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All jain surnames
In Jainism there is no single fixed list of “all Jain surnames.” Surnames depend on:
- Region (Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Karnataka, etc.)
- Community (Oswal, Porwal, Khandelwal, Agrawal‑Jain, etc.)
- Local language and family history
But we can mention some common Jain surnames that you will see often.
Very common Jain surnames (different regions)
- Jain
- Shah
- Soni / Sonī
- Saraogi / Sarogi / Sarawagi
- Oswal / Oswal Jain
- Porwal / Porwal Jain
- Khandelwal
- Bafna / Bapna
- Surana
- Dugar / Duggar
- Bora / Baora
- Pugaliya / Pugalia
- Firodia / Firodiya
- Lodha
- Seth / Sethia / Sethiya
- Mehta
- Gadia
- Kasliwal
- Choradia / Choraria
- Nahata / Nahata Jain
- Singhi / Singhee
- Tapadia / Tapadiya
- Bagadia / Bagadiya
- Muchhala / Muchhal
- Bothra / Bothara
There are many more – each town and community can have its own typical surnames.
Digambar and Śvetāmbara
- Both Digambar and Śvetāmbara Jains can use many of these surnames.
- Some surnames are more common in Marwari Śvetāmbara traders (Oswal, Porwal, Khandelwal, Saraogi, etc.).
- In South and Central India, Digambar Jains often have regional surnames that may not “look Jain” from outside (e.g., names similar to local Hindu surnames), but the family follows Jain dharma.
Important point in Jainism
- Surname is social and family identity, not spiritual identity.
- In Jain dharma, what really matters is:
- A “Jain surname” does not make someone spiritually higher; conduct and character matter.
You can see a simple list and explanation of popular Jain surnames here:
