Surname Menon - Meaning and Origin

Menon: What does the surname Menon mean?

Menon is an Indian surname, primarily used in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is commonly associated with the Nair caste, specifically with a sub-group known as the Nair Menons who were typically high-ranking military officials under the rulers of Kerala. The title "Menon" was bestowed upon these officials as a mark of honor and respect, meaning "great scholar” or "teacher". Over time, it evolved to become a surname. In the caste hierarchy of Kerala, Menon is considered as an upper caste title. It is carried by several notable individuals including actors, writers, and scientists. As with all Indian surnames, Menon also signifies the geographical, caste or the tribal identity of an individual. However, as India modernizes these surnames are becoming less significant in determining an individual's social status.

Menon: Where does the name Menon come from?

The last name Menon is commonly found in India, especially in the southern regions. It is also present in some parts of the Middle East, China, and other Asian countries. Menon is derived from the Sanskrit word "Manu," meaning "One who is wise." This surname is generally associated with a Brahmin (priestly) family.

In India, Menon is usually an occupational surname meaning ‘accountants’ or ‘tax collectors’. It is most common in states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Outside India, it is mainly present in Persian Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in parts of China and Myanmar.

The Menon caste is believed to have descended from the sage Vishvamitra, who is said to have produced many genius scholars. Menon families are found mostly in urban and prosperous rural areas, and the family name is respected in India for their commitment to scholarship, economic stability, and social standing. It is not uncommon to find Menons in the civil service, legal profession, or even as politicians.

In conclusion, the last name Menon is most well-known today in India, the Middle East, parts of China, and some parts of Southeast Asia. It is a respected surname associated with wisdom, scholarship, and financial stability.

Variations of the surname Menon

The surname Menon is a common North Indian name of the Brahmin caste that is native to the state of Kerala and is also commonly found among people of the state of Karnataka. Variants, Alternate Spellings and Surnames of the same origin can be found in different languages.

In Indian languages, some of the variants, alternate spellings and surnames of the same origin for Menon are as follows -

•In Sanskrit, the name is Menaka, while in Hindi it is Menon or Manon.

•In Gujarati, it is often spelled as Menani.

•In Malayalam, it is spelled as Menon or Mennon.

•In Tamil, variants of the name are Mennon or Manon.

•In Kannada, it is spelled as Menon or Mennon.

•In Telugu, it is spelled as Manon or Mennon.

•In Marathi, it is spelled as Menon or Manon.

•In Konkani, the surname is spelled as Mennon or Vengona.

•In Sinhala, it is spelled as Menen or Menon.

•In Punjabi, it is spelled as Mannan or Menon.

•In Oriya, it is spelled as Menon or Monon.

•In Assamese, it is spelled as Manon.

•In Bengali, it is spelled as Menon or Manon.

Apart from Indian languages, variants, alternate spellings and surnames of the same origin can also be found in Non-Indian languages like Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, German, Polish, French, Dutch, Swedish, and Latin America. In some cases, Menon is even belived to have been originated from a Japanese surname. Some of these alternate names are Mino; Manoni; Menonni; Menno; Manon; Mannos; Menos, Minnoni and Minnen.

Thus, variants, alternate spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Menon can be found not only in different Indian languages but also in Non-Indian languages making this name popular worldwide.

Famous people with the name Menon

• Shashi Tharoor: Indian politician, author, and former diplomat
• Geetha Menon: Indian scientist and environmentalist
• G. S. Madhavan Menon: Indian academic, known as the father of Indian Ocean
• Priya Menon: Indian journalist, activist, and conservationist
• Akhil Menon: Indian singer-songwriter and composer
• K. Radhakrishnan Menon: Indian civil rights activist and lawyer
• Chitra Mahesh Menon: Indian professor, researcher, and author
• Nalini Menon: Indian dance instructor and Indian classical musician
• Sarasu Esther Thomas: Indian academic, poet, activist, and former Supreme Court Advocate
• Jeet Thayil: Indian novelist, poet, and filmmaker

Other surnames

Menold

Comments or additions to the name "Menon"

04.01.2024
Menon is an aristocratic nair title given to feudal lords with large land ownings in the pre-independence era.