DHOLAKIA

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Dholakia

Dholakia is a surname of Indian origin, predominantly found among the Indian diaspora in Britain. The surname is commonly associated with people of Gujarati descent, originating from the region of Gujarat in India.

Etymology:

The surname Dholakia is derived from the Gujarati word 'Dholakiya', which means 'drummer' in reference to a person who played the traditional Indian percussion instrument known as the Dholak.

Distribution:

In Britain, the surname Dholakia is most prevalent among families with roots in Gujarat, India. It is often found within the British Indian community, particularly in regions with a significant Gujarati population such as London, Leicester, and Birmingham.

Notable Individuals:

1. Lord Dholakia (Navnit Dholakia, Baron Dholakia): A prominent British politician and member of the Liberal Democrats, Lord Dholakia was elevated to the House of Lords in 1997. He has been actively involved in issues related to race relations, criminal justice, and human rights.

2. Shafik Dholakia: A successful British entrepreneur of Indian descent, Shafik Dholakia is known for his contributions to the retail industry in the UK. He is the founder of a chain of successful convenience stores.

Cultural Significance:

The Dholakia surname reflects the heritage and cultural identity of individuals hailing from the Indian state of Gujarat. It serves as a reminder of the ancestral roots and traditions that many British-Indians hold dear, linking them to their familial and cultural heritage.

References:

  • Rehman, A., & Bloom, P. (2016). Lord Dholakia: A Life in Public Service. Biteback Publishing.
  • Department for Communities and Local Government. (2019). Integration of British Indian Communities: Case Studies. Government Publishing Office.

There are approximately 291 people named Dholakia in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Dholakia.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anish
  • Anup
  • Bhavin
  • Chandrakant
  • Hasmukh
  • Jay
  • Kirit
  • Kishan
  • Milan
  • Nilesh
  • Rajesh
  • Ramesh
  • Shashikant
  • Vijay
  • Virendra

Female

  • Anjali
  • Darshana
  • Indira
  • Jessica
  • Lalita
  • Neera
  • Nishi
  • Saroj
  • Shreya
  • Shruti

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