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Type Surname (from nickname)
Scripts നായർ(Malayalam)
Other Forms FormsNayar

Meaning & History

From Nair, the name of a group of Hindu castes concentrated in the Indian state of Kerala. The origin of the word itself is somewhat disputed. Some believe it is derived from nayaka, an honorific meaning "leader of the people", while another theory suggests that is is derived from the Sanskrit नाग (nāgá) "snake, serpent" (a reference to the practice of snake worship). Its feminine counterpart is Amma.
Added 4/28/2016 by anonymous
Edited 6/18/2017 by Sofia and HL