Sharma

Sharma is one of the most common Indian surnames, especially among Brahmin communities in North and Western India. The name is of Sanskrit origin, typically traced to Śarman or Śārman, a root associated with comfort, shelter, or protection. In many communities, Sharma signifies Brahmin heritage or scholarly lineage, though in modern times it is widely used beyond any single caste or region.

The surname is prevalent across many Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, and has also spread through migration to Nepal and to diaspora communities worldwide. Spelling variants include Sharma and Sharmas; in some cases it appears with prefixes or initials in formal records.

In social practice, Sharma tends to be patronymic or clan-based, and may be used by families with historical roles as priests, teachers, or scholars, though contemporary bearers pursue diverse professions. The surname is typically used as a family name and not as a given name in Indian naming conventions.

There are many notable individuals with the surname Sharma across politics, science, arts, sports, and entertainment, reflecting its widespread use.