Chhetri surnames

The Chhetri are divided into many descent groups with names variously associated with place-names in the Karnali region or representing occupations. Some of these names are shared among Bahuns and Thakuris, indicating a common Khas origin among these higher castes. Examples of occupation-derived surnames are Adhikari ("official"), Khadka ("sword-bearer") and Kunwar ("prince"). One common honorific term used for the Chhetri is kaji ("boss").
Certain Nepali surnames indicate a person belongs to the Chhetri caste. These names include:

• Adhikari (official)


• Baniya


• Bhandari (store-guardian)


• Basnet


• Baruwal


• Bisht (baron/distinguished)


• Bogati(special kings messengers)


• Bohora


• Budhathoki


• Chhetri (Kshatriya)


• Chand (moon)


• Hamal


• Kaji


• Karki(Revenue Officer)


• Katuwal


• Khadka (sword-bearer)


• Khatri (KC)


• Kunwar (prince)


• Lamichhane


• Mahat


• Malla (from the Malla era)


• Rana


• Rawal


• Rawat


• Raut


• Rayamajhi


• Thakuri (Thakuri subcaste)


• Thapa (Tibetan: man at the border)


• Shah


• Shahi


• Singh (lion)

There is some confusion about the surname Rana. This was a self-designated surname of the former hereditary Prime Ministers of Nepal. The first autocratic Prime Minister of Nepal, Jang Bahadur Kunwar, changed his surname to Rana to strengthen his claim and association with Rana kings in Rajasthan, the claimed origin of his ancestors