Bhargava is the patronymic designation for all lineages that trace their descent from the sage Bhrigu. It is therefore both a broad family name and, in some contexts, a specific gotra. The Bhargavas include some of the most celebrated figures of Vedic and epic literature: Chyavana (famous for his rejuvenation by the Ashvins), Aurva, Richika, Jamadagni, and Parashurama. The lineage is strongly associated with the performance of Vedic rituals, the transmission of Ayurvedic and martial knowledge, and the composition of important texts.
In gotra lists, Bhargava often appears as the first name in the five-rishi pravara of several related gotras (Bhargava–Chyavana–Apnavana–Aurva–Jamadagni or similar). Families identifying simply as Bhargava emphasize their direct connection to the primordial sage Bhrigu and to the broader tradition of fire-priests and scholars that descended from him. The gotra is found among Brahmins in many regions of India and carries a reputation for both spiritual austerity and practical knowledge of the sciences.
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Literally "descendant of Bhrigu" - a patronymic gotra name for lineages tracing descent from the sage Bhrigu.
No. Gotra and surname are separate systems. Families with many different surnames, across many regions and communities, can share the same gotra, and families with the same surname can belong to different gotras.
Many communities traditionally avoid marriage between people of the same gotra, based on the idea that they share a common patrilineal ancestor. Exact customs vary widely by community and region.