Popat

Popat is a common term in several Indian languages that refers to the parrot. Used as a generic label for parrots in everyday speech, it often denotes pet birds or parrots kept in captivity, and can be applied to various species of the Psittacidae family.

The word appears in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and related languages, where it functions as the usual word for parrot. Its widespread use means it is familiar across northern and western India and among Indian communities abroad. In literature, folktales, and popular culture, popat is a familiar motif or character element associated with birds and mimicry.

In addition to its zoological meaning, Popat is also used as a given name or surname in India. It appears as part of compound names, such as Popatlal, and is fairly common among Gujarati and Marathi-speaking populations. As a personal name, it can carry cultural or familial associations without implying any specific profession or background.

In popular culture, the name forms part of contemporary media references. For example, Popatlal is a well-known character in the Indian television series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, illustrating how the root term Popat persists in modern naming and storytelling. The term’s versatility—denoting an animal as well as a cultural name element—reflects its enduring presence in Indian linguistic and cultural contexts.