Khandakar

Khandakar is a Bengali surname used predominantly in the Bengal region of South Asia and among its diaspora. It is frequently found in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, and among Bengali-speaking communities worldwide. The name is also encountered as a historical title in records, reflecting its roots in local leadership roles.

Etymology and historical context commonly link Khandakar to the Bengali elements khanda, meaning part or division, and -kar, a suffix indicating an agent or doer. Historically, Khondakar (a variant spelling) referred to a local administrator or village headman in Bengal during the Mughal and British periods. Over time, the occupational title became a hereditary surname for families associated with local governance or landholding, and it has been passed down through generations.

In contemporary usage, Khandakar is borne by individuals across a range of professions, including literature, academia, politics, and business. While most strongly associated with Bengali communities, the surname is found among both Bengali Muslims and Hindus, reflecting regional origin rather than a single religious lineage. Variations in spelling often arise from transliteration from Bengali script and regional pronunciation.

Variants and related names include Khandaker, Khondaker, and Khondakar. The name is sometimes confused with or linked to similarly derived surnames in neighboring regions, but it remains a distinctly Bengali nomenclature with a heritage tied to historical administrative roles in the Bengal area.