apte

Apte is a surname used by several families in India, particularly among Marathi-speaking communities in the state of Maharashtra. It is also found in Goa and Karnataka, and among the Indian diaspora in Europe, North America, and Africa. The spelling Apte is common; variations in transliteration can include Aptees or Apté in some regions.

The name is associated with Brahmin lineages in parts of western India, though it is not exclusive to any single community. It appears among Deshastha and other groups, reflecting regional naming practices rather than strict caste identity. Historically, bearers of the surname have been involved in education, administration, literature, and the arts, among other fields.

Notable individuals with the surname include Rasika Apte (born 1982), an Indian actress known for work in film and streaming productions such as Lunchbox and Sacred Games. The surname also appears in various family lineages and genealogical records, illustrating its presence across different communities and generations.

Etymology is uncertain; the name is commonly treated as a toponymic or patronymic surname in Marathi nomenclature, without a single agreed-upon origin. For those researching specific family histories, consulting primary genealogical records and regional histories is recommended.