Mehta

Mehta is an Indian surname. The word Mehta means "chief", and may be derived from the Sanskrit word mahita ("great" or "praised"). It is found among several Indian communities, including Hindus, Jains, Parsis, and Sikhs. Among Hindus, it is used by a wide range of castes and social groups, including Banias, Vaishya.[1]

People with this surname are native to north-western regions of India, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra (Mumbai).[1] In Rajasthan, Mehta was originally used as a term of respect applied to non-Rajput administrative office holders, most of whom were Yadav, Oswals, Rajpurohit, and other Vaishyas, and Kayeths.[2] In the Gujarati language, the term was used to address teachers and accountants, becoming associated with these professions.[1]

Among Oswals, Porwal Banias, and Punjabi Khatris, it is a clan name.[1]

Notable Mehtas

Notable individuals with this surname include:

References
  1. Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-508137-4
  2. R.K. Gupta, S.R. Bakshi (2012). Dalit Literature: Our Response, p.100.
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