- Haksar
In Kashmiri, the word ‘Bogh’ refers to a caterpillar. This Brahmin surname could have been a common last name for people who grew or sold leafy greens.
- Kak
In Kashmiri, the Brahmin surname ‘Kak’ means ‘elder brother.’ It is believed that this name started as a title and eventually became a surname.
- Kaul
This Brahmin surname comes from an old Sanskrit word meaning ‘someone from a noble or aristocratic family.’ There are other ways to spell the name, such as Koul, Kol, and Caul.
- Kher
The Brahmin last name ‘Kher’ is mainly connected with Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir and Karhade Brahmins in Maharashtra. In particular, it is associated with Kashmiri Pandits, representing a lineage or group of Brahmins who are part of the highest priestly caste in Hindu society.
- Hangloo
This Brahmin last name originates from Hangul, which is the name of a type of deer found in Kashmir. It is possible that the last name came from a place name, which indicated that someone lived near a group of Hangul deer.
- Mattoo/ Mattu
Mattoo, also spelled as Mattu, is a family surname of the Kashmiri Pandit group. They come from the Kashmir Valley in the Jammu & Kashmir area of India.
- Raina
Raina is a Brahmin last name that is often seen among Kashmiri Pandits, describing those who worked in the royal court. Many people think that anyone with the Raina last name can track their family history back to one family in medieval Kashmir.
- Razdan
The Brahmin surname ‘Razdan’ is probably a mix of the Persian words ‘Raz,’ which means ‘secret’ and ‘Dan,’ which means ‘keeper.’ This last name might have originally been used for people who were part of the inner circle of a king.
- Sapru
Sapru is a group of Kashmiri Pandits. Many of them now live outside of Kashmir.
- Sopori
The Brahmin last name ‘Sopore’ is of Kashmiri Pandit origin and indicates that the family is originally from the town of Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir. Other common surnames among Kashmiri Pandits include Bachloo, Draboo, Kher, Mattoo, Tikoo, and Wanchoo.
Odia Brahmin Surnames Or Last Names with its Meanings
- Behera
Behera is a popular Brahmin last name in Odia culture. In the past, ‘Dala-Behera’ or just ‘Behera’ was a respected title given to the commander or leader of a group of soldiers. This last name is frequently used by different communities such as Brahmins, Karanas, Gopals, Khandayats, and Chasas.
- Dash
This Brahmin surname is a different version of the last name Das, which originates from the Sanskrit term ‘Das,’ indicating a person who is a follower, servant, or someone who worships.
- Devasharma
The Brahmin surname ‘Devasharma’ comes from Sanskrit and means ‘God,’ while ‘Sharma’ means ‘prosperity’ or ‘joy.’
- Mohapatra
The Brahmin surname, sometimes spelled as Mahapatra, originates from Sanskrit and signifies ‘prime minister’ or ‘prime leader.’ It was a title of honor and has been used since the Vedic period.
- Nanda
The Brahmin last name originates from the Sanskrit term ‘Nanda,’ which means ‘happiness,’ ‘delight,’ or ‘prosperity.’ This surname is common in some regions of North and West India, as well as among Sikhs.
- Nath
The Brahmin surname ‘Nath’ is of Sanskrit origin and signifies ‘lord,’ ‘master,’ or ‘protector.’
- Padhi/Padhy
The Brahmin surname Padhi/Padhy comes from India and is mainly connected to Odisha. They are part of the Bhadri Brahmin group and have a close tie to the Sam Veda.
- Panda
The Brahmin surname Panda comes from the Sanskrit term ‘Pandita,’ which means someone who is knowledgeable, wise, or a spiritual scholar. In ancient times, this title was given to individuals who were devoted, honorable, and extremely well-informed.
- Panigrahi
The Brahmin last name Panigrahi originated in India and is commonly seen in the state of Orissa. This surname signifies being a recipient of hand. People with the last name Panigrahi belong to the Bhadri Brahmin group and follow the Sam Veda for performing important rituals.
- Pati
This Brahmin last name originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Pati,’ which translates to ‘master’ or ‘lord.’ It could have initially been a title of respect.
- Rath
Rath, Ratha, or Rathasharma are Utkala Brahmins who come from Sage Atreya’s lineage. They were a group of well-educated scholars who were skilled in reciting the Vedas in the Ratha style.
- Sahu
Sahu, which can also be spelled as Sah, Sahoo, or Shahu, refers to someone who lends money or engages in business in the Hindi language. It is possible that this surname was originally used to describe a person’s occupation.
- Samanta
The origin of the Brahmin surname is from Sanskrit, where it means ‘captain’ or ‘chief.’ It is possible that the surname was first used as a title for a leader or head of a province.
- Satapati
This Brahmin surname originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Shatapati,’ which means the ‘lord of hundred doctrines.’ Originally, the Brahmin surname was used for someone who had expertise in various books like the Vedas. Different spellings of the surname include Satapathy, Satpathi, Satpati, Satpathy, and Shatapathy.
- Vedi
In Sanskrit, the Brahmin surname Vedi means ‘knowledge.’ Originally, it was used to describe someone who was knowledgeable or wise. Some other surnames of Odia Brahmins includes Bishi, Debata, Khuntia, Padhi, Panigrahi, Pattojoshi, and Sarongi.
Frequently Asked Questions
This compilation of Brahmin surnames provides insight into their diverse cultural heritage. Brahmins were traditionally known for their role in religious ceremonies and were highly respected across all social classes. Some surnames like Gowda, Reddy, Modi, Agarwal, Varma, Naik, and Sheth may also be associated with Brahmins, but they are typically linked to certain occupations. This list of Brahmins surnames was carefully put together and organized into separate categories for easy reference. Take a look through the list to discover more about Brahmin culture.
