WADIA
Wadia
Wadia is a surname of Indian origin that is often associated with the Parsi community. The Parsis are an ethnoreligious group in India who follow the Zoroastrian faith. The Wadia surname is commonly found among Parsis who migrated to India from Persia in the 8th century AD to escape religious persecution.
The name "Wadia" is derived from the Persian word "wadi" which means "valley" or "riverbed". The Parsi community has a tradition of adopting occupational or locational surnames, and the name Wadia may have been given to families living near a river or valley.
Historically, the Wadia family has been known for its involvement in shipbuilding and maritime trade. The prominent Wadia family founded shipbuilding yards in Bombay (now Mumbai) in the 18th century and played a significant role in the development of India's shipping industry. Members of the Wadia family have made substantial contributions to the fields of architecture, engineering, and philanthropy.
The Wadia surname continues to be prominent among Parsis in India and around the world, representing a rich legacy of enterprise, craftsmanship, and community service.
There are approximately 134 people named Wadia in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Wadia.