Parekh

Parekh is a surname of South Asian origin, particularly common among the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom. The surname is believed to have its roots in the Gujarati language and means "grocer" or "seller of betel-nut leaves".

Origin

The Parekh surname is most commonly found among the Gujarati and Parsi communities of India. It is often associated with individuals engaged in trade, business, or commerce. Many Parekhs migrated to the United Kingdom during the twentieth century, seeking better economic opportunities and establishing themselves in various professions.

Distribution

In the UK, the Parekh surname is predominantly concentrated in urban areas with large South Asian communities, such as London, Birmingham, and Leicester. Over the years, many Parekhs have integrated into British society, contributing to various fields including finance, medicine, law, and academia.

Notable Individuals

  • Lord Bhikhu Parekh - A renowned political theorist, author, and Labour member of the House of Lords. Lord Parekh has made significant contributions to the fields of multiculturalism and social justice.
  • Anil Parekh - A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his charitable work in both the UK and India.
  • Dr. Rina Parekh - A respected psychiatrist and academic, specialising in mental health issues within the South Asian community.

Cultural Significance

The Parekh surname reflects the diverse and multicultural nature of British society, highlighting the contributions of individuals of South Asian descent in shaping contemporary Britain. It serves as a symbol of the successful migration and integration of the Indian diaspora in the UK.

There are approximately 3,864 people named Parekh in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,417th most common surname in Britain. Around 59 in a million people in Britain are named Parekh.

Region of origin: Asia

Country of origin: India

Religion of origin: Hindu

Language of origin: Hindi

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Amit
  • Bharat
  • Dipak
  • Jayesh
  • Paresh
  • Rajesh
  • Rakesh
  • Ramesh
  • Sanjay
  • Sunil

Female

  • Bhavna
  • Geeta
  • Gita
  • Heena
  • Jaimini
  • Kiran
  • Mamta
  • Manisha
  • Nisha
  • Priti
  • Ranjan
  • Rita
  • Sonal
  • Tejal
  • Urvashi

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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