Even today when we meet new people one of the first questions we tend to ask is where are you from or where did you grow up? Much of a person’s culture revolves around where there family is from and the region of your country you spent your youth. India is an ancient civilization and where a person came from held meaning. Seth - A Hindi word that signifies banker.

Joshi - A practitioner of Jyotish or astrology.

Gandhi - A perfume seller, grocer, or pharmacist.

Banerjee - A teacher from the village of Bandoghat.Your last name could give you a glimpse into your family from generations ago. For example, the Indian last name Mehta is a Sanskrit word for Guru or account keeper. Like many other cultures, many Indian last names are derived from an ancestor’s occupation. Yadav - Followers of Yadu, a community related to Krishna.Jha - A community of traditional Brahmins.Bedi - One who is conversant with the Vedas.Even though Hinduism is now the most popular religion in the country Buddhism is still practiced by over seven million people in India. The prince Siddharta Gautama would become the Buddha. Religion has long been a central part of Indian culture. Many Indian last names, mainly Hindu surnames, are derived from religion, occupation, and region, much like other nationalities.

In addition to being a place rife with culture, life, and religion is also central to the history of India. History of IndiaĪrcheologists can trace human life in India back 75,000 years, and the evidence supports that ancient India was a vibrant place full of trade, architecture, and art.

This article looks at the origin of some of the most popular Indian last names, their origins, and their meanings. When parents are considering baby names, they may wish to choose a first name that corresponds in a meaningful way with their last name. Over the centuries, Indian people have emigrated globally, and Indian last names can be found in countries far and wide. India is a vast and densely populated country, and it is the second most populated country in the world, with over one billion people. Many common Indian surnames have a rich family history and religious meaning in Hindi. Find your Indian last name and learn about its meaning and origins.

The word lion in hindi