Surname Nambiar - Meaning and Origin
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Nambiar: What does the surname Nambiar mean?
The last name Nambiar is a South Indian name that originated as a title given to the highest ranking officers of certain royal families in the region. The word, “Nambiar” is believed to have originated from the Tamizh language, meaning “the keeper of records”, or “scribe”. This reflects the history of the family line as they were associated with keeping and recording important records or accounts.
The Nambiar family is known to have been given special aristocratic privileges, such as the special right to own and manage lands and palaces. This, combined with access to education, led to the Nambiar family becoming renowned for their knowledge in financial matters and in government. The Nambiar title was also used to describe people of a higher social status or nobility.
The Nambiar title is now still used in South India, and is also found among Tamil communities in other countries, such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, South Africa and the UK. Today, the name typically is used in reference to a person's residence, employment status or heritage. It could also refer to someone who is an expert in just about any field, or is known for their wisdom and good counsel.
Order DNA origin analysisNambiar: Where does the name Nambiar come from?
Nambiar is a surname of South Indian and Sri Lankan origin. The name is still common in many parts of South India, especially in the central and western states. In Kerala, it is one of the most common surnames in the state. It is also found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In the region of Sri Lanka, the name is common among the Hindu Tamil community. The name could also occasionally be found in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Canada where many expatriates of South Indian and Sri Lankan origin live. It could also be found in other countries around the world, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa.
The meaning of the last name Nambiar is 'scholar.' It is believed to have originated with a Pandit community in Kerala. These scholars belonged to royal families and were responsible for maintaining the royal libraries. It is likely that they inherited the name Nambiar in recognition of their accomplishments. The name is still primarily associated with scholarship and learning.
Variations of the surname Nambiar
The surname Nambiar is one of the most commonly seen surnames in India, particularly the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. It originated from the Malayalam language and was used by professionals such as accountants, musicians and poets.
Variants of the surname Nambiar include Nampiyan, Nampoothiri, and Nampoori.
Spellings of the surname Nambiar can vary from place to place and language to language. Some of these spellings include Nampiar, Nampier, Nampuer, Nampyeti, Nambier, Nambur, and Nambiyan.
Surnames of the same origin as Nambiar include:
1. Gowder: This originated as a title bestowed upon accountants.
2. Nambeesan: This surname is derived from Nampiyan, which is a variant of Nambiar.
3. Namboothiri: This is derived from the Sanskrit word Nambudiri, a Brahmin caste.
4. Ambalam: This is derived from Tamil and Malayalam words that can be translated to "temple" or "meeting hall".
5. Nambiar Malayadipathi: This was an honorary title given to famous musicians and poets.
6. Melethil: This surname can be found in many parts of India, although its origin is not certain.
7. Muthahir: This is derived from the Arabic word meaning "one who is angry" and is found in many parts of India.
These variants, spellings, and surnames all have their own unique origin, but they all share a common thread to the Nambiar surname. In a way, each of these names honors the legacy of the Nambiar surname and those who bore it.
Famous people with the name Nambiar
- Vadivelu Nambiar: was a Tamil actor in India. He appeared in over 1000 films and was a prolific comedian in his time.
- Shobana Nambiar: Indian business executive and the founder and CEO of Tatvabirbal, a healthcare start-up.
- Shivaji Nambiar: an Indian politician and the former Minister of Excise and Tobacco Control in Kerala.
- T. K. Narayanan Nambiar: Indian physicist and former Vice President of the Indian National Science Academy.
- U. Narayana Nambiar: Indian Ambassador of India to Malaysia and associated with the United Nations and in the field of international relations.
- Unnikrishnan Nambiar: Indian para athlete who won gold medals in the Asian Para Games.
- K. G. Nambiar: Indian actor who has acted in over 200 films and is known for his work in the Malayalam film industry.
- Prathap G. Nambiar: Indian legal scholar and former chairperson of the Law Commission of India.
- Shallu Nambiar: Indian actor and assistant director, best known for her roles in films like 'Dishoom', 'Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai' and 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kahena'.
- A.V. Nambiar: Indian helicopter pilot who was honoured with the Vir Chakra for bravery and distinguished services during the Kargil War.