Last Name Mehta

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Mehta

In terms of ethnic identity, the majority of individuals with the surname Mehta identified as Asian/Pacific Islander in both 2000 and 2010, according to the Decennial U.S. Census data. This group saw a slight increase from 90.56 percent to 92.90 percent over the ten-year span. Those identifying as having two or more races decreased by 41.69 percent, while those identifying as White also decreased by 18.87 percent. The percentage of Hispanic individuals with the surname Mehta saw a notable increase of approximately 62 percent, albeit starting from a small base of 0.42 percent. The Black population with this surname decreased by 40.62 percent. Interestingly, there was a substantial rise in the American Indian and Alaskan Native population who carry the Mehta surname, with an increase of 163.64 percent, albeit still remaining a tiny fraction of the overall population.

	2000	2010	Change
Asian/Pacific Islander	90.56%	92.9%	2.58%
White	4.08%	3.31%	-18.87%
Two or More Races	4.51%	2.63%	-41.69%
Hispanic	0.42%	0.68%	61.9%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.11%	0.29%	163.64%
Black	0.32%	0.19%	-40.62%

Mehta ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Mehta is Northern Indian & Pakistani, which comprises 78.0% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are British & Irish (4.2%) and Iranian, Caucasian & Mesopotamian (2.8%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Southern Indian & Sri Lankan, Gujarati Patidar, Eastern European, and Southern Indian Subgroup.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Northern Indian & Pakistani	78.0%
British & Irish	4.2%
Iranian, Caucasian & Mesopotamian	2.8%
Other	14.9%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Yu Hong

During the 6th century AD the Persian Empire controlled trade along the Silk Road through its Central Asian province of Sogdiana, providing a vital trade link between China and Europe. Evidence suggests there was a genetic connection as well. Researchers extracted DNA from the remains of a chieftain named Yu Hong, who was buried about 200 miles southwest of Beijing in 592 AD. His burial epitaph indicated that Yu Hong had Central Asian ancestry — and his DNA revealed an even more exotic background. Yu Hong's mitochondrial DNA belonged to the U5 haplogroup, a branch of U that is concentrated in Europe. This haplogroup assignment is a sure sign that he had European ancestors on his mother's side, and demonstrated the vast range of haplogroup U from the west to the east.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mehta

The meaning and origin of the last name Mehta

The surname Mehta has its origin in India, specifically in the Gujarati community. Derived from the Sanskrit word "mahattva," meaning greatness or importance, Mehta was originally a title given to individuals of high social status. It was typically bestowed upon the chief or head of a community or profession, highlighting their influential and respected role. Over time, the title began to be used as a surname or family name instead, passing down from generation to generation. Mehta is a popular and widely spread surname among the Gujarati and Rajasthani communities in India. It is associated with individuals who were traditionally involved in trading, commerce, and business, demonstrating their significance and impact in their respective fields. As the Indian diaspora spread across the world, the surname Mehta also expanded, becoming a recognizable and cherished name among those of Indian origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mehta

The last name "Mehta" has a significant geographical distribution, primarily associated with India and its diaspora. In India, Mehta is a common surname among Gujaratis, particularly in the state of Gujarat. It derives from the Sanskrit word "mahattva," meaning great or honored. The Mehta community is diverse and can be found in various professions, including business, finance, and medicine. Outside of India, the surname Mehta is prevalent among individuals of Indian origin who have migrated to other countries. For example, it is common among the Indian diaspora in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and East Africa. These migrations occurred due to historical factors such as the indentured labor system, trade, and more recent waves of immigration. The widespread presence of the last name Mehta signifies the global reach and influence of the Indian community, as well as the rich cultural and historical tapestry associated with the surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mehta

The last name Mehta has several variations and spellings, reflecting different regional pronunciations and transliterations. It is a common surname in India and is predominantly associated with people from the Gujarati and Punjabi communities. The main variant of Mehta is Metha, which is sometimes used interchangeably. Other variations include Methia, Methi, Methu, and Methia. These variations occur due to regional accents, dialects, and linguistic variations across different parts of India. In addition to these variants, the spelling of Mehta may also be influenced by different transliteration systems used for writing Indian languages, such as the Devanagari, Gujarati, or Punjabi scripts. Thus, the last name Mehta can be spelled and pronounced in different ways, but it generally retains its basic sound and meaning. Overall, these variations showcase the diversity and richness of Indian names and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Mehta

One of the most notable individuals with the last name Mehta is Zubin Mehta, a renowned Indian conductor. Born in Mumbai (then Bombay) in 1936, Zubin Mehta became the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the young age of 26, making him one of the youngest ever to conduct a major American orchestra. He also served as the music director of the New York Philharmonic from 1978 to 1991, leaving a lasting impact on the world of classical music. Throughout his career, Mehta has conducted numerous leading orchestras worldwide and has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His contributions to classical music and his ability to connect with audiences globally have solidified Zubin Mehta as one of the most renowned conductors of our time.

Genealogical research on the last name Mehta

The Mehta surname has its origins in India and is commonly associated with individuals belonging to the Gujarati community. The name Mehta is derived from the Sanskrit word "mahattva," meaning great or superior. Historically, Mehtas were highly respected members of society and held positions of authority. They were often appointed as accountants, tax collectors, or administrators to the ruling elites. Mehtas were known for their astute business skills and expertise in finance, which contributed to their prominence in economic activities such as trade and banking. Genealogical research on the Mehta surname reveals a lineage deeply rooted in the social and economic development of their communities. Over time, Mehtas have migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Africa, where they have continued to make significant contributions in their respective fields while preserving their cultural heritage.