NomOrigine Background

Last Name Jodha

What is the origin of the last name Jodha?

The surname Jodha is a patronymic derived from the given name Joda, which is a shortened form of the Hindu name Jyotiraditya (meaning "son of light" or "sun"). It is primarily found among communities in India and is believed to have originated from the Rajput clan. The Rajputs are a group of traditional warrior communities predominantly found in the northwestern and central regions of the Indian subcontinent. They trace their lineage to legendary ancestors and claim noble status, traditionally serving as rulers or warriors. However, it's important to note that surnames often have various origins and can change over time due to factors like migration, cultural assimilation, and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jodha

The meaning and origin of the last name Jodha

The surname Jodha is predominantly associated with India, particularly within the Rajput community, a historical group known for their warrior caste status. The name Jodha, derived from the Sanskrit word "Yuddha," translates to 'war' or 'fight.' It is believed that individuals bearing this surname may have held significant roles in battles during ancient times.

Jodha as a personal name has roots dating back to medieval India, where it was common for warriors to be named after their military accomplishments or attributes. As a family name, Jodha often signifies lineage from such esteemed warfighters. The surname can also be found among some Muslim communities in India, although its origin and meaning may vary slightly within these cultural contexts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jodha

The surname Jodha is predominantly associated with India, particularly in the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It originates from the Hindu community of Rajputs, a warrior caste known for their bravery and historical significance. In Rajasthan, the name Jodha is commonly found in the cities of Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur due to its historical connection with these regions. The city of Jodhpur, named after Rao Jodha, the founder of the city, has a significant number of people carrying this surname. In Uttar Pradesh, it is also present but less frequently compared to Rajasthan. Beyond India, there are small communities carrying the name in countries with large Indian diasporas such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, primarily due to migration from India.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jodha

The surname Jodha has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional pronunciation over time. Here are some of the common spelling variants:

1. Jodha - the standard spelling
2. Joda
3. Jotha
4. Jotaha
5. Joadha
6. Jobda
7. Jadha
8. Jatha
9. Jutta
10. Judha (although this is more commonly associated with a different name origin)

These variations may occur due to factors such as differences in regional dialects, errors during transcription or translation, and individual preferences for spelling. It's essential to remember that these variations do not necessarily indicate a difference in the name's origin, meaning, or pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Jodha

Jodha is a notable Indian surname that has produced several distinguished individuals across various fields. Notably, Jodha Akhtar is a renowned Indian screenwriter and lyricist, who has won multiple awards for her work in Bollywood, including the National Film Award for Best Lyrics. Another notable figure is Jodhaa Akbar, a historic Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1562 to 1627 and is famed for his marriage with Rajput princess, Mehrunissa, known as Mariam-uz-Zamani, which was the basis of a popular Indian epic television series. Jodhaa Bai, a Rajput queen who fought against Mughal emperor Akbar during the Battle of Haldighati, is also associated with the surname. These individuals have significantly contributed to Indian history and culture, making Jodha an esteemed surname in India.

Genealogical research on the last name Jodha

The surname Jodha is primarily associated with the Rajput community, a prominent group originating from the northwestern region of India, particularly Rajasthan. The name Jodha is derived from the Sanskrit word "Yadu," which refers to a clan or tribe in ancient Indian texts. Notable figures bearing this surname include Maharana Jodha Singh, the 58th ruler of Mewar, and Rani Jodha Bai, the wife of Maharana Pratap, another prominent Rajput leader. The Jodhas are traditionally known as warriors and have a rich history dating back to ancient India. The surname may also be found among Indian diaspora communities worldwide, reflecting the historical migration patterns of the Rajputs. Genealogical research for the name Jodha often involves tracing lineages through royal or warrior clans in Rajasthan and analyzing historical records related to these groups.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Joda (Last name)

surnames > joda

The origin of the surname Joda is unclear as it may have origins from different cultures and languages. However, it's commonly believed that it could be of Dutch or German origin. ...

Jodan (Last name)

surnames > jodan

The last name "Jodan" has its origin in Japan. It is a Japanese surname that is believed to have originated from a place name or geographical feature.

Jodar (Last name)

surnames > jodar

The surname Jodar has its origins in Spain. It is a variation of the Basque surname Idoate, which comes from the word "idoa" meaning "oak". During the Middle Ages, when the practic...

Jodel (Last name)

surnames > jodel

The last name "Jodel" has German origins. It is derived from the Old High German word "jod" meaning "joy" or "glory." The name likely originally referred to someone who was associa...

Jodh kang (Last name)

surnames > jodh-kang

The last name "Jodh Kang" is of Punjabi origin. "Jodh" is a Punjabi surname derived from the Sanskrit word "Yodha," meaning warrior or fighter. "Kang" is a common Punjabi surname t...

Jodhan (Last name)

surnames > jodhan

The last name "Jodhan" is of Indian origin and is commonly found in the Punjab region. It is derived from the Punjabi word "jodhana," which means to unite or join. This surname is ...

Jodlowski (Last name)

surnames > jodlowski

The last name Jodlowski is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name Jodła, which means "fir tree" in Polish, and the suffix -owski, which indicates a connection to a...

Jodorowsky (Last name)

surnames > jodorowsky

The surname Jodorowsky is of Chilean origin. It is derived from the Hebrew given name Yehudah, meaning "praised" or "celebrated."

Jodu (Last name)

surnames > jodu

The last name Jodu does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It could be a rare or unique surname with possible origins in various languages or regions. Without...