Last Name Sodawala

The last name Sodawala is of Indian origin. It is a surname commonly found among the Dawoodi Bohra community, a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. The name indicates that the family may have been involved in the soda-making or selling business in the past. The Dawoodi Bohras are a close-knit community with a strong sense of identity, and surnames such as Sodawala help to distinguish different families within the community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sodawala

The meaning and origin of the last name Sodawala

The surname Sodawala is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Gujarat. It is derived from the Gujarati word "soda," which means salt, and the suffix "-wala," which denotes a vendor or seller. Therefore, Sodawala would have originally been a name given to someone who sold or traded salt. Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times and was used for preserving food, cooking, and medicinal purposes. The Sodawala surname may have been passed down through generations of families involved in the salt trade or could have been adopted by individuals who worked as salt sellers in the region. Today, individuals with the surname Sodawala can be found in various parts of Gujarat and beyond, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors in some way or another.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sodawala

The last name Sodawala is predominantly found in the Gujarat region of India. Specifically, it is most commonly found in the area of Surat and its surrounding districts. This surname is often associated with the Dawoodi Bohra community, a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. Members of this community are known for their strong business acumen and have traditionally been involved in trade and commerce. The surname Sodawala likely originated from the profession of selling or producing soda, a common ingredient in traditional Indian beverages. While the Sodawala surname may be found in other parts of India and the world due to migration and dispersal of the community, its highest concentration remains in Gujarat, where it is well-known and respected.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sodawala

Sodawala is a surname that may have different variations and spellings, including Sodawalla, Sodawalah, Sodawlah, and Sodawal. These variations may be the result of transliteration from different languages or dialects, as well as differences in pronunciation and spelling over time. The spelling of this last name may also vary depending on the region or country in which the family originated or settled. Despite the different spellings, all of these variations of Sodawala likely trace back to a common ancestral origin. The significance and meaning of the name Sodawala may also vary depending on cultural and linguistic influences. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, individuals bearing this last name share a common heritage and ancestral lineage.

Famous people with the last name Sodawala

There does not appear to be any famous people with the last name Sodawala. This surname is not widely recognized in popular culture or history. It is possible that there are individuals with this surname who have achieved success in their respective fields, but they are not well-known or widely celebrated. The lack of prominent figures with the last name Sodawala may be attributed to the fact that it is not a common or widely used surname. Overall, the absence of famous individuals with the last name Sodawala indicates that this surname may not be associated with significant achievements or widespread recognition in the public eye.

Genealogical research on the last name Sodawala

The surname Sodawala is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Gujarat. It is believed to be a surname associated with individuals who were involved in the business of selling or making soda, a popular beverage in India. The name may also be derived from the Gujarati word "soda," which means salt. Although specific information about the genealogy of the Sodawala name is limited, research may reveal connections to families in the region who have been involved in the soda industry for generations. Further exploration into historical records, such as census data, birth and marriage certificates, and immigration records, could help trace the lineage of individuals with the surname Sodawala and provide more insight into their ancestry and heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "sodawala"
• 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 April 2025

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