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Last Name Gopalan

What is the origin of the last name Gopalan?

The name Gopalan is of Indian origin and is usually of the Brazilian caste. It is a surname that is mainly in the state of Tamil Nadu, in southern India. The name comes from the Hindu god Gopala, which is another way to refer to Krishna, one of the main deities of Hinduism.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Gopalan

The meaning and origin of the last name Gopalan

The name Gopalan is of Indian origin and is mainly in the southern region of the country. Deriva of the Indian male name Gopala, which means "protector of the cows" in Sanskrit. This name is common in Hindu culture and is associated with the god Krisná, who took care of the cows. Therefore, the name Gopalan may have a meaning related to the protection and care of others. At present, people with this surname are usually from the state of Tamil Nadu, although they are also in other parts of India and the world due to the Indian diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gopalan

The name Gopalan is of Indian origin and is mainly in southern India, specifically in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, it is more common in the regions of Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai, while in Kerala it is concentrated in the cities of Trivandrum and Kochi. In addition, people with this surname can also be found in other parts of India, such as Bangalore and Hyderabad. Outside India, the Indian diaspora has taken the Gopalan surname to other countries, especially in those with a high population of Indian immigrants, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. In short, the surname Gopalan has a geographical distribution mainly in southern India, but it is also present in other parts of the world due to the migration of the Indian community.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gopalan

The surname Gopalan can present several variations and graphs depending on the region and the transcription to the Latin alphabet. Some of the most common variations include Gopal, Gopalan, Gopala, Gopaul, Gopalakrishnan, Gopalak, among others. In India, where this surname is more common, different forms of writing can also be found in the different regional languages, such as Gopalan in Tamil, Gopalakrishnan in Malayalam or Gopala in Sanskrit. Each of these variations may be associated with different family or caste branches, which adds an additional level of complexity to genealogy and the follow-up of family lineages. However, despite the different graphs, they all share the same origin and meaning, which refer to the Hindu god Gopala, protector of cows and cattle.

Famous people with the last name Gopalan

In Indian culture, the name Gopalan is known for being ported by several prominent figures in different fields. One of the most famous is Lakshmi Gopalan, a renowned Indian classical music singer who has captivated audiences from around the world with her unique and emotional voice. On the other hand, Meenakshi Gopalan is recognized in the world of politics as a leader committed to the defence of human rights and gender equality. In the academic field, Antonia Gopalan is a leading scientist who has carried out important research in the field of biotechnology. Each of these people, with their talent and dedication, has managed to leave an indelible mark in the history and life of those who have the privilege to know them.

Genealogical research on the last name Gopalan

Genealogy research on Gopalan's last name reveals an interesting family history of Indian origin. According to the records found, this surname goes back to ancient traditions of India, where it was used by families of the Brazilian caste. Several prominent individuals have been identified with the Gopalan surname throughout history, including political, professional and academic leaders. In addition, family branches have been documented that have spread throughout the world, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore. Genealogical research has made it possible to trace the evolution and migration of the Gopalan family throughout generations, revealing the importance of preserving and sharing the cultural and genetic legacy of this distinguished race.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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