Surname Kadamba - Meaning and Origin
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Kadamba: What does the surname Kadamba mean?
The last name Kadamba (also spelled Kadamb, Kadamp, Kadem, Kadhamb, Kadmab, and Kadomb) is of Indian origin. It is derived from either the Sanskrit words 'kadamba' and 'kadambi', meaning "long life" or "of abundant foliage”, or from the Tamil words 'kada' and 'amba', meaning "tall tree".
The name is associated with the ancient Kadamba dynasty, a major ruling dynasty of the Deccan region in southern India between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. The dynasty is especially memorable for its role in reviving the Kannada language and literature, and in developing architectural styles and religious cults.
Kadamba is believed to be a dynastic name of great antiquity, and is often associated with powerful rulers, warrior clans, and the prestige of being descended from noble families. It is also believed to be an auspicious name that brings good luck and protects the bearer from misfortune.
Kadamba is an uncommon name in modern Indian society and is not widely used outside of India, though the name and those who bear it may be found among expatriate Indian communities around the world. It is considered a surname of great distinction, and is a reminder of India's proud past and its cultural and historic contributions to the world.
Order DNA origin analysisKadamba: Where does the name Kadamba come from?
The surname Kadamba is a Hindu name of Indian origin derived from two Sanskrit words - ‘Kadam’ and ‘Bha’. The literal meaning of Kadam is a burning flame, while Bha stands for Bhavati or manifestation. The name symbolizes the eternal flame of eternal life. The surname is commonly found in Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra states of India, which were once part of the Kadamba Dynasty.
The Kadamba Dynasty was a royal family who reigned in the Konkan region of modern-day India from the 9th to the 14th centuries. The Kadambas were an indigenous royal family that were patrons of literature and art. The culture and customs during their rule set the foundation for the development of Konkani language and literature.
Outside India, the surname is not very common but can be found among communities of Indian emigrants who trace their roots back to the Kadamba Dynasty. Such families mostly reside in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Today, the name Kadamba continues to be a symbol of strength and benediction among Hindus. The KDMatrimony, a major matrimony site, has many eligible bachelors and bachelorettes registered under the name Kadamba.
Variations of the surname Kadamba
The Kadamba surname is believed to have originated in the western Indian state of Goa, and it has several different spellings and variants. It is a commonly used surname among the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins (GSB), a Hindu Brahmin community that resides in western coastal regions of India and parts of Karnataka.
The most popular form of Kadamba surname spelling is “Kadam,” and the variants are Kadambe, Kadambo, Kadamby and Kadamba. Kadambay is a common spelling used as well. Other spelling variations include Kadimb and Kadimba.
The same surname is found with other surnames when combined with other last names such as “Sawant-Kadam,” “Naik-Kadam” and “Kadam-Vasudev.” It is also sometimes used with the name Mohite, which is derived from the surname Mohite of the Maratha Kshatriya caste. Additionally, the surname “Kadamkar” is similar in sound to Kadamba, and is borne by the socio-economic Maratha caste of western India.
In some cases, Kadamba is used as a patronymic last name that describes a person descended from the Kadamba dynasty, a prominent ruling family that ruled in southern India from the 7th to the 11th centuries. Submodules of this dynasty were found in many places in India, and the provinces they ruled included North Karnataka, Goa, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Even though the variant spellings and surnames of Kadamba may sound different, they all trace back to the same original surname of this Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community.
Famous people with the name Kadamba
- Jawarharlal Nehru Kadamba: Jawarharlal Nehru Kadamba was a prominent lawyer and politician from Goa. He was the leader of the Goan National Congress and the first president of the Indian National Congress in Goa. He was also an early advocate of the independence movement in Goa and a prominent leader of the Goan Independence Movement.
- Ulhas Kashinath Kadamba: Ulhas Kashinath Kadamba was an Indian freedom fighter and social activist from Goa. He was a prominent figure of the Goan independence movement and was one of the founders of the State Bank of India, which was established in Goa in 1925. He was also an active leader of the Indian National Congress and served as the President of the Goa Pradesh Congress.
- Poornachandra Kadamba: Poornachandra Kadamba was a successful doctor and philanthropist from Goa. He was instrumental in setting up the Goa Medical College which has been in operation since 1956. He was also a significant contributor to various charities in Goa, and his philanthropic efforts had a result in several hospitals, hostels and other facilities being built in the state.
- Mandrekar Kadamba: Mandrekar Kadamba was a prominent musician, poet and theatre artist from Goa. He was well-known in the state and had immense respect for the traditional music and art of Goa. He was an authority on Goan folk music, and has also written several original compositions. He was also one of the founders of the popular theater group ‘Kala Mandal’, which is one of the oldest and most respected theater groups in the state.