Gowda (also known as Gauda, Goud, Gouda or Gonda[1][2]) is a surname native to Karnataka state of India. It is mainly found among the Vokkaligas in South Karnataka, Kuruba Gowda and the Lingayats in north Karnataka.[3][4] It is also used by other communities like Namadhari Naiks,[5]Billavas.[6] Gowda was originally an honorific used by the administrative head of a village. Typically, such a head owned land and held political and social sway in the village.[7] Among Reddy, it was used to refer to the head of the community.[8][9]
^Ramananda Chatterjee (1930). The Modern Review. Vol. 47. India: Prabasi Press Private, Limited. p. 80.
^D K Kulkarni (1992). "Tenants movements in Uttara Kannada district and the Kagodu Satyagraha". Peasant movements in Karnataka since 1900 their nature and results(PDF). Karnatak University / Shodhganga. p. 80. Retrieved 24 October 2016. Gowdas, literary means a village headman usually from Vokkaliga community in Southern district of Karnataka and Lingayat in Northern part
^"152" . Page:Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Volume 4.djvu – via Wikisource. According to Mr. Stuart, "each community of Kurubas, residing in a group of villages, has a headman or Gaudu. He acts the part of pūjāri or priest in all their ceremonies, presides over their tribal meetings, and settles disputes.