Last Name Kerkar

The last name "Kerkar" is primarily of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Goa, which is located on the western coast of India. In Goa, Kerkar is a relatively common surname among the Hindu Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community. The Kerkar surname is derived from the Sanskrit word "Karkara," which means "irritable" or "prone to anger." It is believed that the name was given to individuals who possessed this personality trait or displayed quick-tempered behavior. Over time, the surname Kerkar has become associated with the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin families in Goa.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kerkar

The meaning and origin of the last name Kerkar

The surname Kerkar is of Indian (Goan) origin, specifically associated with the Christian community of Goa. The name is derived from the word "kirkar," which in the Konkani language means "a person who serves in a church." Historically, individuals with the surname Kerkar would have been involved in various church-related activities, such as singing in the choir, assisting during religious ceremonies, or serving as caretakers of the church premises.

Goa, situated on the western coast of India, was a Portuguese colony for over four centuries until it gained independence in 1961. During this period, Christianity was introduced and spread among the local population. Many families adopted Portuguese surnames, incorporating them into their traditional Indian names. As a result, surnames like Kerkar became common among the Christian community in Goa, reflecting the historical influence of the Portuguese culture and the role of the church in their society. Today, descendants of the Kerkar family continue to bear this surname, symbolizing their ancestral connection to the church and the rich cultural heritage of Goa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kerkar

The last name "Kerkar" has a relatively limited geographical distribution, primarily found in India, specifically in the state of Goa. Goa, located on the southwestern coast of India, was a former Portuguese colony, which explains the presence of this Portuguese-derived surname. Kerkar is a surname associated with the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community, a significant Hindu Brahmin caste found in Goa and other parts of India. Today, you can still find individuals with the last name Kerkar residing in Goa and its neighboring regions, like Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, the surname is not as widespread compared to more common surnames in India. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kerkar primarily centers around Goa, reflecting its historical and cultural significance in this specific region of India.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kerkar

The last name Kerkar can be spelled and pronounced in a few different variations, reflecting the diversity of languages and cultures it is associated with. Variations of the name include Kerker, Kirkar, Keerkar, Kyerkar, Karkar, and Karcar. These variations stem from the fact that the name Kerkar originates from Goa, India, where it is primarily associated with the Konkani speaking community. Within Goa, the name may have different spellings depending on the specific dialect or pronunciation used. The name Kerkar is also found among communities in other regions of India and even in various parts of the world where individuals from Goa have migrated to, such as the United Kingdom or the United States. Overall, these different spellings and variations highlight the fluidity and adaptability of the name Kerkar as it has transcended borders and languages.

Famous people with the last name Kerkar

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any famous people with the last name Kerkar. It's possible that there may be individuals with this surname who have achieved notable accomplishments, but they may not have achieved significant fame at a global or widely recognized scale. Additionally, it's important to note that the availability of information on individuals can vary greatly, so it's difficult to guarantee a comprehensive list of famous people with such a specific last name.

Genealogical research on the last name Kerkar

The last name Kerkar has its origins in the Indian state of Goa. It is a common surname among the Hindu Goud Saraswat Brahmin community, which is a subsect of the larger Saraswat Brahmin community. The Kerkar surname is specifically associated with individuals who belong to the Kshatriya (warrior) varna or caste. The name "Kerkar" is derived from the word "Kerko," meaning "to collect." This suggests that the ancestors of those bearing this surname were likely engaged in collecting taxes or revenue during ancient times.

The Kerkar family tree would trace its roots back to an original progenitor who held a position of authority in the administrative or financial domain. Over the years, the family would have branched out into various occupations and professions, adapting to the changing social and economic landscape. Genealogical research on the name Kerkar would involve studying historical records, documents, and oral traditions to uncover more details about specific individuals and their relationships within the family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kerkar"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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