Kalra

Kalra is a surname with origins commonly traced to the Punjabi region of South Asia. It is predominantly found among Punjabis in India and among Punjabi-speaking diaspora communities around the world. While the name is most closely associated with the Punjabi naming traditions, it is used by individuals across diverse communities and backgrounds.

Ethnically, Kalra is often linked with Khatri and Arora lineages in parts of Punjab, though surname usage can cross community lines depending on family history. The precise origins of the name are not uniform and may reflect a combination of clan affiliations, regional toponymic roots, and intermarriage practices over time. As with many Indian surnames, migration and globalization have contributed to its presence in various countries.

Geographically, Kalra bearers are concentrated in northern India, particularly Punjab, Delhi, and surrounding states, with a significant presence in urban centers. The surname is also established in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Gulf states, where Punjabi and other Indian communities have formed substantial populations.

In modern contexts, people with the Kalra surname pursue a wide range of occupations, including business, medicine, academia, arts, sports, and public service. The name appears in public life across different regions, reflecting the broader social and professional diversity of the Punjabi and Indian diaspora.