Iyer

Origine et histoire

Iyer derives from the Tamil honorific 'aiyar', itself from the Sanskrit 'ārya', meaning 'noble' or 'respectable'. It is the defining surname of Tamil Brahmins (Tambrahms), primarily the Smartha and Iyer sub-groups of Tamil Nadu. Iyers have historically been temple priests, Sanskrit scholars, musicians, and civil servants. The community has a strong presence in Carnatic classical music and the Indian Administrative Service.