PONNIAH
Ponniah
The surname Ponniah, pronounced as /pɒˈnaɪə/, is of South Indian origin and is commonly found among the Tamil community, particularly among Tamil Hindus. The name is believed to be of religious significance and may have originated from the Tamil deity, Lord Murugan, who is also known as Ponniah.
Etymology
The name 'Ponniah' is derived from the Tamil word "ponn" which means gold. The suffix "-iah" is a common practice in Tamil names, denoting respect or reverence. Thus, the name Ponniah can be roughly translated to mean 'one who is like gold' or 'golden'.
Distribution
The surname Ponniah is primarily found in South India, especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. However, due to migration and diaspora, individuals bearing the surname Ponniah can also be found in significant numbers in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.
Cultural Significance
Within the Tamil community, the surname Ponniah holds cultural and historical significance, often indicating a person's lineage and heritage. It is common for individuals with this surname to have ancestral ties to the Tamil region of South India.
Notable Individuals
While detailed records may not be readily available, there have been individuals with the surname Ponniah who have made notable contributions in various fields, including academia, business, and the arts.
In conclusion, the surname Ponniah is a distinctive and culturally rich name that is a testament to the heritage and traditions of the Tamil community, both in South India and among the diaspora.
There are approximately 210 people named Ponniah in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Ponniah.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Anthony
- David
- Dominic
- George
- Joshua
- Nicholas
- Rahul
- Sebastian
Female
- Annette
- Anusha
- Anushka
- Chandra
- Christabelle
- Christina
- Dawn
- Jaya
- Radhika
- Sacha