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Last Name Gopalakrishnan

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What is the origin of the last name Gopalakrishnan?

The last name Gopalakrishnan is of Indian origin. It is a combination of two Sanskrit words, "Gopala" meaning "cowherd" or "protector of cows" and "Krishna" referring to the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. Together, Gopalakrishnan means "protector of cows who is like Krishna" or "devotee of Lord Krishna." It is a common South Indian surname, particularly among Tamil and Malayalam speaking Hindu communities.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Gopalakrishnan

The surname Gopalakrishnan is of South Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is a combination of two Sanskrit words, "Gopala" which means 'cowherd' or 'protector of cows', and "Krishna" which is the name of the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu in Hindu mythology. Therefore, the surname Gopalakrishnan is commonly associated with people who have ancestral ties to the occupations related to cowherding or with followers of the Hindu deity Krishna. This surname is prevalent among the Hindu community in Kerala and is often used as a surname or given name to honor and show reverence to the deity Krishna.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gopalakrishnan

Gopalakrishnan is a common last name predominantly found in India, particularly in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The name is of Hindu origin and is typically associated with individuals of Tamil or Malayali descent. Due to historical migration patterns, the surname can also be found among Indian communities in other countries, such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. In recent years, with increased globalization and mobility, individuals bearing the last name Gopalakrishnan may be found in various parts of the world due to factors such as education, work opportunities, and family resettlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gopalakrishnan

The last name Gopalakrishnan can be spelled as Gopala Krishnan, Gopalakrishnan, Gopalkrishnan, Gopalakrishan, Gopalkrishnan, and Gopalkrishan. These variations may differ depending on regional and cultural influences.

Famous people with the last name Gopalakrishnan

Some of the most famous individuals with the last name Gopalakrishnan include S. Gopalakrishnan, an Indian businessman and the co-founder of Infosys, one of India's largest IT companies. Another notable figure is R. Gopalakrishnan, an author and former executive director of Tata Sons. Additionally, V. Gopalakrishnan is a renowned Indian filmmaker known for his works in the Tamil film industry. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have achieved a level of fame and recognition for their work and accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Gopalakrishnan

The surname Gopalakrishnan is of South Indian origin and is commonly found among Tamil and Malayalam speaking communities. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "Gopala" meaning cowherd or protector of cows, and "Krishna" referring to the Hindu deity Krishna. Individuals with the surname Gopalakrishnan are often associated with professions related to agriculture, dairy farming, or other occupations linked to the cattle industry. Genealogical research on the name may reveal a family history rooted in the rural regions of South India, with potential connections to religious traditions and beliefs centered around the worship of Lord Krishna. The surname Gopalakrishnan may also indicate a lineage that values the importance of caring for animals and upholding traditional customs and practices within their community.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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