Last Name Surani

The surname Surani is of Indian origin and belongs to the Gujarati caste system. It is derived from the Hindu caste known as Suryavanshi, which means "descendants of the Sun God" in Sanskrit. The Sun God, or Surya, plays a significant role in Hindu mythology and is considered one of the primary deities. People belonging to this caste are believed to be his descendants. However, it's important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings, so this may not always be the case for every individual with the last name Surani.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Surani

The meaning and origin of the last name Surani

The surname Surani is believed to have roots in India, specifically in regions such as Gujarat and Rajasthan. The name is derived from various Indian caste groups, with one of the most prominent being the Suryavanshi or Sun dynasty, a branch of the solar deity's descendants in Hindu mythology. Over time, this surname has been spelled in different ways due to linguistic and regional variations, such as Surani, Sooryawanshi, or Surwanshi. As populations from India migrated globally, the name spread and evolved, appearing in various forms across the world today. The name Surani signifies a connection to ancient Indian history and mythology, symbolizing a lineage associated with the sun, power, and strength.

Geographical distribution of the last name Surani

The surname Surani is predominantly found in regions with significant Gujarati populations, particularly in India and East Africa. In India, it is most common in the state of Gujarat, where it originated, as well as neighboring states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The diaspora of Gujaratis to East Africa, specifically Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Madagascar, has led to a significant presence of the Surani surname in these countries. Additionally, there are smaller populations with the surname Surani in other parts of the world where Gujaratis have migrated, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, it is essential to note that the distribution of the surname Surani can vary significantly based on factors like immigration patterns, intermarriage, and changes in naming practices over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Surani

The surname Surani can be found with various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects and historical recording methods. Some common variations of this name include Surrani, Sourani, Souriani, Suerani, Sureni, Suranie, Zorani, and Soerani. These variations may have arisen from phonetic changes over time, misinterpretations by transcribers, or cultural adaptations to local linguistic norms. Despite these differences, they all share the common origin of being derived from a variety of Indian, Persian, or Arabic roots, such as "suvar" (meaning noble), "sur" (meaning head or leader), and "zor" (meaning strength).

Famous people with the last name Surani

Notable individuals with the surname Surani include:

1. Parthiv Patel Surani - An Indian cricketer who plays for the Gujarat cricket team and the Indian national team as a wicket-keeper batsman. He made his debut in international cricket in 2002.

2. Rohit Surani - A British chemist known for his work on polymer science, particularly in the areas of self-healing materials and biodegradable polymers. He is currently a professor at the University of Warwick.

3. Rizwan Surani - A British businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of the Surani Group, an international trading company with interests in various sectors such as energy, metals, and minerals.

4. Alina Surani - A British actress who has appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" and "The Crown".

5. Yashoda Surani - An Indian activist and social worker known for her work on issues related to women's rights, child labor, and education. She was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Surani

The Surani surname is predominantly found in India and has roots traced back to the Gujarat region. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Sur," meaning "lord." The Surani clan is considered to be a sub-caste of the larger Kathi or Khatri community, which are traditionally warriors and traders.

The Kathis or Khatris belong to the Kshatriya varna (the warrior caste) within the Hindu caste system. They are known for their skills in administration, trade, and military services. The Surani sub-caste is further divided into various gotras (clans), such as Agnivar, Bhavsar, Chudasama, Dedhia, Jadeja, Kanabar, Lodhiya, Patel, and Vaghela, among others.

Over time, members of the Surani caste migrated across India, settling in various regions like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the geographical diversity within the surname's distribution today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "surani"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends