Last Name Srivastava

The surname Srivastava is of Indian origin and belongs to the Kshatriya varna (caste) within Hinduism. The name consists of two words: 'Sri' which translates to "goddess of wealth" or "auspicious," and 'Vastava,' meaning "master of." As a combined name, Srivastava can be roughly translated as "Master of the Auspicious One." The name is most commonly found in North India.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Srivastava

The meaning and origin of the last name Srivastava

The surname Srivastava is of Indian origin, specifically from the Hindu community, particularly among the Brahmins, who are traditionally priests or scholars. The name is derived from Sanskrit and comprises three words: 'Shri' meaning 'goddess Lakshmi', 'Vaas' meaning 'dwelling' or 'abode', and 'Tava' which is a suffix indicating 'yours'. Together, the name translates to "Lakshmi's dwelling" or "the abode of Lakshmi". The use of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, in the surname suggests that the family associated themselves with these positive attributes. Srivastava is a common surname in northern India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Nepal, reflecting its ancient Indian roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Srivastava

The surname Srivastava is predominantly found in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in countries like India and Nepal. It is one of the most common surnames in the Bhumihar and Kayastha communities in India, both of which are known for their historical roles as scholars, administrators, and landowners. A significant number of people with this last name reside in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Additionally, a notable Srivastava diaspora can be found in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other parts of Europe and Asia, due to migration and settlement over the past century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Srivastava

The surname Srivastava has various spellings and variations. The most common ones include Srivastava, Shrivastav, Shreevastava, and Sriwastava. It is an Indian name originating from the Hindu Brahmin caste and translates to "Lord Vishnu is the protector". Other less common variations might include Sharivastava, Sriram Vastava, and Srivas. The pronunciation of this name can also vary depending on regional dialects and accents within India. In English, it is generally pronounced as "Sree-vah-sthah-va". The spelling can sometimes be influenced by the phonetic transcription of the original Hindi or Sanskrit form into English, leading to slight differences in the way the name is written. However, all these variations and spellings share the same origin and significance.

Famous people with the last name Srivastava

Notable individuals with the surname Srivastava include:

* Raghuram Rajan, an Indian-American economist who served as the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the Chief Economist and Senior Counselor of the Chicago Booth School of Business.
* Vikram Srivastava, a British actor and writer, known for his roles in films like "The Brothers" and "Viceroy's House."
* Shobha De, an Indian author, columnist, and social commentator, who has written on various topics such as feminism, relationships, and modern urban India.
* Prasad Srivastava, a former Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Defence, known for his service during the Kargil War.
* Mithilesh Srivastava, an Indian political economist and author, who has written extensively on topics like economic reforms, poverty alleviation, and rural development.
* Gaurav Srivastava, a physicist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, known for his work in condensed matter physics.
* Aditi Srivastava, an Indian actress who has worked in Hindi films like "Karthik Calling Karthik" and "The Reluctant Fundamentalist."

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and are recognized for their accomplishments in India and internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Srivastava

The Srivastava surname is of Indian origin, rooted in the ancient Brahmin caste system. It derives from the Sanskrit terms "shree," meaning goddess Lakshmi or wealth, and "vastu," meaning house, dwelling, or estate. Collectively, it translates to "the one who has Lakshmi's abode." Historically, the Srivastava clan was known for their scholarly pursuits, with many members serving as priests, teachers, and administrators. The surname is most prevalent in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Nepal. Notable figures bearing this name include Indian independence activist and philosopher Anand Mohan Srivastava and the prominent journalist Rajdeep Sardesai. Genealogical research on the Srivastava family tree is an ongoing endeavor, with numerous lineages branching out across India and the diaspora, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and contributions to society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Srivastava"
• 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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