NomOrigine Background

Last Name Tilak

What is the origin of the last name Tilak?

The last name "Tilak" is of Indian origin and is commonly found among people of Indian descent, especially in the regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "tilaka," which means mark or spot. It is also used to refer to the religious mark worn on the forehead by Hindus as a symbol of their faith. In some cases, the last name "Tilak" may have originated from individuals who were priests or individuals associated with religious rituals and ceremonies.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tilak

The meaning and origin of the last name Tilak

The surname Tilak is of Indian origin and is derived from the Sanskrit word "tilaka," which means a mark or symbol worn on the forehead as a religious or cultural symbol. It is commonly used by individuals belonging to the Hindu religion, signifying their devotion to a particular deity or sect. The Tilak surname is associated with individuals who may have been priests, scholars, or followers of religious practices. This surname is commonly found among individuals of Indian descent, particularly in regions where Hinduism is prevalent. The Tilak surname may also be associated with individuals who have a strong sense of tradition, spirituality, and connection to their cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tilak

The last name Tilak is primarily found in India, specifically in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The name Tilak is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning 'ornament' or 'mole' and is commonly used among people of the Brahmin caste in India. There is also a significant presence of individuals with the last name Tilak in neighboring countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka, where many Indian expatriates have settled over the years. In addition, due to migration and globalization, individuals with the last name Tilak can be found in various other countries around the world, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australia. The surname Tilak is often associated with individuals who have a background in education, politics, and social activism, reflecting the legacy of the prominent Indian freedom fighter and social reformer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tilak

The last name Tilak can be spelled in various ways and may have several variations. Some common spellings of Tilak include Tiliak, Teelak, Tillak, and Tylak. In certain regions or dialects, the name may be spelled as Tilek or Tilk. Additionally, there may be variations in the pronunciation of the name, such as Ti-lak or Tee-lak. Depending on the transliteration from its original language, the spelling of Tilak may also be written as Tilk or Tilac. Overall, the last name Tilak can have several different spellings and variations, but they all stem from the same surname. The variations in spelling may occur due to different phonetic sounds in various languages or dialects, resulting in a diverse range of ways to write the name Tilak.

Famous people with the last name Tilak

There are not many famous people with the last name Tilak, but one notable figure is Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an Indian nationalist, teacher, social reformer, lawyer, and independence activist. Known as the "Father of Indian Unrest," Tilak played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British rule in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He founded the Deccan Education Society to educate India's youth and promote political agitation, and he was a key figure in the Swadeshi movement, which called for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian-made products. Tilak's writings and speeches inspired countless Indians to fight for freedom and played a vital role in shaping the nationalist movement. Despite facing numerous obstacles and persecution by the British authorities, Tilak remained dedicated to the cause of Indian independence until his death in 1920.

Genealogical research on the last name Tilak

The last name Tilak is a common surname found predominantly in the Indian subcontinent, specifically among the Hindu communities. The surname Tilak is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "tilaka," which refers to a mark or symbol worn on the forehead as a religious or cultural symbol. The Tilak surname can be traced back to the historic figures such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an Indian nationalist and social reformer who played a key role in the Indian independence movement. Genealogical research on the Tilak surname may reveal connections to individuals with diverse backgrounds and occupations, including scholars, politicians, and entrepreneurs. With a rich history and cultural significance, the Tilak surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its significance and heritage in modern-day society.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Tilaahuun (Last name)

surnames > tilaahuun

The last name "tilaahuun" does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It may be a rare or uncommon surname without a well-documented history.

Tilakawathi (Last name)

surnames > tilakawathi

The last name "Tilakawathi" appears to be of Sri Lankan origin. It is likely derived from a Sinhalese or Tamil word or phrase, but further research would be needed to determine its...

Tilakraj (Last name)

surnames > tilakraj

The last name "Tilakraj" is of Indian origin. It is a combination of the Sanskrit words "tila" meaning sesame and "raj" meaning king or ruler.

Tilamo (Last name)

surnames > tilamo

The surname "Tilamo" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "tila," which means "farm" or "estate" in Finnish. The name likely originally signified someone who lived or ...

Tilanka (Last name)

surnames > tilanka

The surname Tilanka is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the Finnish word "tila," meaning "estate" or "property," typically used as a surname to indicate ownership or associati...

Tilars (Last name)

surnames > tilars

The origin of the last name "Tilars" is not readily available or known.

Tilawat ail (Last name)

surnames > tilawat-ail

The last name "Tilawat Ail" appears to have origins in South Asia, specifically in India or Pakistan. "Tilawat" is a term used in Arabic and Urdu that means recitation or reading, ...

Tilburg (Last name)

surnames > tilburg

The last name "Tilburg" is of Dutch origin and is a habitational name for someone from the city of Tilburg in the Netherlands. It is derived from the Dutch words "til" meaning 'fen...

Tile (Last name)

surnames > tile

The surname Tile is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "tigol," meaning "tile," and is believed to have originally been used as an occupational surname for ...

Tilea (Last name)

surnames > tilea

The last name Tilea is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the word "țilă," which is a type of cloth or fabric used in traditional Romanian clothing. This last name likely ori...

Tilem (Last name)

surnames > tilem

The surname Tilem is of Indonesian origin. It is derived from the Javanese word "tilam" which means "mat" or "bed." This surname may have originally been used to describe someone w...

Tilewa (Last name)

surnames > tilewa

The last name "Tilewa" originates from Nigeria. It is a Yoruba name, with the meaning "surrounded by wealth" or "surrounded by blessings."

Tilija (Last name)

surnames > tilija

The last name Tilija is of Slovenian origin.

Tilika (Last name)

surnames > tilika

The last name Tilika is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Hungarian word "tilinko," meaning "skylark."

Tiliouant (Last name)

surnames > tiliouant

The surname "Tiliouant" appears to have French origins. It is likely derived from a place name or topographical feature in France.