Language(s) | Nepali, Kumaoni, Bengali, Sinhalese |
---|---|
Origin | |
Language(s) | Sanskrit |
Word/name | South Asia |
Derivation | Adhikar (Right/Authority) |
Meaning | Officer[1] |
Other names | |
Variant form(s) | Adhikary |
Adhikari (Devanāgarī: अधिकारी, Sinhala: අදිකාරී, Bengali: অধিকারী; also spelt Adhikary) is a surname originating in the Indian subcontinent. Those having their surname as Adhikari are mainly found in Nepal and Indian states of Uttarakhand, West Bengal and also in fewer parts of Southern Bihar such as Bhagalpur, Purnea etc. as these areas have a greater influence of Bengali culture and many Bengalis have settled in these areas. Among Bengali Brahmins Adhikary is one of the common surnames. Brahmin having their surname as Adhikary belongs to Kanyakubja Brahmins. But in Nepal, Adhikari are of both Brahmin and Chhetri Clan. The surname is also found among several groups including Bengalis, Biharis, Sinhalese, Marathis, Odias, Nepalese and Kumaonis.[2][3] Adhikari is literally translated as Officer.[1]
Some of the Chhetri clans are Adhikari, Baniya, Basnet, Bist, Bohra, Bura or Burathoki, Gharti, Karki, Khadka, Khatri, Khulal, Mahat, Raut, Rana, Roka, Thapa, etc.