Kapoor
A South Asian surname best known as a Punjabi and North Indian family name, often linked to the Khatri community.
The #8,663 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 81,377 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Kapoor is commonly explained as a North Indian surname associated with Punjabi Hindu and Sikh Khatris. The name is often connected with the Sanskrit word karpūra, meaning "camphor," a fragrant substance used in ritual and daily life. In surname use, it is generally understood as a hereditary family name rather than a transparent occupational or descriptive label.
History
The surname is especially common in Punjab and among Punjabi diaspora communities in India, Pakistan, and overseas. It became widely visible in the 20th century through prominent figures in Indian film and business, including several members of the Kapoor acting family. Because South Asian surnames were shaped by caste, clan, region, and modern standardization, exact derivations can vary by family line.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The spelling Kapoor is often associated with one of the best-known families in Indian cinema, which helped make the name familiar far beyond South Asia.