Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Gopala

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Gopala?

The last name Gopala is of Indian origin and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Gopala," which means "cowherd" or "protector of cows." In Hinduism, Gopala is one of the childhood names of the deity Krishna, who is often depicted as a cowherd. Therefore, the last name Gopala is likely to have originated from families that belonged to the cowherd community or were devoted to Lord Krishna.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gopala

The meaning and origin of the last name Gopala

The surname Gopala originates from India and is of Hindu origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Gopala" which means "cowherd" or "protector of cows." The Gopala community is historically associated with the occupation of herding and tending to cattle, particularly in the regions of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh in India. Members of the Gopala community are often identified by this surname, indicating their ancestral occupation and connection to agriculture and animal husbandry. The surname Gopala also carries religious significance as it is one of the many names of the Hindu god Krishna, who is often depicted as a cowherd in Indian mythology. Today, individuals with the surname Gopala can be found in various parts of India and around the world, maintaining their cultural heritage and connection to their ancestral roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gopala

The last name Gopala is most commonly found in India, particularly in the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, where it is believed to have originated. It is a Hindu name that is derived from the Sanskrit word "gopala," which means "cowherd" or "protector of cows." Due to its association with the deity Krishna, who is often depicted as a cowherd, the name Gopala is also found among Hindu communities in other parts of the country. Outside of India, the surname Gopala is relatively rare, but can be found in small numbers in countries with significant Indian diaspora populations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Gopala is primarily concentrated in India and among Indian communities abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gopala

The last name Gopala may also be spelled as Gopalan, Gopala Krishna, or Gopalakrishnan. Additionally, variations of this last name can include variations in the placement of spaces or hyphens, such as Gopala Krishna or Gopala-Krishna. Some other possible variations could be Gopal, Gopinath, or Gokul. In different regions and cultures, the spelling and pronunciation of this last name may vary, leading to even more variations such as Gopalakrishna, Gopalkrishnan, or Gopalaswamy. The variations in spelling and pronunciation of the last name Gopala reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that have shaped the history of individuals bearing this name. Despite these variations, the common thread that ties these different forms together is their origin in Indian culture and mythology, particularly associated with the Hindu deity Lord Krishna.

Famous people with the last name Gopala

Unfortunately, there are no famous individuals with the last name Gopala. This could be due to the fact that Gopala is a less common surname in comparison to other more widely recognized names. However, it is important to note that the lack of well-known figures with this last name does not diminish its significance or importance. Gopala may be a meaningful name for many families and individuals, carrying with it a rich cultural or familial history. While there may not be any notable public figures with the surname Gopala, it is likely that there are countless individuals who bear this name proudly and have made significant contributions in their own communities or fields of expertise.

Genealogical research on the last name Gopala

The last name Gopala is of Indian origin, specifically deriving from the Hindu deity Krishna, who is also known as Gopala, meaning "cowherd" or "protector of cows." The name Gopala is commonly found among the Vanniyar caste in Southern India, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The Gopala family is known for their agricultural roots and involvement in cattle rearing. Genealogical research on the Gopala surname may reveal a lineage of individuals who have a deep connection to traditional Hindu beliefs and practices, as well as a strong tie to their ancestral land and heritage. Research into the Gopala family may also uncover connections to other families within the Vanniyar community, shedding light on social and cultural dynamics within Indian society.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Gopa kumar

Last name • surnames > gopa-kumar

The origin of the last name "Gopa Kumar" is Indian. "Gopa" is a Sanskrit name meaning "protector of cows" and "Kumar" is a common Indian family name meaning "prince" or "young man"...

#2 Gopakumarcs

Last name • surnames > gopakumarcs

The surname Gopakumarcs is of Indian origin, specifically from the southern state of Kerala. It is a combination of the Sanskrit name "Gopala," which means cowherd or protector of ...

#3 Gopal balan

Last name • surnames > gopal-balan

The last name "Gopal Balan" is of Indian origin. The name "Gopal" is a common given name in India, often referring to the deity Lord Krishna. "Balan" is a surname common in South I...

#4 Gopal bk

Last name • surnames > gopal-bk

The last name "Gopal BK" likely has origins in South Asia, specifically in Nepal. The name "Gopal" is a common Hindu name, derived from Sanskrit meaning "cowherd" or "protector of ...

#5 Gopal chauhan

Last name • surnames > gopal-chauhan

The last name "Chauhan" originates from the Rajput community in India. It is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word "chahamana," meaning "sandalwood." The surname is ...

#6 Gopal ghosh

Last name • surnames > gopal-ghosh

The last name "Ghosh" is of Indian origin. It is a Bengali surname commonly found in the state of West Bengal in India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Ghosh" which means "ma...

#7 Gopal k c

Last name • surnames > gopal-k-c

The last name "Gopal K C" is of Indian origin. Gopal is a common Hindu name which means "cowherd" or "protector of cows," while K C is likely an abbreviation or initial for another...

#8 Gopal kirshna

Last name • surnames > gopal-kirshna

The last name "Gopal Krishna" originates from India and is commonly found among people of Hindu descent. The name "Gopal" is a Sanskrit name meaning "cowherd" or "protector of cows...

#9 Gopal krishna

Last name • surnames > gopal-krishna

The last name "Gopal Krishna" originates from India. It is a common surname among people of Indian descent, particularly among those from the Hindu community. The name "Gopal" refe...

#10 Gopal kumar

Last name • surnames > gopal-kumar

The last name "Gopal Kumar" is of Indian origin. "Gopal" is a Sanskrit name meaning "cow-herd" or "protector of cows," often associated with the Hindu god Krishna. "Kumar" is a com...

#11 Gopal nayak

Last name • surnames > gopal-nayak

The last name "Nayak" has its origin in India. It is a surname commonly found among people of the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community, particularly in the states of Goa and Maharashtra...

#12 Gopal paswan

Last name • surnames > gopal-paswan

The last name "Paswan" is of Indian origin and is commonly found among people belonging to the Dalit community in the state of Bihar. The surname likely denotes the individual's ca...

#13 Gopal raj

Last name • surnames > gopal-raj

The last name "Gopal Raj" has origins in India. "Gopal" is a common first name in India meaning "cowherd" or "protector of cows," often associated with the Hindu god Krishna. "Raj"...

#14 Gopal ram

Last name • surnames > gopal-ram

The last name "Gopal Ram" is of Indian origin. "Gopal" is a common Sanskrit name meaning "cow herder" or "protector of cows", often associated with the Hindu god Krishna. "Ram" is ...

#15 Gopal sahani

Last name • surnames > gopal-sahani

The last name Gopal Sahani is of Indian origin. "Gopal" is a Hindu name that means "cowherd" or "protector of cows," and Sahani is a surname commonly found in the Indian states of ...