Pai Surname

“Lord (from Sanskrit pati), a family title”

Also spelled: Paii, Prabhu, Shenai, Kini

Brahmin surnamesKonkani origin · Konkani

History & Significance

Pai is a family title of Konkani-speaking Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, found in coastal Karnataka, Goa and Kerala. The Cochin Census Report of 1901, quoted by Thurston, lists it with Prabhu, Shenai, Kini, Mallan and Vadhyar as common Konkani titles. Surname dictionaries derive it from Sanskrit pati, 'lord'. Some Konkani Catholics, who trace their ancestry to Saraswat families, also carry it.

What is the Gotra for Pai?

Gotra is passed down through the paternal line and may vary within families sharing the same surname. Use our Gotra Finder to discover which Gotra your family belongs to.

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Meaning & Origin

Meaning
Lord (from Sanskrit pati), a family title
Origin
Konkani
Language
Konkani
Category
Brahmin

Regional Distribution

The Pai surname is predominantly found in:

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