Tiwari

Tiwari (Hindi: तिवारी) is a surname and, less commonly, a given name used in the Indian subcontinent. It has several transliterations, including Tiwar, Tiwari, Tiwary, and Tywari. The name is most commonly found among Hindu communities in northern and central India and among members of the Indian diaspora.

Origin and meaning: The precise origin of the surname is not definitively established. In some regions it is associated with Brahmin lineages and is sometimes linked to scholarly or priestly occupations, but today bearers of the name come from diverse backgrounds and professions. The surname functions primarily as a family name indicating lineage rather than a current caste designation in many areas.

Geographic distribution: In India, it is concentrated in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with significant populations in neighboring regions and in urban centers. The name is also established in Nepal and among overseas Indian communities.

Notable people: Manoj Tiwari is an Indian actor, singer and politician who bears the surname.

See also: Tiwar (variant).