Shukla

Shukla is a surname and, less commonly, a given name in India and Nepal. Derived from the Sanskrit Śukla, meaning white or bright, the term appears in classical texts as an epithet for purity and luminosity. In Vedic literature, Shukla is used to designate the White (Shukla) Yajurveda, in contrast to the Black (Krishna) Yajurveda.

The name is widespread across North India, especially in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and in Nepal. It is used by people of multiple communities and is not confined to a single caste or group, though it is particularly common among some Brahmin lineages in parts of the region. In modern times, Shukla is a common surname among people in the Indian diaspora as well.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Shukla come from a range of fields, including politics, academia, arts, and sports. As a family name, Shukla has been carried by numerous professionals across South Asia and the global Indian diaspora.

See also

Shukla Yajurveda, the White Yajurveda, and Shukla Paksha, the bright half of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar, both of which use the term Shukla in different contexts.