Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Mitra

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Mitra?

The surname Mitra is of Sanskrit origin, stemming from ancient India. In Sanskrit, Mitra translates to "friend" or "ally." This surname has been carried over into various cultures and languages due to historical migrations and cultural interactions between India and other regions. However, it's important to note that the exact origin of a specific individual's family name can vary greatly depending on their unique history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mitra

The meaning and origin of the last name Mitra

The surname Mitra is of Sanskrit origin, derived from the Hindu religious term "Mitra," which translates to "friend" or "ally." In ancient India, it was used as a title for a friend of the gods, a protector, or a benefactor. Over time, it evolved into a surname and became common among Hindus in India and Bangladesh. The name signifies a long-standing bond of friendship and loyalty. It's important to note that surnames in South Asia have a complex history, often evolving from occupations, religious affiliations, or geographical locations, but the Mitra surname stands out as one with clear religious connotations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mitra

The surname Mitra is predominantly found in India, particularly among the Bengali population residing primarily in West Bengal and the neighboring states like Assam, Odisha, and Bihar. Additionally, a significant number of people with the last name Mitra are found in Bangladesh, due to historical migration between the two regions. Outside of South Asia, there is a notable presence of individuals with the surname Mitra in countries with substantial Indian diaspora communities, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and various other nations. The name Mitra has a Sanskrit origin and translates to "friend" or "ally", which may have contributed to its widespread use among diverse communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mitra

The surname Mitra has several variations and spellings across different regions. The most common variations include Mitter, Mittar, Mithra, and Mytra. These variations arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during migration, or personal preference. Another variation is the anglicized form, Mitchell, which can be found among families of Indian descent who have Anglo-ized their names during immigration. There are also rare instances where Mitra is spelled as Meetha or Mitho, particularly in regions where the surname has been assimilated into local languages with different phonetic rules. It's important to note that these variations may be more common in certain areas than others and can often provide clues about a person's ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Mitra

Notable individuals with the surname Mitra include:

1. Satyajit Ray (1921-1992), a renowned Indian filmmaker and writer, best known for his work on "Pather Panchali," which won the International Critics' Award at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.

2. Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury (born 1975), an acclaimed Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer, who has received several awards for his films such as "Pisaas" and "Ahalya."

3. Harish-Chandra Mitra (1897-1980), a renowned Indian classical musician and composer, known for his expertise in the sitar and raga music.

4. Aparna Mitra (born 1965), an American chemist and professor at New York University, who has made significant contributions to the field of bioorganic chemistry.

5. Ritwik Mitra (born 1987), an Indian playback singer who has sung for various Bollywood films including "Gangs of Wasseypur," "Udaan," and "Talvar."

Genealogical research on the last name Mitra

The Mitra surname originates from India and is associated with the Hindu community. The name is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "lord" or "god". Historically, it was a title given to Brahmins, the highest caste in Hindu society. The Mitras are believed to have migrated to various regions across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa due to historical events such as invasions, religious persecution, and trade.

In India, the Mitra family can be traced back to ancient times, with one of the earliest references found in the Mahabharata, an epic Hindu text. Notable personalities with the surname include Keshab Chandra Mitra, a renowned Indian philosopher, and Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, a prominent Indian nationalist leader.

The Mitra family also has a significant presence in Bangladesh, where they played essential roles in the country's political and cultural development. Famous Bangladeshi figures with the surname include Syed Abul Muhith, a renowned economist and politician, and Anisul Hoque, a notable writer and film director.

In recent times, the Mitra family has also spread to other parts of the world, particularly in North America and Europe, where they continue to make significant contributions in various fields such as science, arts, politics, and business.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Mita yousef

Last name • surnames > mita-yousef

The last name "Mita" is of Japanese origin, meaning "beautiful" or "truth." The last name "Yousef" is of Arabic origin, meaning "God will increase" or "He will add."

#2 Mitaa

Last name • surnames > mitaa

The last name "Mitaa" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "mitä," which means "what" in Finnish.

#3 Mitady

Last name • surnames > mitady

The last name "Mitady" originates from Madagascar. It is a Malagasy name commonly found among the Merina ethnic group in the central highlands of the country. It is believed to hav...

#4 Mitana

Last name • surnames > mitana

The last name "Mitana" is of Japanese origin. It could possibly be a variant of the surname "Mitani" which is derived from a place name in Japan.

#5 Mitani

Last name • surnames > mitani

The last name Mitani is of Japanese origin. It is believed to be a surname that originated from a place name, possibly referring to a specific location or region in Japan. The mean...

#6 Mitara

Last name • surnames > mitara

The last name "Mitara" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the word "mitara," which means "three thorns" in Japanese. It is possible that this name was originally given to so...

#7 Mitchell

Last name • surnames > mitchell

The surname Mitchell originates from Old Norse and Old English roots, with different origins for different branches. One common origin is derived from the Old Norse "mitir," meanin...

#8 Mitchem

Last name • surnames > mitchem

The surname Mitchem is believed to have origins in England. Variations such as Mitcham and Mitcheson are also found in Scotland, where they might be of Scottish rather than English...

#9 Mite

Last name • surnames > mite

The surname Mite is of Old English origin, derived from a nickname for someone with a small stature, similar to the word "midget." It could also be a metonymic occupational name fo...

#10 Miten

Last name • surnames > miten

The last name "miten" is of Ukrainian origin, derived from the Ukrainian word "mitin," which means "peaceful" or "calm." It is a common surname in Ukraine and may have been a nickn...

#11 Mitesh

Last name • surnames > mitesh

The surname "Mitesh" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "mitra," which means "friend" or "companion," and the suffix "-esh," which signifies lord or ruler. T...

#12 Mitha khail

Last name • surnames > mitha-khail

The last name "Mitha Khail" originates from the Pashto language and is commonly found among Pashtun people living in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is a compound surname comprised of...

#13 Mitha puria

Last name • surnames > mitha-puria

The last name "Mitha Puria" is of Indian origin. "Mitha" is a common surname in India, particularly among the Sindhi community, while "Puria" is a surname that is also of Indian or...

#14 Mithagre

Last name • surnames > mithagre

The last name Mithagre is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Marathi word "mithagar," meaning a gardener or someone who works in a garden. This last name likely originated as...

#15 Mithaiwala

Last name • surnames > mithaiwala

"Mithaiwala" is a surname of Indian origin. It is derived from the Hindi word "mithai" which means sweets or confectionery, and the suffix "-wala" which means seller or maker. Ther...