Das (surname)

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Das (translation: devotee[1]) is a common last name in India, among adherents of Hinduism and Sikhism, as well as those who converted to Islam or Christianity. It is a derived from the Sanskrit word Dasa (Sanskrit: दास) meaning servant of God, "devotee," or "votary". "Das" may be inferred to be one who has surrendered to God. In the Punjab region of India and Pakistan,[2] they generally belong to the Brahmin caste.[3] In Bihar and Bengal regions, they belong primarily to the Maulika Kayastha caste. The surname Das is also used by the Mahishya community of Bengal.[4][5] In Odisha, they belong to the Karana caste, the second upper caste after Brahmins and some belong to Gaudiya caste. The surname Das or Dass may also be found among Bengali Vaidyas and Oriya Brahmins. Bengali Vaidyas may also have surnames such as Das-Gupta/Das-Sharma.

Presently, initiated male devotees of the ISKCON tradition adopt the last name Das or Dasa upon formally entering the ISKCON community, whereas females initiates adopt the surname Dasi. The present day usage of Das, Dasa, and Dasi in Hinduism is highly respectful.

Das is also a last name (with a different meaning and etymology; Das means "badger" in Dutch, from PIE *teks-) found amongst the Dutch of the Netherlands.[6]

Notable people with the surname Das

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Punjab region

Sindh

Rajasthan

Uttar Pradesh and Uttarandkhand

Bengal

Other regions

See also

References

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