Last Name Karki

The last name Karki originates from Nepal. It is a common surname among various ethnic groups in that country, particularly the Newar and Brahmin communities. The name Karki is derived from an occupation or caste-based title, specifically referring to someone who was involved in leather work or tanning. In traditional Nepalese society, caste and occupational titles were often used as surnames. However, it's important to note that the specific origins of any given name can be complex, and there may be regional variations or nuances. It is always a good idea to consult reliable historical sources or scholars when researching the origins of names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Karki

The meaning and origin of the last name Karki

The surname Karki is of Nepalese origin and belongs to the ethnic group of Newar people who reside primarily in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The name Karki is derived from an occupational title, specifically one related to accounting or bookkeeping. Historically, in Nepal, individuals with this surname were likely involved in financial transactions or record-keeping for temples, government institutions, or merchant houses. This occupational surname system is common in Nepalese culture and serves as a way to identify the professions of one's ancestors. The name Karki can be found throughout Nepal but particularly among the Newar communities in Kathmandu Valley. As with many Nepalese names, it may have variant spellings such as Karkey, Karkee, or Carkey, reflecting the phonetic differences in pronunciation across regions and time periods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Karki

The Karki surname is predominantly found in Nepal and other regions with significant Nepalese diaspora. In Nepal, it is one of the most common surnames among the Rai, Limbu, Sunwar, and Tamang ethnic groups who inhabit the eastern Terai region and the hill districts. The Karki name also occurs among Gurung and Magar communities in western Nepal. Outside of Nepal, a significant number of Karkis reside in India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, where they are often part of the larger Nepalese community. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Karki individuals in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Gulf nations, primarily due to migration for work or education.

Variants and spellings of the last name Karki

The surname Karki has several variants and spellings worldwide. Here are some examples:

1. Karky - This is an alternative spelling originating from regions where phonetics might influence the way names are written.
2. Karkee - A variant found in some ethnic communities with unique pronunciation or transcription rules.
3. Carkey - This version may occur due to misinterpretations during name transliteration, particularly in historical records.
4. Korkey - An uncommon spelling that might be encountered in specific cultural contexts.
5. Garki - A possible variant that could result from dialectal differences or errors during the recording of names over time.
6. Karkie - Although less common, it can be found as a female given name in some cultures.
7. Karkey - This spelling is similar to "Karkey" but might appear due to phonetic influences or transcription mistakes.
8. Garkey - A variant resulting from misinterpretations or errors during the recording of names over time, though it's less frequent than other forms.

Famous people with the last name Karki

Notable individuals sharing the surname Karki include:

1. Arjun Karki - A Nepalese actor and model, best known for his work in movies such as "Bhai Tika" and "Gajalu". He won the Best Actor award at the 6th South Asian Film Festival of Montreal in 2017.

2. Laxman Prasad Karki - A former Chief Justice of Nepal, he served from 2015 to 2018 and was involved in various significant decisions during Nepal's transition to a federal democratic republic.

3. Bipin Adhikari Karki - A renowned Nepalese writer, poet, and journalist. He has written numerous books and is a recipient of the Madan Puraskar, one of the highest literary awards in Nepal.

4. Sushil Karki - An accomplished Nepalese diplomat who served as the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations from 2015 to 2018. He is also a former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to various countries.

These individuals, among others, have made significant contributions in their respective fields, reflecting the diverse talents and achievements of people with the Karki surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Karki

The Karki surname is of Nepalese origin, belonging to the ethnic group known as the Newar, who predominantly reside in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The Newars are a distinct ethnolinguistic group with their own language and culture. Historically, the Newars were skilled artisans, traders, and politicians, playing significant roles in Nepalese history. The Karki clan is believed to have been traditionally engaged in the metalworking profession. The name "Karki" translates to "blacksmith" in Nepali, reflecting this occupation. The Karki family tree can be traced back several centuries within the Kathmandu Valley, with various branches and sub-clans emerging over time due to migration, marriage, and other cultural factors. In recent times, members of the Karki clan have migrated globally, including to countries like India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and others, taking their rich heritage with them.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "karki"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends