Verma

Verma is a surname of Indian origin that occurs across several northern states and among the Indian diaspora. The name is a variant of Varman/Varma, from the Sanskrit term varman meaning armor or protection. In Indian historical and literary contexts, Varman was a title used by various dynasties; over time, the term became a hereditary surname for many families, giving rise to Verma as a common modern spelling.

Geographically, Verma is most prevalent in northern Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Delhi, as well as in Nepal. It is used by people from multiple communities and is not exclusive to a single caste, reflecting its evolution as a patronymic and honorific adapted by diverse groups. The spelling Verma represents one of several transliterations; Varma and Varman are closely related variants found in different regions and languages.

In contemporary usage, individuals bearing the Verma surname have made contributions in politics, academia, science, literature, and the arts, both in India and abroad. As with many Indian surnames, bearers may identify with regional or community histories, but the surname itself does not fix affiliation to a single group.

See also: Varman, Varma.