Last Name Srivastava

The last name "Srivastava" is predominantly an Indian surname. It is commonly found among people of the Hindu Brahmin community in the northern parts of India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Historically, the Srivastava surname was associated with the role of "Srivastava," which was a title given to the chief financial or revenue officer in ancient India. The Srivastavas were responsible for managing finances, collecting taxes, and maintaining accounts for the ruling kings or local administrative bodies. The name "Srivastava" itself is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "Sri," meaning wealth or prosperity, and "Vastava," meaning resident or dwelling place. Thus, Srivastava can be loosely translated to mean "the one who dwells in wealth" or "the one who possesses prosperity." Over time, some Srivastava families adopted this title as their hereditary surname, and it has been passed down through generations. Today, Srivastava is a relatively common and well-known surname among Hindus, particularly in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Srivastava

The meaning and origin of the last name Srivastava

The surname Srivastava is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sri," meaning "holy" or "auspicious," and "vastava," meaning "residence" or "dwelling." Srivastava is a prominent surname among the Hindu Brahmin community in India and is believed to have originated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The Srivastavas are believed to be descendants of Sri Rama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology. According to legend, the Srivastavas were granted the title for providing shelter and sustenance to Rama and his wife Sita during their exile in the forests of Uttar Pradesh. Over time, many Srivastavas have migrated to different parts of India and other countries, contributing to the diaspora of the surname. Today, Srivastava is a relatively common surname among the Indian diaspora and signifies a family's ancestral connection to the Brahmin community and their prosperous lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Srivastava

The last name Srivastava is primarily found in India, particularly in the northern regions of the country. It is a fairly common surname among people of the Hindu Brahmin community. The name Srivastava is derived from the Sanskrit words "Sri," meaning wealth or prosperity, and "vastava," meaning abode or habitat. As such, it is considered an auspicious name and holds significance among the Brahmin community. Due to the historical and cultural prominence of the Brahmins in Northern India, the Srivastava surname is prevalent in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. In urban areas, such as cities and towns, with significant Brahmin populations, it is not uncommon to come across individuals with the last name Srivastava. In recent years, with migration and increased globalization, individuals with the Srivastava surname can also be found in other parts of India and even in various countries around the world, predominantly due to the diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Srivastava

The last name Srivastava, originating from India, often has various spellings and minor variations. Some common variations include Shrivastava, Srivastav, Srivastavam, and Shrivastav. These alternative spellings may occur due to regional differences in pronunciation and writing styles, as well as individual preferences when transliterating the name in English. The initial "Sri" may sometimes be spelled as "Shri" or "Shree" depending on personal or regional choices. Additionally, some individuals might add an extra "a" or "am" at the end of the name for various reasons, such as maintaining a connection to ancestral traditions or following specific regional customs. While these variations exist, they all refer to individuals belonging to the same family lineage and share the common heritage associated with the distinctive Srivastava surname.

Famous people with the last name Srivastava

One famous figure with the last name Srivastava is Abhijit Srivastava, an accomplished Indian classical dancer and choreographer. Known for his mesmerizing performances and precise footwork, Abhijit has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the world of dance. He has showcased his talent on various prestigious platforms globally, captivating audiences with his exquisite performances. Abhijit Srivastava has also undertaken several collaborative projects with renowned artists, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional Indian dance forms. Another notable individual with the last name Srivastava is Sudhir Srivastava, a respected artist and painter. His unique artistic style combines traditional Indian art forms with bold contemporary influences, creating visually stunning compositions. Sudhir Srivastava's artworks have been exhibited and recognized internationally, allowing him to leave an indelible mark on the art world. These talented individuals, among others, have significantly contributed to their respective fields, making the Srivastava name known and respected globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Srivastava

Srivastava is a prominent Hindu surname that traces its roots back to ancient India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words "Shree," meaning "auspicious" or "blessed," and "Vas," meaning "to reside." The Srivastava family originated from the Brahmin caste, traditionally associated with scholarly pursuits and serving as priests in Hindu society. The surname holds significant historical and cultural importance, with many individuals bearing this name having made notable contributions to various fields over the centuries. Genealogical research on the Srivastava surname reveals a wide distribution across different regions of India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. With family units branching out and spreading geographically over time, Srivastava descendants can now be found globally, especially in countries with significant Indian diaspora populations. Delving deeper into individual family histories and lineages can unveil a rich tapestry of ancestors and their respective achievements, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Srivastava genealogical legacy.

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 April 2025

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