Last Name Parmar

The surname "Parmar" is of Indian origin and belongs to the Kshatriya community, one of the ancient warrior clans in India. It derives from the Sanskrit term "Parma", which translates as "Supreme" or "Great". The name was often given to warriors who were considered superior in courage and valor. Over time, this surname has spread throughout India but is most commonly found in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Parmar

The meaning and origin of the last name Parmar

The surname Parmar is of Indian origin, primarily associated with communities from Gujarat and Rajasthan regions. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "Parmar", which means 'goldsmith'. Throughout history, members of the Parmar clan were traditionally artisans who specialized in goldsmithing, metalworking, and jewelry making. Over time, as Indian society adopted a caste system, these artisans formed part of the "Shudra" or servant class within the Brahminical social structure. The surname, often spelled as Parmar, Parmer, or Parma in different regions and communities, has since spread beyond its original geographical boundaries, becoming a common name across various Indian states and even globally among diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Parmar

The surname Parmar is predominantly found in India, particularly within the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It also has a significant presence in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. A sizeable number of people with the Parmar surname can be found in the cities of Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Bhopal, and Surat. Historically, many individuals with this last name were traditionally associated with the Rajput community, a warrior caste in India. Outside of India, the Parmar surname has been recorded among communities of Indian diaspora, particularly in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, South Africa, and Fiji. In these countries, the distribution is often concentrated in urban areas with significant populations of South Asian origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Parmar

The surname Parmar can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in regional dialects, phonetic interpretation, and transcribing errors over time. Some common variations include Parmer, Parmarre, Peramar, Peramore, and Peramora. Additionally, there may be regional variations such as Paramer (in some parts of India), or Parmaar (in certain Indian dialects). It is also not uncommon to find hyphenated versions like Parmar-Rajput or Parmar-Singh, which incorporate additional family or clan names. These variations reflect the diverse heritage and migrations of people bearing this name.

Famous people with the last name Parmar

Notable individuals with the surname Parmar include Navin Chowdhry, a British actor known for his roles in films such as "Bend It Like Beckham" and "EastEnders." Born in Tanzania, he moved to the United Kingdom at an early age. Another prominent figure is Roshan Parmar, a British-Indian fashion designer who has showcased his work at London Fashion Week multiple times. His label, ROUSH, combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics. In the world of science, Dr. Jagdish M. Parmar is an internationally recognized authority on groundwater hydrology and water resources management. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to scientific research, including the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India. Lastly, Simranveer Parmar is a British-born Canadian actress who has appeared in films like "The Vow" and "Elena Undone." She is also known for her work as a voice actress in animated series such as "Legends of Chamberlain Heights" and "Motorcity."

Genealogical research on the last name Parmar

The Parmar surname is traced back to the Rajput clan of India, specifically from the region of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Parmars were historically known as warriors, with the name derived from the Sanskrit word 'parmar', meaning 'gate-keeper' or 'guardian'. This suggests a noble heritage for those bearing this surname. Over time, some branches of the Parmar clan migrated to other parts of India and beyond due to political changes and invasions. The Parmars are primarily found in present-day states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Some families have also settled in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia, where their influence can still be seen today in various communities. The Parmars are predominantly Hindu by religion and follow customs and traditions that are common to the Rajput community.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Parmar"
• 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 June 2025

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