Rajendran

Rajendran is an Indian surname and given name used primarily in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is a patronymic form derived from the personal name Rajendra, meaning “king of kings” in Sanskrit. In Tamil naming conventions, the suffix –an is added to a father's given name or to a deity name to form a personal name, so Rajendran can denote “son of Rajendra” or simply remain as a hereditary family name. The name is typically written in the Tamil script as ராஜேந்திரன் and is widely used by people of Tamil heritage across the Indian subcontinent, the diaspora in Southeast Asia, and communities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The spelling Rajendran is common among Tamil-speaking Muslims, Hindus and Christians, reflecting the broad cultural adoption of the patronymic construction. While not among the most frequent Indian surnames, it is well-recognized within Tamil literary, cultural and political circles. In recent decades, several public figures have carried the surname, including Tamil film actor S. Rajendran, Kerala politician P. M. Rajendran, and former Indian cricketer S. R. Rajendran, each contributing to the name’s visibility in popular media and public service. The name’s meaning and linguistic roots continue to give it a sense of cultural heritage and identity within Tamil society.