The surname Pillai is of South Indian origin, specifically Tamil Nadu, which is a state in southern India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Vidwan', meaning scholar or teacher. Originally, it was used as a professional title for Brahmin scholars and teachers. Over time, it became a hereditary surname among the Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu. The name Pillai is commonly found among Tamils of Hindu religion and has multiple variations such as Pillay, Pilai, Pillaiyar, etc.
✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.
“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.
“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.
✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!
Discover my family history nowQuestion: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.
Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.
Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.
The surname Pillai is predominantly found among Tamils, a major ethnic group from South India. The name is derived from the Tamil caste system, where it denotes members of the Pandyan royal court's priests and administrators. The word "Pillai" translates to 'servant', specifically referring to those who served in the administrative roles under the Pandyas, a historical dynasty that ruled parts of South India. Over time, this surname has been adopted by various communities, particularly those who were once part of the royal court or administration. Today, Pillai is a common name not only in Tamil Nadu but also among the Tamil diaspora worldwide.
The surname Pillai is predominantly associated with the Tamil community in South India, particularly the state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "priest" or "scholar," reflecting the historical occupation and social status of many bearers of this name. The Pillai family is known to have origins in the ancient Tamil country of Chera, and the name has been widely distributed among the Tamil Brahmin community. In recent times, individuals with the surname Pillai can also be found in other parts of India and in diasporic communities around the world, particularly in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the United States, due to migration and cultural exchange over centuries.
The surname Pillai is commonly associated with the Tamil Brahmin community in South India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. It originates from the Sanskrit word "Vellai" which means 'white' or 'pure'. Over time, various variations and spellings of this name have evolved due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and assimilation into other cultures. Some common variations include Pilai, Pillay, Pillaiya, Pillaya, and Billai. In English, it may also be transcribed as Pillaiy or Pillayee. Additionally, some individuals with this lineage may use a combination of their given name and the surname, such as Ramaswamy Pillai or Raja Pillai. These variations reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity found within the Tamil community, while still maintaining a strong connection to their shared ancestry.
Notable individuals with the surname Pillai include:
1. A.R. Rahman (Allahrakka Rahim Pillai), an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, and music producer who won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for the film Slumdog Millionaire.
2. Kamal Haasan (Parasuraman. S., later changed to Haasan), a renowned Indian actor, director, and politician who has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Bengali cinema, earning numerous accolades for his work.
3. M. S. Subbulakshmi (Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi), a prominent Indian Carnatic vocalist and Bharat Ratna recipient considered one of the greatest singers in the history of Carnatic music.
4. V. S. Naipaul (Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul), a Trinidadian-British author who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his novels, including A House for Mr. Biswas and A Bend in the River.
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, film, and literature.
The Pillai surname is predominantly found among the Tamil population in India and is often associated with the higher castes, such as Nambudiris, Iyers, and Brahmins. The name originates from the Sanskrit word "vellai," meaning 'white,' and was given to those who were priests or scholars due to their traditional occupation. Over time, this surname spread beyond India through migration, notably to Southeast Asia, particularly Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. In these regions, it is often found among the Tamil diaspora and may also be spelled as Pilai or Pillay. The family history of the Pillais is rich with traditions rooted in Hinduism, a strong emphasis on education, and a commitment to service in religious, academic, and political spheres.
Chargement de la carte...
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > pila
The surname "Pila" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a small pool or pond, or it could also be an occupational name for a mille...
surnames > pilac
I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any specific information about the origin or meaning of the last name "Pilac." It may be a rare or uncommon surname, or it could be a variation or mi...
surnames > pilada
The last name "Pilada" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "pilas," which means "cut" or "scar." This surname may have been given to individuals who had a di...
surnames > pilakandiyl
The last name Pilakandiyl is of Indian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Malayalam words "pilaka" meaning "sculpture" and "andiyl" meaning "beautiful." It is likely tha...
surnames > pilakat
The last name "pilakat" does not have a well-known origin or meaning in the English language. It could possibly have roots in a specific culture or region, but without more informa...
surnames > pilakkalil
The last name Pilakkalil originates from the state of Kerala in southern India. It is a Malayalam surname that is typically used by families belonging to the Nair community.
surnames > pilakkat
The last name Pilakkat originates from the state of Kerala, in southern India. It is commonly found among the Malayalam-speaking community in the region.
surnames > pilakootathil
The last name Pilakootathil originates from the Malayalam language and is a combination of the words "Pilakootam" meaning anthill or termite mound and "thil" which denotes a place....
surnames > pilamunga
I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find any information on the origin of the last name “Pilamunga.” It appears to be a rare or fairly uncommon name, which might make it more difficu...
surnames > pilan
The surname Pilan is of German origin and derives from a place name or an occupational name. It originally referred to someone who lived near a pine forest or a person whose occupa...
surnames > pilane
The last name Pilane is of Tswana origin from Botswana. It is derived from the Tswana word "pila" which means "to give birth".
surnames > pilania
The last name "Pilania" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "pilana," which means "to drink" or "a drinker."
surnames > pilankar
The last name "Pilankar" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Marathi word "pilanka" which means "scarecrow" in English. It is a common surname among the Marathi-speaking co...
surnames > pilankatta
The last name Pilankatta is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is believed to be a surname used by the Nair community in Kerala.