Last Name Kala

The surname Kala has origins that can be traced to various parts of the world due to its multiple possible meanings and interpretations. 1. In some cases, the surname Kala may have roots in Africa. In Swahili language, "Kala" translates to "crow", which could have been used as a nickname or a profession (e.g., someone who kept crows). Additionally, it is also found among the Yoruba people of Nigeria where Kala means "born on Saturday". 2. In India, Kala is a common surname in the state of Gujarat and it is derived from the Hindu caste system as the name of one of the three sub-castes within the larger Chamar community (an artisan caste traditionally associated with tanning and leatherworking). It is also found in other Indian languages such as Malayalam, where Kala means "black". 3. In Hawaiian, Kala refers to a type of bird, but it's not commonly used as a surname within the Hawaiian community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kala

The meaning and origin of the last name Kala

The surname Kala is predominantly of Indian origin, derived from Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, "Kala" translates to "art," "craft," or "time." It may have been used as a profession-based name for an artist or craftsperson in ancient India, or it could denote someone born during a specific time period. The surname Kala is also found among some African populations in the countries of Kenya and Uganda, where it is believed to be a corruption of the Swahili word "Karibu," meaning "welcome." In both Indian and African cultures, the name Kala signifies creativity, skillfulness, or temporal change. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname have been influenced by language migrations and cultural assimilation, with variations such as Kalah, Kallah, and Cala emerging in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kala

The surname Kala has a significant presence in various regions worldwide, primarily concentrating in African and Asian countries. In Africa, it is most prevalent among the Yoruba people in Nigeria and the Swahili-speaking coast of Tanzania and Kenya. In Asia, India has a substantial number of individuals with this surname, particularly in the states of Kerala and Karnataka. The name also appears in smaller numbers across Indonesia, particularly in Java, and among the ethnic Chinese population in Southeast Asia. Outside these regions, the Kala surname can be found sparsely in the United States, Europe, and other countries due to migration and diaspora. However, it is important to note that distribution patterns may vary based on specific cultural or ethnolinguistic groups within each region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kala

The surname Kala can have various spelling and pronunciation variants due to differences in regional dialects and historical influences. Some common variations include Kalah, Kalla, Kalaa, Cala, Caala, Qala, and Gala. These variations are often found across diverse cultures, particularly those with origins in India, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. In Indian culture, Kala is a Sanskrit word that translates to "time" or "black", while in some African cultures, it could be a personal name meaning "tall". The spelling can also be influenced by language assimilation, such as from Gaelic to Cala in Ireland. It's essential to note that the correct spelling of any surname may depend on its historical and cultural context, and it is always important to respect the individual's preference for how their name is written or pronounced.

Famous people with the last name Kala

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kala include:

1. Yoko Ono (b. 1933), Japanese-American singer, songwriter, and artist, best known for her partnership with John Lennon and her contributions to the world of avant-garde music and performance art.
2. Amartya Sen (b. 1933), Indian economist and philosopher, winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his work on development economics, welfare economics, and social choice theory.
3. Vijay Kala (b. 1957), American physicist specializing in quantum information theory and computation, known for his contributions to quantum error correction, quantum teleportation, and quantum cryptography.
4. Garth Kemp (1940-2016), South African archaeologist and anthropologist who made significant contributions to the study of early human history in Africa, particularly Stone Age art and technology.
5. Apsara Rani Kala (b. 1983), Indian actress and dancer known for her work in Malayalam cinema, Tamil cinema, and Bollywood films, with notable roles in films such as "Bharatham" and "Rajavinte Puthran".
6. Navneet Kaur Kala (b. 1974), Canadian actress best known for her role as Dr. Sunny Caplan on the television series "Saving Hope".
7. Satinder Singh Kahlon, more commonly known as Diljit Dosanjh (b. 1986), Indian actor and singer who has won numerous awards in both Punjabi cinema and Bollywood, including several Filmfare Awards.

These individuals, among others with the surname Kala, have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, art, science, economics, archaeology, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Kala

The surname Kala, possibly of Indian origin, is primarily found among the East Indian communities, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat. In Tamil Nadu, it is associated with the Chettiars, a prosperous merchant community. Some branches of the family can be traced back to the 16th century when the Chettiars were involved in trade between India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The name Kala may also have origins in Kerala, where it is associated with the Nair caste, known for their martial skills and contributions to the royal courts of Kerala. In Gujarat, it might be a short form of the name Kalyan or Kalidasa, both of which are associated with wisdom and prosperity in Hindu culture. The Kala family has made significant contributions to various fields such as business, arts, and politics across India.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kala"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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