Rao

उत्पत्ति और इतिहास

Rao is a South Indian title and surname derived from the Sanskrit 'rāja', meaning 'king' or 'ruler'. It is used as a suffix or standalone surname by Brahmin and Kshatriya communities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The title was historically conferred by the Mughal and Maratha courts on military officers and administrators, giving the name both aristocratic and scholarly connotations.