Iyer

Iyer is a surname used by Tamil Brahmins, predominantly among followers of Sri Vaishnavism in Tamil Nadu and in Indian and global diaspora communities. The name is closely associated with the Iyengar community, a sub-group of Sri Vaishnavism whose members traditionally served as temple priests and scholars in Vaishnavite temples.

The term Iyer is an anglicized form of Iyengar; in Tamil, both spellings are used, with Iyer being common in Tamil-speaking regions and among families that have adopted the shorter form. Iyengar denotes a Brahmin Vaishnava lineage, with a shared liturgical and philosophical heritage within Sri Vaishnavism.

Within Sri Vaishnavism, Iyengar Brahmins are typically divided into two major sub-sects: Vadakalai and Thenkalai, reflecting differences in ritual practices, scriptural emphasis, and theological interpretation. These distinctions influence temple duties, rites, and community organization, though they do not define every individual Iyer.

Geographic distribution and diaspora: In India, Iyer families are concentrated in Tamil Nadu, with significant presence in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The community has also established a global diaspora, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

See also: Iyengar, Sri Vaishnavism, Tamil Brahmin.