Last Name Kerai

The last name "Kerai" is of Indian origin, specifically from the Gujarat region. It is a common surname among the Lohana community, which is a Hindu merchant caste in India. The name likely has its roots in the Gujarati language or may have been derived from a specific place or occupation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kerai

The meaning and origin of the last name Kerai

The surname Kerai is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Gujarat. It is a surname commonly found among the Lohana community, who are originally merchants and traders. The name Kerai is believed to be derived from the Gujarati word "kira," which means a bamboo object, possibly indicating the occupation or trade of the ancestors of the bearers of this surname. It is common for surnames in India to have meanings related to occupations, locations, or even physical attributes of individuals. The Kerai surname is passed down through generations and continues to be a significant part of the cultural identity of those who bear it. Today, individuals with the surname Kerai can be found not only in India but also in other parts of the world where members of the Indian diaspora have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kerai

The last name Kerai is primarily found in the Sindh province of Pakistan, specifically in the cities of Karachi and Hyderabad. The Kerai community, which is part of the larger Sindhi ethnic group, has a significant presence in these urban areas as well as in rural villages throughout the region. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the surname Kerai in other parts of Pakistan, such as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Outside of Pakistan, the Kerai surname can also be found among the diaspora communities in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kerai is concentrated in Sindh province in Pakistan, with smaller pockets of the community residing in other regions both within the country and abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kerai

The last name Kerai can be spelled and appear in various forms and variations. Some common alternate spellings of Kerai include Kherai, Karai, Kirei, Khurai, and Kerae. Additionally, variations such as Karay, Kari, Kerrai, Kharai, and Karei can also be seen. The variation in spelling may be due to transliteration differences from the original language, regional dialects, or historical changes in the way the name was recorded. Despite the different spellings, individuals with the surname Kerai or any of its variations often share a common ancestral heritage. The diverse ways in which Kerai can be spelled reflect the fluidity and adaptability of names as they are passed down through generations and across cultures.

Famous people with the last name Kerai

There are no famous individuals with the last name Kerai who are widely recognized in popular culture or mainstream media. The surname Kerai is relatively uncommon and does not appear to be associated with any notable figures in entertainment, sports, politics, or any other prominent fields. As a result, there is limited information available about individuals with the last name Kerai and their accomplishments or contributions to society. Despite this, it is possible that there are successful and accomplished individuals with the last name Kerai who have made significant achievements in their respective fields but have not garnered widespread fame or recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name Kerai

The last name Kerai is believed to have origins in the Indian subcontinent, particularly among the Sindhi community. Genealogical research into the surname reveals a rich history of migration and settlement, with many individuals carrying the name found in regions such as Pakistan, India, and even further afield in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States. The name Kerai may have evolved from the Sindhi word "Kera" which means "small hill" or "mound," suggesting a possible connection to a geographical feature in the ancestral homeland of the family. Over the centuries, the Kerai family may have branched out and established themselves in various professions and social strata, leading to a diverse and widespread diaspora of individuals bearing this distinctive surname. Further research into specific family trees and lineages can provide more insight into the origins and heritage of the Kerai name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kerai"
• 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 : 16 June 2025

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