The surname Hota originates from India and is commonly found among communities such as the Marathi, Gujarati, and Jain populations. In India, many surnames are derived from occupations, geographical locations, or clan names, and this appears to be the case with Hota as well.
The name Hota may have its origins in the Sanskrit word "hotra," which was a priestly title for one of the four classes of early Indian society. It is also possible that the name is derived from the place name Hotavadi in Karnataka, India, though this connection remains somewhat speculative. The specific origin may vary among different families carrying the surname Hota.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Hota
The meaning and origin of the last name Hota
The surname Hota is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Gujarat. It belongs to the Kshatriya (warrior) caste, more specifically to the Suryavanshi clan, which traces its lineage back to Lord Surya, the Sun God. The name Hota is derived from the occupation of being a "Hotu" or priest in charge of sacrificial rituals, a profession traditionally held by members of the Kshatriya caste. Over time, this professional title evolved into a surname for those who followed the occupation. The Hota community is primarily found in Gujarat and neighboring regions, though they have also migrated to other parts of India and the world, particularly during British rule and later as part of modern-day globalization.
Geographical distribution of the last name Hota
The surname Hota is primarily found in South Asian countries, notably India and Nepal. In India, it is most prevalent in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. In Nepal, it is commonly found among the Brahmin and Chhetri communities. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, due to migration over centuries. It is less frequent in other parts of the world but can be found in some diaspora communities, particularly in countries with significant South Asian populations like the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variants and spellings of the last name Hota
The surname Hota can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across different regions. Some common spellings include Hotah, Hotaa, Hotta, and Hoata. These differences primarily stem from the original language being Sanskrit, which is then transcribed or transliterated into other languages like English. Additionally, there might be regional variations influenced by local phonetics or spelling conventions. It's essential to note that these variations do not significantly alter the name's pronunciation or meaning, which originates from the Sanskrit word 'Hotra', a Hindu priest.
Famous people with the last name Hota
The Hota family has contributed significantly to various fields globally. One prominent figure is Anand Hota, an Indian IAS officer who served as the secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs. In the entertainment industry, Kavita Hota is a renowned actress in India, best known for her role in the television show "Ghar Ek Mandir." On the other hand, Keshava Rao Hota is a well-known scholar and historian, specializing in ancient Indian history and archaeology. In the tech world, Suresh Hota is recognized as a key contributor to the Linux kernel development. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments of people with the last name Hota.
Genealogical research on the last name Hota
The surname Hota originates from India and is predominantly found among Hindu communities. It is derived from various Hindu castes such as the Hota Brahmin, a sub-group of the Kanyakubja (Kannauj) Brahmins, who are known for their expertise in Vedic rituals and astrology. The Hota Brahmins trace their ancestry to the sage Bharadvaja, one of the seven sages (Saptarishis) mentioned in Hindu mythology. The surname Hota can also be found among other castes, particularly the Suthars, who are artisan communities involved in construction and stonework. The name's origins can be traced back to ancient India, demonstrating a rich history and cultural significance.
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
The surname "Hot" is of Old French origin, derived from the Middle French word "haut", meaning "high". It was most commonly used as a toponymic name for someone who lived in a high...
The Hotaki dynasty was a Persian ruling family that originated from the region of Kerman in present-day Iran. They rose to power during the 18th century and ruled over parts of mod...
The surname Hotari is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "hotari," which means "burned clearing" in Finnish. The name likely originated as a topographic surname for som...
The last name "Hotchandani" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Huta" meaning offering or sacrifice, and the suffix "-chandani" which may indicate a family o...
The surname "Hote Chi" is of Japanese origin. It is likely derived from the Japanese words "hote" and "chi", which may have various meanings such as "fire" and "knowledge" or "eart...
The last name "Hothib" does not have a clear origin or meaning in English. It does not appear to be a common surname and may be a variation or unique surname.
The last name "Hothot" is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "haut", meaning "high" or "tall". The name may have been given to someone who was of a lofty or eleva...
The last name "Hotjames" does not have a commonly known origin or meaning in the English language. It does not appear to have a specific cultural or linguistic background associate...
The surname Hotlar is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name "Hottl" which is a diminutive form of the Middle High German name "Hodo", meaning "famous". The surname...
The last name "Hotnews" does not have a known origin or meaning in the English language. It is possible that it is a recently created or uncommon surname.
The last name "Hotpot" is of English origin and is believed to be a topographical surname derived from the Middle English word "haut" meaning 'high' or 'tall' and "pot", which refe...
The last name Hott is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hot," which means "sharp" or "keen." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone wh...
The surname Hotton is believed to be of English origin, with possible roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It is thought to be a locative name derived from various places ...
