mehta

Mehta is a surname of Indian origin, most commonly associated with Gujarati-speaking communities but also found across other regions of India and in the Indian diaspora. In many communities, Mehta is a hereditary surname that is linked to a former role rather than a single fixed caste.

Etymology and history: The name derives from a historic title used for an administrator, treasurer, or village headman in various Indian states and trading communities. As such, Mehta originated as an honorific for people who held positions of local authority or financial management. Over time, the title-based term became an inherited family name used by descendants across multiple communities, especially in Gujarat and surrounding areas.

Geographical distribution: The surname is most prevalent in Gujarat and among Gujarati populations in India. It is also common in other western Indian states and in urban centers where Gujarati communities settled. In the global diaspora, Mehta is found in East Africa, the United Kingdom, North America, and the Caribbean, reflecting historical patterns of migration and settlement by Gujarati and Sindhi families.

Variants and usage: Spelling variations frequently arise from transliteration and regional phonology. Variants include Metha and Mehtha, among others. The name is used by people across different communities and does not denote a single caste or religious group, though it is most strongly associated with Gujarati heritage.

Overall, Mehta represents a surname with historical ties to administration and governance in the Indian subcontinent, now carried by diverse families across India and the world.