Last Name Kathrada

The surname Kathrada is of Indian origin and is most commonly found among Muslims from the Indian subcontinent. It is likely derived from the Arabic word "Khatir" meaning "thought" or "knowledge". This surname is commonly found among individuals of South Asian descent, particularly those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kathrada

The meaning and origin of the last name Kathrada

The surname Kathrada is of Indian and Muslim origin, derived from the Arabic word "qatrah" meaning drop or droplet. It is believed to have been a nickname for someone who was perceived as small or insignificant. The name Kathrada is commonly found among people of Indian descent, particularly those from the Gujarat region in India. One of the most famous bearers of the surname was Ahmed Kathrada, a South African politician and anti-apartheid activist who was imprisoned alongside Nelson Mandela on Robben Island. The Kathrada family is known for their activism and involvement in social justice causes, and the name continues to carry a legacy of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kathrada

The surname Kathrada is most commonly found in South Africa, particularly among the Indian and Muslim communities. This surname is believed to have originated from Gujarat in India and was brought to South Africa during the period of indentured labor in the 19th century. Due to the historical migration patterns of Indian laborers to South Africa, the Kathrada surname is not typically found outside of this region. Within South Africa, it is most prevalent in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. Today, individuals with the last name Kathrada can also be found in other parts of the world where South African Indian diaspora populations have settled, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kathrada

Variations and spellings of the last name Kathrada include Kathradah, Kothrada, Kothradah, Kathradha, Kotharada, Katharada, Kotharadah, and Katharadah. The surname Kathrada is of Indian origin and is commonly found among the Indian Muslim community. It is believed to have originated from the Arabic word "qatara," which means to run or flow, suggesting a possible connection to a river or flowing water. The name Kathrada may also have different spellings due to transliteration from Arabic or variations in pronunciation across different regions. The Kathrada family name is associated with a rich cultural heritage and history, particularly in regions with a significant Indian diaspora population. Despite the variations in spelling, the surname Kathrada is a unique and distinctive name that carries a sense of tradition and identity for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Kathrada

Ahmed Kathrada was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, best known for his long imprisonment alongside Nelson Mandela on Robben Island. Born in 1929, Kathrada became involved in the struggle against apartheid at a young age, and was actively involved in the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party. He was arrested in 1963 and sentenced to life imprisonment, serving 26 years before being released in 1989. After the end of apartheid, Kathrada served as a member of parliament and worked tirelessly for social justice and reconciliation in South Africa. He was a respected and beloved figure in the country, known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to the cause of freedom and equality. Kathrada passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resilience in the face of injustice.

Genealogical research on the last name Kathrada

The surname Kathrada is of Indian origin and is most commonly found in the Gujarat region of India. It is a Muslim surname and is believed to be derived from the Gujarati word "kathar," which means "woodcutter" or "carpenter." The Kathrada family likely belonged to a community of skilled craftsmen or carpenters in India. The surname gained prominence when Ahmed Kathrada, a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, rose to prominence as a close associate of Nelson Mandela. The Kathrada family has played a significant role in the political and social landscape of South Africa. Further genealogical research on the Kathrada surname may reveal more about the family's roots in India and their journey to South Africa.

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