What is the origin of the last name Hemraj?

The surname Hemraj is of Indian origin and has its roots in the Hindu religion. The name consists of two parts: "Hem" which means 'gold' or 'shining', and "Raj" which means 'king'. Therefore, Hemraj can be interpreted as 'King of Shining' or 'Shining King', a name given to a person who was considered radiant or powerful. It is widely found among people from the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions where Hindus are predominant.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Hemraj

The meaning and origin of the last name Hemraj

The surname Hemraj is of Indian origin, particularly prevalent among communities like Rajputs, Jats, and Brahmins in Northern India. It is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Hem' which means gold or silver, and 'Raj', meaning ruler or king. Thus, Hemraj can be roughly translated as "ruler of gold" or "king of silver". The name reflects the historical significance of metallurgy and the casting of gold and silver objects in ancient Indian culture. It is also associated with divine figures such as Lord Vishnu's incarnation, Narasimha, who was known as Hemant or Hemraj, symbolizing his golden complexion.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hemraj

The last name Hemraj is predominantly found in regions with significant South Asian populations, particularly within India and Nepal. In India, it is most common in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. In Nepal, it is relatively frequent in the Terai region along the Indian border. Additionally, there are smaller communities carrying this surname in Fiji, Trinidad, and other countries with a significant Indian diaspora. It's important to note that the distribution can vary based on specific caste or ethnic group affiliations within these regions. The name Hemraj is derived from Hinduism, meaning "sun of God," reflecting its origins in South Asia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hemraj

The surname Hemraj has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common spelling variations include Hemaraj, Heemraj, Himmraj, Hemeraj, Heemaraj, Himraj, Haimraj, and Hemmraj. These variations can occur when names are transliterated from one language to another or when they are phonetically altered during the process of immigration. The name Hemraj is of Indian origin and means "sun god" in Sanskrit. It is a popular surname among people of Hindu descent, particularly those from India and the Indian diaspora.

Famous people with the last name Hemraj

Hemraj is an uncommon Indian surname, and notable individuals bearing this name include:

1. Suresh Hemraj - A Trinidadian cricketer who played in eight Test matches and three One Day Internationals for the West Indies cricket team between 2003 and 2004.

2. Nirmala Hemraj - An Indian-born Canadian journalist, former host of "CBC News: Marketplace" on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

3. Rakesh Hemraj - A Guyanese cricketer who played for Guyana and West Indies in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

4. Devendra Hemraj - A Trinidadian cricketer who played in one Test match and ten One Day Internationals for the West Indies between 2006 and 2008. He is also a former captain of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, a franchise cricket team.

5. Gurdeep Hemraj - A Canadian professional football (soccer) player who played in the Canadian Soccer League for the Vaughan Shooters FC and Woodbridge Strikers FC. He is also a coach at the University of Toronto.

Genealogical research on the last name Hemraj

The surname Hemraj originates from India and is commonly found among communities of Gujarati origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Hem, meaning "sun" in Sanskrit, and raj, meaning "king." In Hindu mythology, Hemnath Rai is a form of Lord Vishnu. The surname Hemraj has been traced to various regions within India, particularly Gujarat and Rajasthan. Notable individuals with the last name Hemraj include Hemraj Kothari, an Indian businessman who founded the Arvind Mills, one of the largest textile manufacturers in India; and Hemraj Gohil, a former Member of Parliament from Gujarat. The surname is also found among diaspora communities in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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