Rajput surnames show the powerful and royal nature of the Rajputs through their meanings.
The Rajputs are a group of organized clans that have origins in the northern and western regions of the Indian subcontinent. The term ‘Rajput’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘raja-putra,’ which translates to ‘son of a king.’ This post contains a compilation of royal Rajput last names that you can refer to. Rajputs have been recognized for their courage, loyalty, and nobility since their emergence in the 12th century. They are divided into three main sub-lineages: Suryavanshi, Chandravanshi, and Agnivanshi. These lineages are further divided into many groups and clans. The Suryavanshis, also known as Raghuvanshi, are believed to be descendants of the sun god Surya. The Chandravanshis, or Somavanshi, are said to come from the moon god Chandra, while the Agnivanshi trace their ancestry to the fire god, Agni. Rajputs typically follow a naming system based on their father’s name. Keep reading for a list of Rajput surnames along with their origins and meanings.
Suryavanshi Surnames or last names With Meanings
- Aharya
The Rajput surname ‘Aharya’ originates from Sanskrit and indicates qualities such as being resolute, steadfast, and unwavering. It is also associated with mountains.
- Amethiya
The Rajput last name Amethiya comes from Amethi, a district in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, they were from Kalinjar in Bundelkhand and then relocated to Oudh or Awadh region, which is currently in Uttar Pradesh.
- Bais
The Rajput surname Bais signifies ‘someone who lives on the land,’ and they can be found in various areas of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
- Baniya
This Rajput last name can be spelled in various ways like Bania, Banya, Banija, Vani, Vaniya, and Vania. It was used for people who worked as merchants, money-lenders, bankers, and dealers.
- Barmer
Barmer is a district in western Rajasthan, which is in the Thar desert. The name Barmer is a surname for Rajputs who come from there.
- Basadi
This Rajput surname comes from the Sanskrit word ‘vasati,’ which means ‘a Jain monastery.’ This last name likely originated from a specific place.
- Bhadail
Bhadails come from Rao Ajay, the third son of Rao Sheoji, a Rajput warrior. They are a part of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs.
- Bhains
Vains or Vainas are alternative surname for Bhains, which is a subgroup of Bais known for their courage and fighting abilities.
- Bikas
The Rajput surname Bikas comes from the Indian baby boy name ‘Vikas’ in Sanskrit. It means ‘progress,’ ‘expansion,’ or ‘development.’ The last name can also be spelled as Vikas or Bikash.
- Bola
The Rajput surname Bola can also be written as Bolan, and they belong to a sub-group of Suhag, which was a ruling group in the Mewar region of Rajasthan. The clan was mostly made up of leaders.
- Champawat
This Rajput surname comes from Champawat, a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is believed that Champawat is where Lord Vishnu turned into a turtle form known as Kurmavtar.
- Chattar
The Rajput surname Chattar originated from the Sanskrit word ‘chatr,’ which means shelter or refuge. People belonging to the Chattar clan were typically part of a king’s army or were warriors who defended against invaders.
- Choondawat/Chundawat
They are the offspring of Rana Chunda, a prince of Mewar, who went on to become the ruler of Fort Begu in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. The Choondawats are recognized for their bravery and willingness to make sacrifices in Rajput history.
- Dangi
This Rajput last name can also be spelled as Dange and is used for people who live in the hills. The word ‘Dang’ means hill and probably comes from the Rajasthani language and its different forms.
- Dhandhul
They are believed to be the offspring of Rao Dhandul, the son of Rao Asthan, and the grandson of Rao Sheoji, a well-known Rajput fighter. Dhandhuls are part of the Rathore family line.
- Gaur
The Indian bison, also known as the Gaur. Descendants of Rajputs, who were rulers in the ancient Gauda kingdom in Bengal, are known as Gaur Rajputs.
- Gautam
The Gautam family is believed to have originated from a Brahmin named Siringhi, who married the daughter of a king from the Gaharwar clan of Rajputs. Long ago, the Gautams were said to have been rulers of an area that includes parts of eastern Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.
- Guhilote
The people are from the Guhila dynasty, who ruled over Medapata which is now known as the Mewar region in southern Rajasthan. The surname can also be spelled as Gehlot, Gahlot, Guhila, or Gohil.
- Jamwal
The surname Jamwal comes from the Jamwal Rajputs, who were in charge of Jammu and Kashmir as the Jamwal dynasty, also called the Dogra dynasty.
- Jargurjar/Badgurjar
The Badgurjars were originally a group of fighters who controlled areas in present-day Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. They were famous for their courage and for building many monuments, some of which still stand today.
- Jasrotia
The term ‘Jasrotia dynasty’ is used to describe the descendants of a ruling family from Jasrot, a region in south-western Jammu and Kashmir. This dynasty, known as the Jasrotias, was a sub-clan of the Jamwals.
- Jethwa
This Rajput surname comes from the Jethwa dynasty, which is a Rajput group that ruled parts of the Saurashtra region in Gujarat for many years. The last name can also be spelled as Jethva, Jethi, or Jaitwa.
- Jodha
This Rajput surname means the descendants of Rajput Rao Jodha, the ruler of the Marwar region in Rajasthan who founded the city of Jodhpur.
- Jhala
Jhala is a specific type of technique used in Indian classical music, commonly associated with the sitar and other string instruments. The last name belongs to a group called Rajputs, who are believed to be descendants of the warrior Jhala Zalim Singh. The Jhalas were in charge of ruling the area known as Jhalawar in Rajasthan. Another way to spell the last name is Zala.
- Kachwaha
The Rajput surname Kachwahas originated from a historical group known as Kachapaghat. The Kachwaha Rajputs governed various areas in Rajasthan, such as Alwar and Jaipur.
- Kalyanot
The Rajput surname ‘Kalyanot’ comes from a group of people belonging to the Rajawat clan, who were a part of the Kachwaha Rajputs. The Kalyanots were in charge of managing the town of Saloli in eastern Rajasthan.
- Kataha
This Rajput surname relates to a subset of Bhains Rajputs, who are part of the Bais clan of Rajputs. Kataha were known for being fighters, leaders, and supervisors in villages.
- Khabaria
This Rajput surname comes from a village named Khabaria in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district.
- Khokra
It is about people who come from an old Rajput group called Kokar or Kukar. Some say the Khokra clan is even mentioned in the Puranas, the ancient Sanskrit texts.
- Kothari
This Rajput surname comes from the Sanskrit word ‘kotha’ which means ‘granary’ or ‘silo.’ It is a commonly used surname in Rajasthani and Gujarati communities.
- Minihas
Minihas are people who are believed to be descendants of Ikshvaku, who founded the Ikshvaku dynasty. Lord Ram was also part of this dynasty. Different spellings of the surname include Minhas and Manhas.
- Mohania
The last name was taken on by Reosar Rao’s descendants, who founded a kingdom near Mohania in Bihar. Mohanias are part of the Rathore group of Rajputs.
- Naru
Narus are the offspring of Nipal Chand, a Rajput from Mathura, who moved to the Punjab area and took on the name Naru Shah.
- Pakhral
Pakhral is a group within the Dogra or Jamwal Rajput clan, who were in charge of governing Jammu and Kashmir. They are believed to have come from Rajasthan originally, but eventually moved to the Kashmir area.
- Patial
They are believed to be a subgroup of the Chattar group of Rajputs. Initially, they came from Rajasthan but later moved towards Punjab and Uttarakhand. The Patial Rajputs are said to have been the rulers of the ancient Trigarta kingdom, which is now known as Jalandhar.
- Peeparra
This Rajput surname comes from the Peeparra village in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, indicating where someone originally came from.
- Pokharan
The last name comes from a village called Pokhran in Rajasthan. The name itself means ‘palace of five mirages’ in Hindi.
- Pundir
The last name comes from the Sanskrit term Purandara, which means ‘the destroyer of forts.’ Initially, they lived in Nahan, Nagaur, Garhwal, and Saharanpur.
- Rajawat
RajputThe last name Rajawat has its origins in Sanskrit, meaning ‘like a king’ or ‘royal.’ Historically, Rajawats have mainly lived in the state of Rajasthan.
- Randa
This Rajput surname comes from the name of a place and means people who were originally from the village of Randa in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.
- Rao
Rao is a name and last name that comes from India. It is similar to the Hindi word ‘Rajah,’ which means ‘king.’ Initially, it was only used for the ruler of a state.
- Rathore
The clan comes from the Marwar area of Rajasthan. Rathores believe they are the direct descendants of Lord Ram. Different spellings of this surname are Rathaur, Rathor, Rathur, Rathod, Rathhour, and Rahtore.
- Saktawat/haktawat
The family is descended from Prince Mir Shakti Singh, who was the brother of Maharana Pratap from the Mewar dynasty. They belong to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs.
- Shekhawat
The Shekhawats come from Maharao Shekha Ji, a powerful Rajput warrior. They were in charge of the Shekhawati region in northeastern Rajasthan.
- Sheobramhpota
The last name originated from the offspring of Rao Sheobramh, who was the fourth son of Raja Udaikaran of Amber. It is a subgroup of the Kachwaha Rajputs.
- Sikarwar/Sakarwar
A group of Rajputs moved to different areas of northern and eastern India in the ninth century. They constructed many forts and buildings that can be found in present-day Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Sisodia
The Sisodias come from the Mewar kingdom and used to be called Gehlot or Guhilot. Their last name can be spelled in various ways like Shishodia, Sesodia, Sishodia, Sisodya, Shishodya, or Sisodiya.
- Sunda
The Rajput surname Sundas comes from a family that was once living in different parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab.
- Tanwar
The Tanwars are a subgroup of the Tomar clan, who are Rajputs. Originally, the Tanwars were located in various areas in the northern and western regions of India.
- Tomar
Tomars are believed to be descended from Arjuna, one of the Pandavas. They have been ruling different areas in north and west India since the ninth century. Different variations of this surname include Tomara, Tomer, Taur, and Toor.
- Vanar
The word ‘Vanar’ comes from Sanskrit and means ‘forest.’ This group is believed to have started with warriors who mostly lived in the forest.
Agnivanshi Surnames or last names With Meanings
- Baghel
The Baghels were Rajputs who were mainly found in and around the city of Dholka in Gujarat. They became important in the 13th century and formed the Baghela dynasty in Gujarat. Different versions of the surname include Baghela, Waghela, and Vaghela.
- Bhaal
This last name is derived from a place name and is associated with the Rajput community, which comes from the Bhal region in Gujarat. The Bhal region is where the current districts of Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, and Anand in Gujarat intersect.
- Bhaduria
The Bhadurias were a Rajput community primarily located in eastern Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, and northern Madhya Pradesh. The surname can also be spelled as Bhadouria, Bhadoriya, or Bhadoria.
- Chouhan
The last name originates from Chahamana, a legendary hero believed to be the founder of Chouhans. Different spellings of the name include Chauhan, Chohan, and Chohhan.
- Deora
The Deoras come from Rao Deoraj, a warrior from the Rajput tribe. They ruled over areas in Rajasthan and near Delhi. The surname can also be spelled as Devda, Devra, or Devre.
- Dodiya
Dodiya, also spelled Dodia, is the last name of a group of Rajputs who were originally from Multan, which is now in Pakistan. Dodiyas moved to Rajasthan and Gujarat in the 14th century.
- Gharana
The last name probably comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Grih,’ which means ‘home.’ Gharana might have originally meant a specific house or group of Rajputs who started using that name.
- Hoda
The last name was probably a title that came from an unknown source. Hodas are part of the Agnivanshi lineage of Rajputs.
- Khichi
This refers to a subgroup of the Chouhan community in India. The Khichis were in power in certain regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. They established the Khilchipur State and the town of Khilchipur still stands today.
- Mori
The Mori Rajput clan controlled an area near Chittor, currently called Chittorgarh. The Chittorgarh fort, India’s largest fort, was constructed by Mori king Chitrangad Mori. Other variations of the surname are Maurya and Morya.
- Naga
The last name is used to identify a group of Rajputs from the ancient Naga kingdom. The Nagas lived in various parts of India, like northern and eastern India. They are also known as Nagavanshi.
- Nirwan
Nirwan or Nirban were a sub-clan of Chouhan Rajputs and they were loyal to Maharana Pratap of Mewar. Members of this sub-clan were known as Parihar.
- Parihar
The Parihars were responsible for starting the Parihar dynasty in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. They were also present in various other parts of Uttar Pradesh. The clan goes by different names such as Pratihar, Parhar, Padhiyar, Padiyar, Padiyal, and Parhiyar.
- Pawar
The name Pawar refers to a Rajput group that is known as one of the original Agnivanshi clans. They governed an area in western-central India near the present-day city of Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. Other ways to spell the surname Pawar are Parmar and Parmara.
- Ponwar
They belong to a sub-group of the Parmar clan and have controlled areas in eastern Rajasthan and western Madhya Pradesh. Another variation of their surname is Panwar or Puar.
- Sodha
Sodha is part of the Parmar clan, believed to have come from a group called Saudha who lived in Sindh, now in Pakistan.
- Solanki
The clan is believed to come from Chilonki, a legendary figure made by Lord Brahma. It is said that the Solankis were descendants of the Chalukyas, who governed various areas in southern and central India.
- Sonigurra
The Sonigurras are a subgroup of the Chouhan clan of Rajputs. They were in power in the area around Jalore in Rajasthan. The last name can also be spelled as Songara or Songira.
Chandravanshi Surnames or last names With Meanings
- Bachhal
Bachhals are believed to be the ancestors of Raja Bairat, who was a ruler in the Kheri region of Uttar Pradesh long ago. The clan also lived in certain areas of the Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.
- Banaphar
The Banaphar Rajputs were in charge of many areas in the northern and central regions of India. Another way to spell their last name is Banafar or Banafer.
- Bhangalia
Originally from Himachal Pradesh, the Bhangalia Rajputs were known to have ruled over various areas within the Kangra district.
- Bhatti
The last name belongs to a group of Rajputs who say they come from Lord Krishna. The Bhattis were in charge of ruling Jaisalmer and the nearby desert area. Another way to spell the last name is Bhati.
- Bundela
It is a last name that comes from the Rajputs, a group of people who lived in Bundelkhand, a hilly area in north-central India. The Bundelas are believed to have moved from Rajasthan to Bundelkhand in the east many years ago.
- Chandela
Chandela comes from the old family group of Chandelas, who created the Chandela dynasty in the Bundelkhand area of north-central India. The clan’s name comes from ‘Chandra,’ which means Moon in Sanskrit. Other versions of this surname include Chadla, Chandel, Chandele, and Chandail.
- Chavada
The clan is believed to have come from Chavada Dadda, who was a Rajput warrior. The Chavadas mostly ruled in the area of Patan and other parts of northern Gujarat. The last names can also be spelled as Chavda or Chawda.
- Chudasama
It is about a group of Rajputs who were in charge of different areas in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The Chudasamas were also influential in the Kutch region.
- Dhaiya
A group of Rajputs moved to different areas in northern India, like Haryana. The last name can also be spelled as Dahiya or Dahia.
- Dongre
It is a surname that comes from a place called Dang in southern Gujarat. Another way to spell it is Daungre or Dongar.
- Jadeja
The Jadejas were in charge of many areas in northern Gujarat, especially in Kutch. They were a Rajput clan that originated from Jam Lakho Jadani, a powerful ruler in Kutch. The last name can also be spelled as Jarejo.
- Jadon
The Jadons are believed to be descendants of Yadu, a king from whom Lord Krishna also descended. They were rulers in the regions of Bayana and Karauli in Rajasthan. The name can also be spelled as Jadaun.
- Jarral
The Jarrals are believed to come from Arjuna, who was a king of the Pandava dynasty. They mostly ruled over areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.
- Johiya
The Chadravanshi Rajputs are believed to be the descendants of the ancient Yaudheya warrior tribe, who controlled some regions in northern India in the Gupta empire era. There are various ways to spell Johiya such as Joia, Joiya, Joya, Joyea, and Joeia.
- Katoch
The last name is connected to the family of the Katoch dynasty, who were in charge of the Trigarta kingdom that included areas of present-day Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The Katochs are known for constructing the well-known Kangra fort in Himachal Pradesh.
- Pahore
Pahores are a group of Rajputs believed to be descended from either King Porus or the ancient tribe known as Puru. The name can also be spelled as Pahor or Pahur.
- Pathania
Pathanias are believed to have originated from the Tomar clan of Rajputs. They governed various territories in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Himachal Pradesh from their main city Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh.
- Porus
The term relates to the children of King Porus, who was the ruler of a kingdom in Punjab situated between the Chenab and Jhelum rivers. Other variations of the surname include Puru, Pururava, and Parvata.
- Raidas/Ravidas
The last name probably comes from a group of Rajputs who were supporters of Ravidas, an Indian saint and poet from the 15th century. Mirabai, a Rajput woman from a royal family, was also a follower of Ravidas.
- Raizada
The Raizadas come from the Chudasama Rajputs. They were the rulers of some areas in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The last name can also be spelled as Raijada.
- Sarvaiya
They were a clan of Rajputs who governed areas of the Kathiawar peninsula in western Gujarat. It is believed that the Sarvaiyas were a subgroup of Chudasama Rajputs. Different spellings of their name are Sarvia, Sarvaiyya, and Sarwia.
- Salar
The Rajput clan is believed to have come from an old warrior clan named Shaiva. Other ways to spell the surname include Salar and Salarya.
- Soam
The Rajputs come from the lineage of Som, who is a Hindu god associated with the moon. Other versions of this last name include Som, Somvanshi, and Soma.
Other Rajput Surnames or last names With Meanings
- Deshmukh
In Hindi, this Rajput surname means the leader of a state or region. The name comes from someone who was in charge of a district or a chief of a particular area.
- Kapadia
The Rajput surname ‘Kapadia’ originates from the Gujarati word ‘Kapad’ and is often used for someone who works as a cloth merchant. It is a common surname among the Rajput community.
- Kapse
The Rajput surname ‘Kapse’ comes from the Marathi word for ‘cotton.’ It is believed that the surname was given to people who either worked in or owned cotton mills.
- Lokhande
The Rajput surname ‘Lokhande’ means someone who is strong and well-built, originating from the Marathi word for ‘iron.’
- Mehta
The last name Mehta can be found in many different places in India. It originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Meht,’ which translates to ‘great,’ ‘large,’ or ‘majestic.’
- Rana
Rajput kings used to use ‘Rana’ as a title, which later became a surname. The term ‘Rana’ originates from Sanskrit and translates to ‘king.’
- Rawal
Rawal is a Rajput surname that means ‘king’ and comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Raja’ which also means the same. Originally, Rawal was used as a first name in certain regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Waghmare
The Rajput surname ‘Waghmare’ originates from Marathi and means ‘tiger killer.’ It describes a person who is in the profession of hunting and killing tigers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Rajputs have a long history in India and have been a part of Indian rulership. Most of them are located in the western and northern parts of the country. They were famous for their loyalty and bravery. The royal Rajput surnames come from various Indian languages and have different origins. Rajput surnames like Jodha, Rathore, Rao, and Deshmukh are well-known globally. Each surname has a significant meaning and has been passed down unchanged for many generations, reflecting the community’s rich history and culture.
