Koul

Koul is a surname of Kashmiri origin, commonly used among Kashmiri Pandits and other families from the Kashmir region. The name appears in transliterated forms such as Kool, Koul, and Coul, reflecting variations in rendering from the Kashmiri script and different languages.

In the Kashmiri community, surnames typically identify lineage and family affiliation. Koul families are one of several endogamous lineages recognized within the broader Pandit community. The exact etymology of the surname is not uniformly documented, and it is generally treated as a family name rather than a title. In some genealogical records, it may be associated with particular regions within Kashmir or with specific traditional lineages.

Today, the surname Koul is found among the Kashmiri diaspora as well as populations in India, Pakistan, and other parts of the world through migration. Individuals bearing the name have pursued a wide range of professions, including academia, the arts, business, and public service; no single occupation defines the name.

There is no single, universally agreed meaning of the word outside its use as a surname. For researchers and those tracing family histories, genealogical records, civil registries, and community histories in Kashmir can provide more precise information about the Koul lineage, regional associations, and variant spellings in a given family.