Surname Reddy - Meaning and Origin

Using iGENEA DNA Test to Deep Dive Into the Reddy Surname's Ancestral Insights

Decoding my heritage using an iGENEA DNA test proved incredibly enlightening, unraveling the roots of my surname, Reddy. The results confirmed a profound connection to ancient Indo-Aryan tribes of the Indian subcontinent, mirroring a rich cultural and social legacy. This journey not only detailed my roots but also revealed my ethnic makeup comprising ancestries primarily from South Asia, with traces of Central Asian and Middle Eastern genes.

U. Reddy

Reddy: What does the surname Reddy mean?

Reddy is a social group or caste primarily residing in the southern region of India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This surname originates from the term "Redu," which in the Telugu language means "village head." The title "Reddy" was historically bestowed to village chieftains and territorial administrative rulers during different periods of the Indian history. They were responsible for land and administration, implying power and respect in society. Thus, the surname “Reddy” often denotes an association with land-owning or farming communities. It is important to note that the usage and interpretation of the surname can vary based on regional, cultural, and individual family histories. So, while its origins and traditional associations can provide some context, the surname does not inevitably predict personal beliefs, attributes, or professions today. Like many surnames, its interpretation has evolved and diversify over generations.

Reddy: Where does the name Reddy come from?

The last name Reddy is most commonly found in the southern region of India. Reddy is a social caste of village heads in India and is predominantly found in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. There is a sizeable Reddy population in the United States as a result of immigrants from this region. Reddy is also one of the most common surnames in the United Kingdom due to the number of South Asian immigrants living in the country.

Reddy surname distribution in India is highest in Telangana, where many original Reddy communities were established during the 19th century. Additionally, many members of the Reddy caste have immigrated to other parts of India over the years. This has led to widely dispersed Reddy populations existing in many of India's states and union territories, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the union territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

In addition to India, Reddy is also found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Australia, and Canada. Due to the migration of Indians to different countries for a variety of reasons, Reddy has become a popular last name in many parts of the world. With a population of at least 1.5 million people globally, Reddy is a relatively common last name.

Variations of the surname Reddy

Reddy is a surname originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is a common surname for both Telugu and Kannada speaking people. The variants and spelling forms in different languages are as follows :

1) Telugu: Reddi, Raddi, Reddi Garu, Raddi Garu, Reddi Gari, Reddi veera

2) Kannada: Reddy, Reddappa, Reddiar, Reddappa Gowda

3) Sanskrit: Reddyar, Redimahasaya

Some common surnames derived from Reddy are Reddiarai, Reddivari, Reddivarlu, Badamreddlu and Reddulamayya.

Reddy is one of India's oldest and most honoured last names. It has been used for centuries by members of the royal families of various dynasties. The Reddy surname is known to have been used by members of the Chalukya, Kakatiya, Reddy and Vijayanagara dynasties in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is even believed to have some association with the Yadu dynasty of Lord Krishna.

Reddy is widely spread in all parts of South India, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. People with this surname are also found in the states of Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu. Its use is not limited to just India, as it is found in other countries with significant populations of people of Indian origin such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Maldives.

Famous people with the name Reddy

• K.T.Reddy: Chief Minister of Telangana State, India
• Somu Veerraju: Member of Parliament, India
• Bhuma Akhila Priya: Member of Parliament, India
• Jaya Prakash Reddy: Telugu Film Actor, India
• Radha Reddy: Notable Indian Kathak Dancer
• Uma Reddy: Notable Indian Bharatanatyam Dancer
• Shobana Chandrakumar: Notable Indian activism and classicial dancer
• S.M. Reddy: Notable Indian industrialist and Chairman of Apollo Hospital, India
• G.M.C Balayogi: Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India
• Reddy Gari Abbayi: Telugu Film Actor, India

Other surnames

ReddReddickReddicksReddiexReddigReddingReddingiusReddisReddittReddochReddock

Comments or additions to the name "Reddy"

15.04.2024
G.M.C Balayogi: Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India
Reddy Gari Abbayi: Telugu Film Actor, India.

Above information is not correct.