Hegde

Hegde
Family name
Meaning	toponymic; literally "Head of the fort"
Region of origin	India
Language(s) of origin	Sanskrit

Hegde or Hegade is a surname from coastal Karnataka in India which has several origins from different communities.It is found among Hindus of the Tuluva Bunts, Brahmins, and Jains.

The word "Hegade" is derived from the words "hegg" ("head") and "gaḍ" ("fort"); thus, it means "head of the fort".

During the period of the Vijayanagara Empire, the warriors who used to protect a fort were called Hegades or Hegdes. It was a title used by the Tulu speaking Tuluva Bunt chieftains of South Canara district. Hegde is also used as a surname by the Madhwas and Havyaka Brahmins. The surname also occurs among some Ramakshatriya (Kotegar) in Udupi, Kundapur region and Vokkaligas (in Shimoga). The surname is also used by Kurubas of Mandya and Mysore. Hegde is also the name of a village in Kumta, Karnataka.

The following is a list of notable people with last name Hegde.

...
Wikipedia