Last Name Mitra

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

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mitra"
• 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 : 28 July 2025