Hydari

Hydari is a surname of Indian origin, found among families in South Asia and sometimes among the Indian diaspora. It is most commonly associated with Urdu-speaking communities and is often linked to families with Hyderabadi Muslim heritage, though it is not exclusive to any single region. The name is generally considered to derive from the given name Haider (also Haider, Hyder), which comes from Arabic and is commonly interpreted to mean “lion.” The suffix -i in this context typically indicates belonging or origin, suggesting a meaning such as “of Haider” or “from Haider’s lineage.”

In public life, Hydari is most widely recognized through the Indian actress Aditi Rao Hydari (born 1986), who has appeared in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema as well as on stage. Beyond her, other individuals bearing the surname Hydari work in various professions in India and overseas, but none has achieved the same level of broad recognition.

Variants of the surname include Hyderi or Haideri, reflecting regional spelling and pronunciation differences in transliteration. These forms are etymologically related to Hydari and share the same root origin.

Overall, Hydari functions primarily as a family name with cultural and linguistic ties to South Asian naming practices, rather than as a standalone place or occupation.