Dutt

Dutt is a surname of Indian origin used by Hindu and other communities in India and among the Indian diaspora. It is sometimes treated as a variant spelling of the Bengali surname Dutta, though it also occurs independently in several North Indian communities.

Etymology and meaning: The name is commonly linked to the Sanskrit word dutta or duttā, meaning “gift” or “given.” As a surname its precise historical development varies by region and community.

Geographic distribution and usage: In India, Dutt is found across northern and eastern regions, often reflecting transliteration differences from regional languages into English. The form Dutta is especially common in Bengal, while Dutt appears more frequently in other north-central areas.

Notable people: The surname is associated with several figures in Indian public life, including Sunil Dutt (1930–2005), a film actor and politician; Nargis Dutt (1929–1981), his spouse and an actress; Sanjay Dutt (born 1959), their son and an actor; and Priya Dutt (born 1966), a politician and daughter of Sunil and Nargis.

See also: Dutta (surname).