Surname Manohar - Meaning and Origin
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Manohar: What does the surname Manohar mean?
Manohar is a common Indian surname derived from the Sanskrit words "manas" (mind) and "hara" (to steal, captivate). Therefore, it collectively translates to "one who captivates the mind" or "pleasing." It is often used as a personal name in most parts of India, particularly in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and also in Maharashtra. The name is commonly associated with both the Hindu and Sikh communities. As a positive and symbolic name, Manohar signifies someone who is captivating, charming, or enthralling. It is reflective of Indian culture's tendency to choose names that carry a deep sense of meaning, spirituality, or positivity.
Order DNA origin analysisManohar: Where does the name Manohar come from?
The surname Manohar originates from India, and it is derived from a popular given first name, which means "captivating" or "beautiful" in Sanskrit. It is a common last name within the Hindu community, especially among those who belong to the Brahmin caste. Today, it remains predominantly prevalent in India, more specifically in the regions of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where many people bear this surname. Outside of India, the surname can also be found among Indian diaspora populations across the world, such as in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, given the large number of Indian immigrants in these countries. However, it's important to note that the frequency of this surname might vary within these communities.
Variations of the surname Manohar
The surname Manohar has Indian origins and is predominantly used by Hindus. Typically, upon looking at surname variants, variations occur due to regional differences, but Manohar relatively maintains the same form across different parts of India. However, sometimes it may also be written as Manoharan, where an 'an' is added to denote honor to the person.
Other variants of spellings could be "Manoher" or "Manoharr," which introduces a double 'r.' Since it is a phonetic spelling based on how the name sounds, this depends on how different people may pronounce it.
In some instances, Manohar could be presented as a first name, especially in parts of South India. Often, South Indians use their father's or husband's name as their last name, so the same name would be seen as a surname there.
These variations are less common as the name Manohar has quite a straightforward spelling and is consistent across most regions. But name variations could occur due to transcription errors or personal preferences. For example, an individual might choose to anglicize their name in foreign countries for easier pronunciation, thus leading to variations.
Famous people with the name Manohar
- Manohar Parrikar: An Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Goa and also the Defence Minister of India.
- T. M. Manohar: A famous Tamil television and radio commentator.
- Manohar Singh: A renowned Indian theatre actor and director.
- Usha Manohar: Indian actress known for her roles in Kannada cinema.
- M.R. Manohar: An actor who played supporting roles in Tamil and Malayalam films during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Mohan Manohar: An American attorney and journalist noted for his writing on legal, political and international affairs.
- Manohar Joshi: Politician from the Shiv Sena party in Maharashtra, India, he served as Chief Minister and also speaker of Lok Sabha.
- Shripad Yesso Naik: Full name Shripad Yesso Manohar Naik, he is an Indian politician and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
- Leela Manohar: Indian film actress known for her work in Sanskrit and Malayalam cinema.
- Suresh Manohar: A cricket umpire from India.