Surname Munda - Meaning and Origin
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Munda: What does the surname Munda mean?
The last name Munda is a surname of Indian origin, primarily found in the state of Orissa. Its meaning is thought to be derived from a word meaning "great" or "mighty". The Munda are an indigenous ethnic group that also inhabit the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, and have spread to other parts of India and the world.
Traditionally, the Munda people were hunter-gatherers who lived in the jungles of Orissa and Jharkhand. During the British rule in India, the Munda people were classified as one of the primitive tribal groupings of India. In modern times, the practice of hunting and gathering for most Munda has ended, with many now leading a settled agricultural lifestyle in their respective regions.
Throughout India, the Munda people are widely respected for their hostility and skill in warfare, their self-determination and ingenuity. For this reason, many families who have Munda blood, celebrate this heritage with pride. In addition to this, those with the Munda surname are seen as very cultured and artistic, which is reflected in their traditional dances, music, and folklore.
The Munda last name symbolizes the strength of this unique and cherished legacy within Indian culture, from the ancient hunter-gatherers to the citizens of India. The Munda people's unrelenting commitment to preserving their own independence through the years is one of India's true inspirations.
Order DNA origin analysisMunda: Where does the name Munda come from?
The last name Munda is found primarily in India and among Hindu and Sikh populations. Munda is a clan name primarily from Chota Nagpur, Bihar, and Jharkhand states as well as other regions of India.
Today, there are an estimated 868,000 people with the last name Munda, with the majority living in India. It is most commonly found among Indian nationals living in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Munda is also found in small numbers among the diaspora of Indian and Sikh people living throughout the world, especially in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. These populations are likely descended from people that left India during the British Raj period.
The Munda people are a scheduled tribe living in villages throughout the region, and they are known for their vibrant and colorful culture. Their traditional occupations include agriculture, horticulture, and livestock herding. They speak Mundari, Santhali, and other local languages, and practice Hinduism as well as regional folk religions.
Overall, the last name Munda can be found primarily in India as well as other countries in more limited numbers. It is an ancient clan name, and the peoples who go by it form an important part of India's cultural history.
Variations of the surname Munda
Munda is a surname of several etymological origins with various variants and spellings.
In some cases, the surname Munda is derived from the French given name Mundo, derived from the Latin mundus, meaning “world”. Variants of this origin are the Italian Munda, Mundi, and the English Munday.
Munda is also a habitational name deriving from Northern Italian places with the name Mundo. These locations are found on the Lombardy side of the Italian-Swiss border. Variants of this origin are the Italian Mundo, Mundi, and the French Monod.
Munda is also a Czech and German name of unknown origin. The Czech variant is recorded as Munda. Variants of this origin are the German Munser and the Polish Munda.
In addition, the surname Munda is derived from the Munda people, an Indian ethnic group. Variants of this origin include Munda, and the shortened forms Mund and even Mundi.
Finally, the surname Munda is a Jewish name meaning “lime”. Variants of this origin are the Hebrew Munda and the Yiddish Munde.
In conclusion, the surname Munda has several etymological derivations, with many different variants and spellings. These variants include the Italian Munda, Mundi, and the English Munday; the Italian Mundo, Mundi, and the French Monod; the Czech Munda and the German Munser, Polish Munda; the Indian Munda, and the shortened Mund and Mundi; and the Hebrew Munda and the Yiddish Munde.
Famous people with the name Munda
- Pawan Kalyan: a popular Indian film actor, producer, director, screenwriter, and politician from Andhra Pradesh.
- Karisma Kapoor: an Indian actress who appears in Bollywood films.
- Sachin Tendulkar: a former Indian cricketer considered as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
- Abhishek Bachchan: an Indian actor, film producer, and playback singer best known for his work in Hindi films.
- Neha Kakkar: an Indian singer and reality television judge, who primarily works in Bollywood.
- Sharmila Tagore: an Indian actress of Bengali descent. She has received two Filmfare Awards and has worked in numerous classics of Indian cinema.
- Richa Chadda: an Indian actress. She is known for her performances in films like Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Gangs of Wasseypur, Fukrey, Masaan, and Sarbjit.
- Udhayanidhi Stalin: an Indian actor, producer, and politician who has acted in Tamil films.
- Zubin Mehta: an Indian maestro conductor and composer of classical music, particularly known for his work with the Bavarian State Opera and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Michael Munda: an English footballer who currently plays for Luton Town.