All surnames

Indian surname

Rao

King/ruler

Clan or community name

A South Indian title of rulership or nobility that became a hereditary surname.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Rao mean?

King/ruler. A South Indian title of rulership or nobility that became a hereditary surname.

Is Rao a common surname?

Rao is a Indian-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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