Surname Handu - Meaning and Origin
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Handu: What does the surname Handu mean?
The last name Handu is of Indian origin and has a range of meanings depending on the region. In Indian, it can be derived from two sources: the Sanskrit “hāndū” meaning extraordinary or special, or the name “Handa” meaning king or leader.
The "Handa" variation of the surname is most common in Northern India, particularly in the Punjab region. This region was historically ruled by the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty from the 8th to the 11th century, making it possible that the Handu surname may signify descent from one of the rulers of this dynasty. The “hāndū” variation is most common in Southern states such as Karnataka and Kerala, where it may signify excellence or skill. This connection to leadership and strength is seen throughout India in the presence of the Handu surname, from North to South.
The surname Handu can also often be found in other countries, particularly Kenya, Latvia, and Israel. In Kenya, the surname means ‘lion’, while in Latvia it is derived from the word handules, which means ‘bandit’. In Israel, it could possibly have been adopted from the Indian or African versions, or have separate origins.
No matter what the origin, the Handu surname still stands for strength, excellence, skill, and leadership. The wide-ranging presence of the surname in different countries around the world is a testament to the significance and respect it has gained over time.
Order DNA origin analysisHandu: Where does the name Handu come from?
The last name Handu is mainly found today in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India, Pakistan and Nepal. It is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit hanḍu, meaning "a vehicle", which could point to a historically nomadic lifestyle or a trade as an occupation. It is also believed that it could be derived from the Persian hañdhā, meaning "very large", indicating a large family or line.
In India, Handu is most common in the northern states, particularly in Punjab. In Pakistan, it is widespread throughout the country, with a concentration in the Punjab region. In Nepal, Handu is mainly found in the western and central regions, particularly in the Kathmandu valley and surrounding areas.
The Handu surname is also found in small pockets in other countries, including the UK, US, Afghanistan and South Africa.
In terms of wider Indian diaspora, Handu is still found in India and its neighboring countries, but it is slowly gaining a foothold in the western world. Indeed, the 2011 Census of India revealed that the surname Handu had declined in some parts of India, but had a higher visibility in the international diaspora as compared to the Indian soil.
Overall, the Handu last name is still prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, although its presence in other countries around the world is increasing slowly.
Variations of the surname Handu
Handu is an interesting surname that is found in multiple countries, including India, Spain, and Mexico. Its variants vary in spelling and often have different surnames.
The most common variants and subsequent surnames include Handu, Handoo, Hansu, Handsu, Handy, Handal, Hande, Hansel, and Hansell.
In India, the alternative Hanudu and Handul are found, and it is believed to be of northern Indian origin. It is a Brahmin's name, which refers to people of the highest social class in India. The variants Hande and Handal are found predominantly in Maharashtra state.
In Spain, Handu is quite common and is often spelled as Haundo. The surname is derived from the Castilian Spanish word “hondo” that means “deep.”
In Mexico, the variant Hanu is found and is of Spanish, Basque, and Jewish-Sephardic origin, as well as from Ysabela Handu, who moved to Mexico from Spain during the 14th century.
In the United States, the surnames Handu, Handy, and Handal are all found, and it is believed to have originated from Germany, Ireland, and other European nations as people moved abroad in search of better opportunities.
Overall, Handu is an interesting surname with a global presence and multiple variants and associated surnames.
Famous people with the name Handu
- Maulana Masood Azhar Handu, Pakistani Islamic terrorist.
- Sepoy Lakshman Handu, Indian War hero.
- Chris Handu, American NBA player.
- Yusuf Handu, co-chairman of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in 1931.
- Mohammad Sanaullah Handu, Pakistani freedom fighter, revolutionary and independence from British rule.
- Andi Handu, Indonesian computer scientist and founder of the Technology Workshop.
- Cheena Handu, Indian actress.
- Eric Handu, British military commander.
- Zamin Handu, Indian playback singer and songwriter.
- Yaw Handu, Ghanaian football player.
- Joel Handu, Kenyan football player.
- Emeka Handu, Nigerian singer and songwriter.
- Burnice Handu, Haitian track and field athlete.
- Siaka Handu, Sierra Leonean footballer.
- Jouel Handu, Gabonese footballer.
- Egidius Handu, Namibian police officer and politician.
- Jamil Handu, Sudanese political activist.
- Alfred Handu, American professional wrestler.
- Leroy Handu, Seychellois footballer.
- Hassan Handu, Somali journalist.