Find out how popular the last name Raghavendra is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Raghavendra.

Raghavendra, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Raghavendra surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Raghavendra in America

Raghavendra is the 128249th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Raghavendra surname appeared 133 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Raghavendra.

The history of the last name Raghavendra

The surname Raghavendra originates from India and can be traced back to the 16th century. It is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Raghu' meaning 'illustrious' and 'Vendra' meaning 'lord' or 'master'. The name is closely associated with the Hindu saint and philosopher Sri Raghavendra Swami, who lived between 1595 and 1671 in the present-day state of Karnataka.

Raghavendra Swami, also known as Rayaru or Rayara, was a renowned spiritual leader and proponent of the Dvaita philosophy propounded by Madhvacharya. He is revered by the Madhva community and has several temples dedicated to him across Karnataka and other parts of South India. Historical records suggest that his disciples and followers adopted the surname Raghavendra as a mark of respect and devotion.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Raghavendra can be found in the writings of Narayana Panditacharya, a 17th-century scholar and disciple of Sri Raghavendra Swami. Panditacharya's works, such as the "Raghavendra Vijaya," provide valuable insights into the life and teachings of the saint, as well as the spread of his philosophy and the adoption of his name as a surname.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Raghavendra. One such figure was Raghavendra Rao (1590-1670), a prominent administrator and military commander during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. He played a crucial role in the defense of the empire against the Deccan Sultanates and is remembered for his valor and strategic acumen.

Another prominent individual with the surname Raghavendra was Raghavendra Tirtha (1608-1687), a renowned scholar and philosopher who contributed significantly to the propagation of the Dvaita philosophy. His works, such as the "Nyayamuktavali" and "Tantrarahasyaprakashika," are still widely studied and revered within the Madhva tradition.

In the 18th century, Raghavendra Swami (1720-1790), a prominent spiritual leader and preceptor of the Madhva sect, gained widespread recognition for his teachings and contributions to the revival of the Dvaita philosophy. He established several religious institutions and played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Madhva tradition.

Raghavendra Rao (1880-1955), a prominent Indian independence activist and social reformer, was another notable figure who carried the surname. He played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and worked towards the upliftment of marginalized communities, advocating for education and social justice.

While the surname Raghavendra has its roots in South India, particularly in the state of Karnataka, it has since spread to other parts of the country and even abroad, carried by individuals and families with connections to the Madhva tradition or the teachings of Sri Raghavendra Swami.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Raghavendra

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Raghavendra.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Raghavendra was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Raghavendra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Raghavendra, please contact us.

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