Desai


Desai is an administrative, princely or honorary title and surname.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Sanskrit deśa and svāmī.

Desai as a title

Desai was a title given to feudal lords, brahmins, revenue collectors, and others who were granted a village or group of villages, in North Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The title Desai should not be associated with a particular religion or caste. The "Desai" title was given by the Deccan sultanates, Mughal emperors, and by Maratha emperors.
Desai, or a loftier compound, was a rare title for rulers of a few princely states, notably:
Desai as a surname is used by Rabari Community in North Gujarat, Deshastha Brahmin, Anavil Brahmin, Maratha, Patidar and Lingayat communities of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat.

Geographical distribution

As of 2014, 80.8% of all known bearers of the surname Desai were residents of India. The frequency of the surname was higher than national average in the following states and union territories:
  1. Goa
  2. Dadra and Nagar Haveli
  3. Gujarat
  4. Daman and Diu
  5. Maharashtra

    Individual people

Notable individuals with the surname Desai include:
; Public officers
;Arts, sciences and business
; Culture & Sports