Last Name Soma

The surname Soma is of ancient Greek origin. It comes from the word "Sôma," which means "body" in Greek. It may have been originally a given name and later adopted as a family name. In some cases, it could also be a nickname for someone who was strong or robust, suggesting that their physical presence reminded others of a body. The name is notably associated with ancient Greece, but it can also be found among populations in countries such as Romania, Hungary, and other Eastern European regions where Greek influence has been significant.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Soma

The meaning and origin of the last name Soma

The surname Soma originates from several distinct cultural groups, with separate etymologies for each origin. In Greek, Soma means "body," and it was adopted as a surname by individuals during ancient times, particularly among Greeks. In Hindi, Soma refers to the moon or a celestial drink associated with lunar deities in Hindu mythology. It is also a surname found among certain communities in India, especially those of Telugu or Tamil origin. The name may have been brought to these regions by early Greek settlers or traders. In Japanese, Soma is the name of a region and was later adopted as a surname; it's derived from the words "some" (相馬) meaning "twin horses." As such, Soma represents a fascinating fusion of cultural histories and linguistic roots that continue to influence communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Soma

The Soma surname is predominantly distributed across three primary regions: Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary, Romania, and the former Yugoslavia; India, where it originated as a caste name; and Japan, due to historical immigration from Portugal. In Hungary, Somlyó (Som-hill) is one of the oldest settlements and the name's etymological origin. In Romania, Soma is mostly found in Moldova and Transylvania. The Indian variation, Soma, is associated with the Vedic civilization and is a sub-caste of the Kshatriya community. In Japan, Somma (曽馬) is an archaic name, brought over by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, primarily located in the Nagasaki Prefecture.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soma

The surname Soma has various spellings and pronunciations across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include Soma, Suma, Souma, Somah, Somay, Sohma, and Zoma. Each variation may originate from distinct geographical locations or linguistic influences. For instance, the name Soma is commonly found in India, while Suma might be more prevalent in Spanish-speaking countries. It's essential to consider regional contexts when addressing people with this surname to ensure proper etiquette and respect. Additionally, the name may also have different meanings depending on the culture; for example, in Sanskrit, Soma refers to a sacred drink used in ancient Indian rituals, while in Japanese, Sohma is a family name from the popular manga series "Fruits Basket."

Famous people with the last name Soma

The Soma family name has been associated with several prominent figures across various fields. In music, John Somerville Soma (1948-), also known as Johnny "Guitar" Soma, is an American blues guitarist and songwriter. In science, John Soma (1937-2006) was a renowned developmental biologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, recognized for his work on Drosophila melanogaster. In sports, Khalif Wyatt Soma (1992-), known as Kahlif Wyatt or simply Khalif, is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Alba Fehérvár in Hungary. Lastly, in literature, Tetsuro Soma (1958-) is a Japanese author best known for his works "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" and "The Housekeeper and The Cat." These are some of the most notable individuals with the last name Soma, each making significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Soma

The surname Soma originates from various regions, with significant concentrations in India, Hungary, and Romania. In India, it is believed to have emerged in the state of West Bengal, where it is associated with the Soma tribe or the Somavamshi dynasty. In Hungary, it stems from the Old Hungarian word "somor," meaning "dark" or "dull." The Soma family in Romania appears to be of Romanian ethnicity and may have originated locally or from neighboring regions. Notable figures with the surname include Soma Chatterjee, a renowned mathematician from India, and Béla Soma, a Hungarian footballer. The global diaspora of the Soma family is evident in the presence of individuals bearing this name across many countries, reflecting their rich history and diverse origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Soma"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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