Adhikari

Adhikari is a term used in several South Asian languages, notably Nepali and Hindi, with roots in Sanskrit through the word adhikāra, meaning authority or right. The form adhikari (often rendered as adhikārī in local spelling) is commonly understood as “an official” or “one in authority.” In everyday usage, it designates a person who holds an official post or a position of administrative responsibility, and the term appears in government and bureaucratic contexts as a general label for civil servants.

As a surname, Adhikari is widespread in Nepal and among Nepali-speaking communities abroad. In Nepal, it is a common family name across multiple communities, and it is also found among Indian populations with cultural or linguistic ties to the region. People bearing the surname Adhikari have roles across politics, education, and professional life in South Asia and in the diaspora. The spelling and capitalization can vary in English-language contexts, with Adhikari being a common rendering.

The name also appears in literature, media, and public discourse, where it functions as a cultural marker of Nepalese or Indian heritage. Because the term originated as a descriptor of authority, its use as a surname reflects broader linguistic and social adoption rather than a single, fixed origin.