Gandhi
An Indian surname most famously associated with Mahatma Gandhi, often linked to a word for a grocer or spice seller in Gujarati or related Indo-Aryan usage.
The #5,199 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 45,937 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Gandhi is an Indian surname that is commonly explained from a word meaning a grocer, grain-dealer, or spice seller, especially in Gujarati usage. The name is generally treated as occupational in origin, referring to someone connected with trade in foodstuffs or aromatics. The ultimate linguistic background is Indo-Aryan, but the exact pathway and earliest form can vary by region and family tradition.
History
The surname became internationally famous through Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, whose family came from Gujarat. In India it is found among multiple communities and may sometimes reflect occupational ancestry rather than a single clan or caste origin. Because Indian surnames can have layered regional histories, the name’s precise origin may differ from one family line to another.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Despite its worldwide recognition, Gandhi is a relatively modestly common surname compared with many other Indian family names.