80 Indian Christian Surnames or Last Names With Meanings

Popular Indian Christian Last Names or Surnames

Across India, Christian families carry surnames that blend Portuguese, English, and Indian influences, revealing generations of faith and culture. This list of Christian surnames in India captures some of the most popular ones—each carrying a special significance rooted in history, devotion, or lineage.

1. D’Souza – Originates from Portugal, connected to families who once lived near the Sousa River.
2. Fernandes – Symbol of courage and exploration, often linked with travellers and adventurers.
3. Pereira – Portuguese word for “pear tree,” representing fruitfulness and new beginnings.
4. Rodrigues – Identifies descendants of Rodrigo, showing Iberian ancestry.
5. Gomes – Associated with faith and service, often interpreted as “man of God.”
6. Menezes – A noble family title from Portugal, tied to early settlers in Goa.
7. Pinto – A playful nickname for someone lively or expressive.
8. Carvalho – Connected to the oak tree, a mark of strength and endurance.
9. Costa – Linked to those who lived by the seashore or coastal areas.
10. Miranda – Carries the sense of admiration or something wonderful.
11. Dias – A traditional Portuguese family name signifying guidance or wisdom.
12. Sequeira – Identifies origin from the town of Sequeira in Portugal.
13. Fonseca – Translates to “dry spring,” representing resilience and hope.
14. Almeida – Symbol of stability, referring to elevated land or a plateau.
15. Gonsalves – Denotes “son of Gonzalo,” showing family heritage.
16. Barretto – Linked with bravery and protection, echoing noble roots.
17. Rebello – Associated with confidence and individuality, suggesting someone who stands firm.
18. Monteiro – Relates to mountains, expressing stability and height of spirit.
19. Coelho – Portuguese for “rabbit,” a symbol of gentleness and fertility.
20. Lopes – Tied to the word “wolf,” reflecting courage and leadership.
21. Cardozo – Symbol of endurance, connected with the thistle plant.
22. De Silva – Indicates ancestry from wooded or forested lands.
23. Lobo – Another word for “wolf,” highlighting strength and guardianship.
24. Mascarenhas – Points to a Portuguese place name, marking noble descent.
25. De Souza – Variant of D’Souza, connecting to families from the Sousa region.
26. Vaz – Stands for dignity and politeness, symbolising grace.
27. D’Cruz – Rooted in the Christian cross, showing deep devotion.
28. Coutinho – Describes someone from a “small corner” or quiet place.
29. D’Mello – Connects to Portuguese ancestry, often found among Goan Christians.
30. Rosario – Evokes the rosary, a timeless sign of faith and prayer.
31. De Lima – Points to ancestral ties with the city of Lima.
32. Da Costa – Reflects coastal roots and connection with the sea.
33. Arokiaraj – Tamil for “King of Grace,” a name filled with divine reverence.
34. Rajan – Means “king,” expressing leadership and dignity.
35. Antony – Honours Saint Anthony, known for humility and compassion.
36. Thomas – Aramaic origin, signifying “twin,” popular among Kerala Christians.
37. Mathew – Hebrew origin for “gift of God,” denoting divine blessing.
38. Varghese – Malayalam adaptation of “George,” reflecting hard work and honesty.
39. Abraham – Hebrew for “father of many,” representing legacy and faith.
40. Cherian – Based on Syriac “Kuriakose,” meaning “belonging to the Lord.”
41. Oommen – Kerala variant of “Thomas,” common among Syrian Christians.
42. Philip – Greek in origin, expressing affection for horses and loyalty.
43. Jacob – Old Testament name associated with perseverance and destiny.
44. Joseph – Embodies the idea of divine favour and increase.
45. Paul – Latin in origin, representing humility and inner strength.
46. George – Associated with farming and diligence, standing for simplicity.
47. John – Reflects the belief that “God is gracious.”
48. Augustine – Honours Saint Augustine, a name for wisdom and greatness.
49. Peter – Latin for “rock,” a foundation of strength and reliability.
50. David – Signifies being dearly loved and chosen.
51. Markose – Malayalam form of “Mark,” representing brightness and clarity.
52. Simon – Hebrew origin meaning “to listen,” tied to attentiveness and faith.
53. Stephen – Symbol of victory and honour, linked to the idea of a crown.
54. Andrews – Greek background, meaning strong and courageous.
55. Benjamin – Hebrew name representing blessing and closeness to God.
56. Samuel – Portrays one who has been heard by God.
57. Isaac – Stands for joy and laughter, marking divine promise.
58. Christopher – “Bearer of Christ,” a name of devotion and faith.
59. Francis – Latin origin, representing freedom and kindness.
60. Dominic – “Belonging to the Lord,” used by those of deep religious faith.
61. Raphael – Hebrew term for “God heals,” tied to hope and compassion.
62. Michael – Translates to “who is like God,” symbol of protection.
63. Gabriel – Reflects strength and divine connection, meaning “God is my power.”
64. Anthony – Latin for “priceless,” showing value and virtue.
65. Albert – Germanic background, standing for nobility and light.
66. Edwin – Suggests a kind and generous friend, one who supports others.
67. Lawrence – Denotes brightness and honour, from the Latin Laurentum.
68. William – Symbol of determination and protection.
69. Josephine – Feminine version of Joseph, implying increase and blessing.
70. Mary – Hebrew for “beloved,” often associated with purity and devotion.
71. Annette – A softer form of Anna, connected with grace and favour.
72. Theresa – Derived from a word for “harvest,” linked with Saint Teresa’s nurturing spirit.
73. Christina – Denotes devotion, a follower of Christ.
74. Rebecca – Hebrew origin expressing unity and loyalty.
75. Catherine – Greek for “pure,” linked to Saint Catherine’s strength.
76. Beena – South Indian name meaning “understanding” and “insight.”
77. Lincy – Suggests brightness and a cheerful personality.
78. Roselyn – Combines “rose” and “lynn,” representing beauty and gentleness.
79. Eliza – Short for Elizabeth, representing God’s promise.
80. Marina – Latin for “of the sea,” fitting for coastal Christian families.

FAQs

1. How do Indian Christian families usually get their surnames?

Indian Christian surnames have Portuguese, English, and local Indian influences. Some families adopted the names of missionaries or saints during conversion, while others retained ancestral names after converting to Christianity. Over time, these evolved into a beautiful mix seen in the Indian Christian surnames list today.

2. What makes South Indian Christian surnames different from others?

South Indian Christian surnames are a blend of local-language roots and biblical or Western first names. You’ll commonly find surnames like Varghese, Oommen, and Arokiaraj among the Christian community in South India. It is nothing but a warm welcome to a new culture while preserving the originality.

3. Are all Indian Christian surnames linked to European origins?

Not all. While many have Portuguese or English roots, a large number come from native Indian names that were adapted over centuries. Some families combined traditional Indian surnames with Christian first names, creating unique identities that reflect both heritage and belief.

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