Gupta (/ˈɡuːptə/) is a common surname or last name of Indian origin. It is based on the Sanskrit word गोप्तृ goptṛ, which means 'guardian' or 'protector'.[1] According to historian R. C. Majumdar, the surname Gupta was adopted by several different communities in northern and eastern India at different times.[2]
Pronunciation | /ˈɡuːptə/ |
---|---|
Language(s) | Bengali, Hindi |
Origin | |
Meaning | Protector or Governor |
Region of origin | India, Bangladesh |
Other names | |
Variant form(s) | Sengupta, Dasgupta, Duttagupta,Gupte,Gupto |
The Rāmpāl plate of the Chandra dynasty ruler Srichandra mentions a line of Brahmins who had Gupta as their surname.[3] In Bengal region, the surname is found among Baidyas (mainly)[4][5] as well as Kayasthas.[6]
The Gupta surname is also used by Banias and Jains in the northern part of India.[7]
The Rampāl plate of Sri Chandra reveals a line of Brāhmanas whose surnames end in Gupta (Sarman). No such Brāhmanas are met within the modern Bengal. Where have they gone? Have they too, like the Sena-Karnatakshatriyas, merged into the present Vaidya caste of Bengal?