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Surname Etymology and Meaning of YADAV

Name meanings and etymologies are often disputed. The information here is compiled from freely available sources, and no claims whatsoever are made for accuracy, either historical or etymological.

Indian (northern states): Hindu (usually Ahir) name, from Sanskrit yadava ‘of Yadu’, ‘descendant of Yadu’. Yadu was a legendary Hindu king, believed to be an ancestor of the god Krishna, who for this reason is sometimes referred to as Yadava. Since Krishna is said to have been brought up among Ahirs, who were herdsmen, the surname Yadav is popular among them. In Maharashtra, this name is found among the Marathas.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names (2003)