Rathod

Rathod, often rendered Rathore, is a Rajput clan and surname in India. The Rathod/Rathore lineage is historically associated with the Marwar region of Rajasthan, where the Rathore dynasty produced the rulers of the princely state of Marwar and the fortresses of the area. The most prominent early figures include Rao Jodha, who founded the city of Jodhpur and established a Rathore rule in the region. The dynasty later expanded with the founding of Bikaner by Rao Bika, a son of Rao Jodha. The Rathore are commonly described as Suryavanshi (solar lineage) Rajputs, reflecting traditional genealogies that link them to broader Rajput lineages.

Geographically, Rathod/Rathore names and families are found across Rajasthan and in neighbouring states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra. The surname is used by Hindu Rajputs, and in some cases by others who have adopted the clan name. In modern times, members of Rathod/Rathore families have pursued diverse occupations, including politics, the military, business, and the arts, and have contributed to local and regional histories in Rajasthan and beyond. The spelling variation reflects regional linguistic practices and transliteration from Indian languages into English.