Analysis of surnames of yellapus and others

In absence of other historical evidences, the surnames are like navigator to build history of caste. Surnames reveals the places of living , migration patterns, occupations, way of holding business, places of working, attitude, the merger from different clans, their titles and relation with kings ,saints and Gods, and many other things. One has to thoroughly understand the genesis of their surnames to understand history of the caste. I have build up the short history of the caste basing on the stories told by elders. In all the occasions surnames substantiated the stories. sometimes they revealed the new things, which are missing links.(later epigraphical evidences of caste and families are also collected).

In the end I tried to analyze the some patterns of other castes on surnames, so as to do the similar exercise to build their own stories, basing on my observation and knowledge.

The most common surnames amongst the yellapus (in alphabetical order) with analysis how they got that name are as follows:

• Aadi: The word Adi denotes first in Sanskrit. They may be the early persons to migrate or to perform something.In case of migration, it would have taken place in north India.Also, they may be in the forefront of the army.

•Aindla:It is a famous surname in the Telangana area, especially in reddy community. These people are present in Rajura.

• Akireddy: The title reddy is given to their vassals during the period of Prataparudra-2 of Kakatiyas. They may be relating to Akineedu or Rulers of Aki region. It reveals that Yellapus worked during the period of Prataparudra and they also ruled over certain region called Aki, possibly in the west Godavari district. These people are present near palampet in Warangal district. There is one Akireddypalem in vishakapatnam district(presently in the city),possibly on the name of these families. It is also in migratory route of yellapus.

•Akula: It is a famous surname in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These people may be involved in the business of leaves or production of leaves. It is a famous surname in the town of Warangal.Their presence is also there in gattududdenapally. It is also famous in karnataka also.There are many surnames ending with akula in vyshya community.

• Anabheri: The word Anabheri is a corrupt form of Ranabheri, which is a musical instrument played during the war to terrify the enemies. People of this family are known for their bravery in the caste. These people are present in polampally.

• Aparaju: The word Aparaju is probably a corrupt form of Apararaju, which means king like person. It is a usual title taken during the early medieval and medieval period. This reveals that this family would have certainly ruled some areas as vassal.

• Arakala: It means plough in Telugu, which is an agricultural instrument. These families would have manufactured or sold them or initially used plough, shifting from the existing technology in olden days. Otherwise, Arka means sun.Hence, these people would have worshipped the sun God.

• Aregala: It may be a corrupt form of arugu, which means a platform in front of house or structure in telugu. They may got this name because they may performing the duty of protection by standing on the platforms.It is a famous surname in the north Telangana area in other castes also.It is also possible that it is evolved from the Garegula.The latter is most close, as the latter evolved word already exists in the caste surnames.

• Avari: It is a Quenya word, which means refusor of summons. The Avari remained a "wild folk", often dwellers of forests and caves. They may be migrated from the Elvis, which is known by them as middle earth. If this assumption is correct, this family would be the up keeping their clan name from the oldest ancestors. It is a famous family name in the Europe and Russai.We can observe averinen surname among kammas.
This word may be also relating to the Tamil word of awar, which means they in telugu and denoted respectable persons. These families may be one of the respected families of those days.It is also present in Gurjaras.One village Avaraikulam is existing in Tirunalvelvi district in Tamilnadu, possibly on this family name.This surname is observed by me in khammam also.There are many products are manufactured by the Averi company. It is a famous surname in Pakistan and north India.

• Basa: The meaning of Basa is oath. This people may take pledge or study the pledge before going to the war, or in such other way. They would have pledged people to do some great thing.
During the kakatiyas the invocation of Rudra in the form of  perni dance and pledging was a quite common habit during the war times.Perni is corrupt form of prerana, which means motivation.

•Bairushetty: It reveals that these people are of business community. The word bairu is a famous surname in the Telangana area.It is possible that this is also a corrupt form of Bheri, a musical instrument beaten during the war.It is possible that these families sold Bheris to the kings and their vassals. My view is supported, as and when  there are people who beat the drums, there shall be businessmen to sold it also. Women of these families has exhibited the bravery during the Bobbili war and killed 200 opponent, in absence of men out on other work.It is also a caste belongs to B.C.community.. Subsequently, women of this family was killed brutally. That is the reason,only a few families exists. There is presence of these families at vemulawada, Warangal and Khammam
.Bheri komati people have migrated enmasse to tamilnadu, may be after bobbili war. •

Beerpur: This is the name of the village in which this family lived before migrating.
  
Bashetty : there are Bashetty families in yellapus. It may be corrupt form of Basa shetty. They would have sold materials to Basa families.Basa families would have to taken oath during the preparation for war.That might required the material for those families. What the Bashetty families supplies are not known. One sure fact is that principle occupation of the Bashetty families is Business.

• Balasankula: This word is also related to war. The word of samarama may be missing in it. Bala means child and sankula means intense. This people may be famous for fighting the intense wars even during the childhood.It is quite common in the Rajasthan, in kshatriya tribes.


• Bonagiri: This is the name of the fort town in the district of Nalgonda in Telangana, where these people lived after migration from Bobbili and before migrating to Karimnagar district. The origin of these people is certainly in the neighborhood of Delhi, as the Gotra is Kashyapa.The origin of these gotra people is believed to be went to  Russia and came back, as many kasyapovs,kaspovs,kasparovs (Russian forms of kashyapa) exists there. Kashyapa may be the root word for the Kasparov.Recently, I have studied that the caspian sea has got the name from kashyapa sagara.

  These people migrated to Nagunur and Buggaram from Bhongir.Later one Branch migrated to Khanapur in Adilabad district.
   During the famine period,many other caste people were migrated to other districts and other parts of Nalgonda district.I observed many Vyshya caste people and scheduled castes people migrated in other places,especially to suryapet ,upkeeping the Bonagiri as surname.We can find a street on the name of Bonagiri families of vyshya community in suryapet.

• Bongaram: It is a top in english. These families may be manufacturers or sellers of these tops. It may be a strategic arrangement of army, while fighting the enemies, in which these families would have worked.This is also name of a village in vishakapatnam district, possibly denoting the presence of these families there. After the Bobbili war these people would have rushed to the forest and interior areas of vizag district.

• Bonthla: It is a textile, especially stitched it to make it thick and used as carpet by the people. These people may be in the manufacturing of Bonthalu or sales of them.These people stayed at venkatapuram near sircilla.There is a village called Bonthala in the chandrapur tehsil in maharastra, which is in the migratory route of yellapus. 


• Bethi: This is a famous surname in the district of Warangal in different castes. It is related to the orugallu dynasty. These families would have related to betharaju or atleast worked under him. It reveals that yellapus were present during the period of Betharaju in Telangana.They are staying in manakondur.

• Chadala:It may be on the name of the a region called chad. The lakkora ghadi was ruled by these families.

• Chanda: I feel it is a name of a town in the Maharastra, in the borders of Telangana, where these people would have lived before migrating to Telangana.The Delhi rulers entered into the  kakatiya dynasty during the war from this route only.  

• Chataraju: These people are certainly rulers of chat or chata region. There is one village in the Lathur district in Maharastra by name Chata.This is close to the living area of Yellapus in Maharastra.There are many chatrajpally villages on the name of these families including one in warangal district near keshavapuram.The other one is near vemulawada in Karimnagar district.

•Chennala:The surname chennala may be denotes people relating to chenna ,a village or a great person of the family.The earlier is most probable,as there is no connotation of individuals in yellapu families. In that case the place lived is none other than chennai or chennapattana .It is also substantiated by my view that other surnames are also existing on the name of tamil words. Also there are substantial proofs that many yellapus went to tamilnadu and cameback during the Vijayanagara period.

• Cherukuthota: It reveals the agriculture activity of these families, predominantly during their presence in Vidharba region, which is famous for sugarcane cultivation.

• Chetti: It is a usual word denoting business community in Tamil and coastal region. It reveals connection to this above region and business community. One Chettikulam village is existing near Avaraikulam.There is one shettipally in Khammam district on the migratory route of yellapus. It was informed to me that these people were present in Bonagiri fort also. There are many families in Rajura and Khammam town.

• Chintharapu: It is a name of a village where these family members lived. The tamarind trees might be plenty in that village, with which it got this name.

• Chintapandu: It means Tamarind.It is a famous family name in the agricultural castes. These families would have involved in the production and sales of tamarind in olden days.They may have related to chintharapu families.These people are large in number in surjapur village in khanapur mandal of Adilabad district.

Chirumalla(shermalla): It is a Hindhi word, which means a wrestler like lion.It reveals their large body structure. After entering in to telugu language it may become chirumalla ,as they have slowly stopped wrestling.One other fact reveals that wrestling was one of the profession of the Yellapus. What is the relation of these families with Viramalla families is to be ascertained. There are epigraphical evidences about malla families.There are many villages on the name of malla families throughout the India.

• Dhadi: This is a famous family name in telangana areas. These people may be related to the grand parents, where more number of other people was present. It is a Hindi word and reveals the North Indian connection of Yellapus.In case of loss of bread winner during the war, it is quite common to the siblings of died person to stay in relatives families. When they are related to Grand parents ,they are denoted by Dadi.It is a appreciable act of   kindness.There are many Dadi villages on the name of these families.In kapus it is changes as dade.In gavaras it might be changed as Dadi(attack in english), due to their attacking nature. We can find the surnames of puppala,Kuthuru,Akkala,kodalu,etc. in warrior communities in Telugu states.

• Gujjeti: These families may be related to the gujjers, the nomadic inhabitants of Rajastan and kashmir.It is one of the names of the clans of the Gujjers.It clearly reveals the connection of Gujjers,Rajasthan and Gurjara- Pratihara dynasty of Yellapus.Gujja is also a village name near yellagiri and chautuppal , which were part of Rachakonda dynasty.this may indicate these family presence in that area.

• Gadapa: It is a corrupt form of Kadapa and it reveals the connection of Yellapus to Rayalaseema region.After leaving from Warangal and Rachakonda, they might stayed at this place during Vijayanagara.

• Gandhe: Gandhi is the corrupt form of Gandhe , which means a sandalwood perfume. It reveals the connection of western India of yellapus. It is very famous surname in the Maharastra and Gujarath.These people would also involved in the business of perfumes in olden days.These people maintained their forts at places near Jagityal. There are also some hills on the name of these family called gandhewar guttalu.but,erroneously and popularly known as gandhari guttalu.

• Gandla: It means one who had Ganugu, (oil making machine of olden days). These families would have extracted the oil out of agricultural products.It is also a caste name in the telangana area.But ,their number is dwindling.

• Ganta: The meaning of this word is bell. These families may be at village bell. This bell is usually kept at the center of village or on the starting point to alert the people for many purposes including the safety/invasions alert. There use to be soldiers near the bell.These people have large body structures.These people are present at ibrahimpatnam and later one branch settled at khanapur.

• Gargula and Garige: It is a corrupt form of Garg,a famous saint, which is the famous family name in north India. It is also a famous gotra throughout the India. It reveals the North Indian connection of Yellapus. It is also a famous surname in the Europe. They are present at Rajura.

• Jampala: It is also a famous family name in the district of Warangal. It reveals the connection of yellapus to Warangal district, especially relating to kakatiya period.It is also related to sammakka and sarakka story as Jampanna was son of sammakka, who died in the battle with kakatiyas. 

• Jangeti: It is a name of a village near meerut in U.P., which is famous for stiching of footballs and exported to Europe,etc. It may reveal their relation with U.P. It is exactly matching with the place of living of Yellapus near Delhi, before migrating to other places.It is observed that some jangita families has been living in Rajapet in Nalgonda district.

• Jangili: The meaning of the word is forest. This surname is got on getting donation of sanath-e- jangil lands from nizam. But, it is misunderstood by many people, leading to change of their surname. These people are present in Bhutpur near Kaddam and near parkal in Warangal district.The gotra of Bhutpur village is Vasista.Their surname is also Jangal. The gotra of parkal people is Velagadapa.

•Katta: It means bund of a water body. They may be doing the agricultural operation near this place. Hence,  got this surname.

• Kailasa: Meaning of the word is abode of lord shiva. These families would have live in the kailas area or area developed on that area. It reveals the connection of yellapus to shaivism and North India.

• Kandunuri:It may be name of a village, where these families were lived.

• Kaluvala:It means lotus. It is a famous surname among the Telangana area. It may be a strategy of a war, like padmavyuha.It is also possible that these people might have harvested lotuses in the water bodies existing in their fields or intentionally they sold these flowers for the purpose of worship. Exact location of cultivation is not traceable. It is also a famous clan spread through out India and pakistan. In the midieval period this warrior tribe was in central India.It assists to assume that Yellapus reached there by that time. There are many villages existing on the name of this surname.This surname is found in the other kshatriya castes like Niyogis. Their gotras are pulastya and kaundinyasa.(Read Blog "story as told by kavaluvala karunakar Rao" for more information)

• Kondu:It is a corrupt form of konda, which means hill. These families would have lived on or near hill or worked on hill fort like Bonagiri, etc.

• Karnavattula:It is also a famous surname. It may be related to karna, a rajput king of medieval period.It is also possible that they are of Karnavati  town of Gujarat. They may Joined Yellapus in Maharastra or went there and comeback.The later may be most appropriate.It is also name of a caste belongs to B.C.community.

• Korukanti:It may be corrupt form of orugnti, which is capital of kakatiyas.Similar corruption of word oruganti to goruganti has took place in velamas also.It confirms the living of Yellapus in kakatiyan capital.

• Kosna: It may be related to kosi river or a Telugu word kosina, which means which cut. It is also interested to find that Kosna is a city in Bialistock, poland.There is one other Kosna is in Sisak-Moslavina, Croatia.If we believe that they upkeeped their foriegn name upon a city name, the roots of yellapus widens to Poland,croatia and russia, etc., who possibly migrated to the India in ancient period. The later is most probable,as after entering in to Telugu language ,it expands.If my imagination is the correct then these people are the up keepers of their oldest surname on the name of a town.In Nalgonda district this has corrupted to kosnam in reddy families.Also there is one village by name kosna in Rajasthan is existing, possibly on the name of these families. These families ruled the mulangur fort for some time durng the Nizam period.

• Kola: It is a name of a peninsula located in the northwest of Russia. It borders on Norway, Finland, the Barentsz sea and the White sea (Belo more).It is also name of a nut. It is also a medicinal herb name. This family would have derived on any of the names.It is also a famous surnames among other castes.
• Koppula: This word is related to hair. These families would have grown the long hair and tied it. It is usually a north Indian custom. Otherwise, these people would have tradition of cutting the tied hairs of the enemies after winning the war to humiliate the enemies, similar to the tradition prevailing during the Mahabharata period. This is famous surname in Nalgonda and Khammam districts in other castes also.

• Kotte: The meaning of this word is shop or business place. It is corrupt form of kottai, a Tamil word entered into Telugu. It reveals the business connection of these families. The other meaning of this word is one who beat in Telugu. These families would have beaten the people as a part of profession or part of teasing. This is a nomadic tradition, which might have continued till the migration to Telugu areas.This surname is also existing in Nirmal in kapus.one interesting fact is that one ayurvedic plant is existing on this family name called kottai in annamalai hills in koiambatore district of tamilnadu.

• Katakam: It is a famous surname in Andhra Pradesh. Katakam was the erstwhile capital of kalinga dynasty. Presently, it is known as cuttack and part of odisha state. It reveals the presence of yellapus in the state of kalinga. During the war against the prataparudra Gajapati, srikrishnadevaraya has taken his loyal and able army and defeated him. Later a compromise was made between both of them by a marital relation. But krishnadeva has left his army at cuttacum. Subsequently, these families were re-migrated to a.p. and present telangana state.It is also famous surname in Vyshyas also.

• Kamatam: This surname is also famous in the agricultural communities in erstwhile ia.p. Its exact meaning is Land. These families would have involved in the agricultural operations for the first time in the caste, leaving the natural profession of soldiers.

• Koodala:it is a corrupt form of koodali, which means an adjoining point of more than two roads. Usually there was presence of soldiers at X- roads in olden days. These people may be the soldiers working in such area or lived in such a place. The first one would be most probable as the large chunk of people (koodala) cannot stay at single koodali. There is one village by name koodali near suryapet,which is also connecting many villages.The name might be derived on this village name also. The later may be more appropriate.
In the recent past it was found that yellapus worked under kalyani chalukyas. As a part of that they would have worked at koodali sangameshwar and got this name.
• Lakkakula: Usually foreigners pronounce the Lakh as lakka.Even in Hindhi also lak maeans lakh. It means one lakh leaves.It reveals that these families maintained relations with other countries during their stay in bordering states. These people would have imported these leaves from else where or performed the pujas with these leaves, in similarity with Laksha Bilvarchana.

 • Lakkam: These people would have counted the Lakh leaves. They may be worked under the Lakkakulas or vice verca.

• Madapally: It is name of the village on the coast.one madapally is located in the kerala state in kottayam district.It is also a village near Madhira in Khammam district.The second may be the most probable living place of these families, as it is in the migratory route of yellapus.

• Madapathi: It is a famous surname in Krishna district. It may be the corrupt form of mada-pathi, which means owner of the land on the coast. It may be also a corrupt form of Medhopati, which means an intelligent king and its related. But the surname of madapally and madapathi suggests that the first view of land owner on the coast is the appropriate. The families of madapally would have also worked or lived under the Madapathis.

• Madasu: It may be corrupt form of Mahadas, an odiyan word in Telugu, which is derived from Sanskrit.It means great Servant. It again reveals the migration of yellapus to kalingan area and their remigration to a.p. These families would have worked as chief servants of king during their stay at kalinga.

• Malka: It is a kind of a pulse. These people might have involved in the production or selling of this pulse. It reveals the connection of Yellapus to either business or agriculture.There are many malkapur villages existing on the name of these families.On the entry point of Rachakonda, one malkapur village is existing near yellagiri, possibly on the name of these families.

• Maidam: Maidam means a vault in assamese language. It is a grave yard of Ahoms.Many maidams were unearthed in dibrugarh district of assam.But we have to doubt whether yellapus have relations with assam state.

• Mekala: It means persons relating to goats.The activity of upkeeping the goats are prime activity in Maharastra and North India. These families would have taken up rearing of goats, during nomadic or in helpless condition.It has also got the meaning of excellent art in tamil.They may be excelled in some art during that period.Mek Both of these activities are possible.

• Muppala: It is a famous surname in coastal area of a.p.It relates to a telugu word,which means danger. It reveals the presence of yellapus in coastal areas of a.p.These people may be devastating fighters,whom other people felt in such way.There is village on this name in Krishna district.

• Namani: It is a Sanskrit word and related to name and having the multiple meanings. It is a very famous surname in India and European countries.

• Naradasu: It is a corrupt form of Narahdas, again an odiya word derived from Sanskrit. It means servant of king. It reveals the connection of yellapus to the to kalinga area. These families may be the personal servants of the king.It reveals that conditions are deteriorating for these people during the peaceful times in kalinga. These people might had worked under Mahadas families.

In the Oriya Mahabharata, Adikavi Sarala Das has described the three deities - Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath as the embodiments of Nara, Bramha and Hari respectively.( Source: http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/12-06/features507.htm). This reveals that these may be worshipped or served Balarama during their stay at odisha.

• Nanvala: It is a Tamil word .It reveals the Tamil connection of yellapus. It also seems like an Italian name and Sanskrit name.

• Onna: It means one in Tamil. It reveals the Tamil connection of Yellapus. This confirms the migration to Tamil lands during the period of Krishnadevaraya and come back to a.p.later.

• Pagadala: Pagadam is one of the nine precious stones. These families would have in the business of this stone, while their stay in the coastal areas. It may be also a name of a regiment in which these families would have worked.

• Padala: It is very famous surname in telangana districts among the other castes. Padala is a word from the Tagalog language which means "consignment" or "the thing consigned". The word also has become a cultural concept, a tradition and a state of mind of Filipinos leaving their native country to work in foreign lands as Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) in order to "send something" back home. These workers send things to their families back home in the form of padala; either money or material goods utilizing balikbayan boxes. Padala has developed into a way of life that is actually an increasingly extensive network of formal and informal money remitters or cargo forwarders that comprise the padala system.

• palle: It means a tiny village in Telugu, where these families would have resided abutting to town, where yellapus were predominant. The town people might have said and recognized them as palle varu,etc.In the recent times also, the core village people of surjapur recognize the abutting newly formed colonly as palle, where other yellapus live along with others.

• Paruvelly:It is name of a village, where these people would have resided. It is a corrupt form of parupalli. It is in the Rajapet mandal of Bhongir Revenue division of Nalgonda district.It is a famous surname in Nalgonda and Khammam  districts. Here we can now also find some surnames related to yellapu families ,as they would have worked under yellapus.

• PerisingalaPerisingala is surname relating to lion denoting the bravery of these families.The word singam is a vikruthi of simham.The word peri is a corrupt form of per, a dravidian term , which is converted in to telugu as pedda.If my assumption is correct, the exact meaning is a big lion.it also reveals these families relation to tamil lands.If my assumption is correct, both perisingala and chennala families are close relatives.

• Puram:It is a Sanskrit word , which means a town. These people would have worked in the town. They may be called as puram varu ,etc, by the rural area people. The two surnames palle and puram explains the living relationship between these families and disparities. nmbjkThere is one puram village in anathapur district.it indicates the presence of these families in Rayalaseema area, possibly during the vijayanagara times.

• Puramshetti:It means the shetti(businessman of North India) living in Puram(town).This reveals that certain Yellapus living in the town were taken up the business, by leaving the traditional profession. Certainty is that these people are richer and intelligent than the other puram people.

• Pedda:It means Big or Great. These people might be enjoyed great power and wold have treated as great among the caste. Or they may be elder in the age.In the recent time also elder son and their children of our grand father is known by rest of other people as peddollu.It is quite common where large number of people are living at one place.

• Penchala: Penchala is a name of a village in the karauli district of Rajasthan,where most of the Gujjers live.It reveals the connection of yellapus to Rajastan and Gujjers. It also supports that some families among the yellapus are from Gujjers,as the surname of Gujjeti also relates to Gujjers only.The word penu shila, a big stone hill has also become penchala in telugu.But earlier may appropriate as the Yellapus are migrated from these areas.Their original home town is nagunuru and some people settled at other places.

• Perkari: This may be related to the perka, which may be a village in Maharastra or north India.

• Puppala: The root word may be puppa, which means uncle in Hindi. This may be because of their living in uncle’s home due to unavoidable circumstances. This is quite common in warrior tribes to live with other relatives, when they loose their bread winner. This also reveals their north Indian connection. We can also fnd the surnames of Akkala,Kodali,Kuthuru surnames in other warrior communities.

• Ramneni:This word reveals the two aspects of yellapus. One, relation of them to Lord Rama and U.P. second, their amalgamation into the Andhra castes by having Neni as suffix, which is usual in south coastal districts, especially in kammas and velamas, who are definitely worked as senani under kakatiyas,etc .It is a famous surnames in khammam and Nalgonda also. Rudraram Gadi in Karimnagar district is ruled by these families during the nizam period. They made a lot of donations to the people and did benevolent activities.

• Rachakonda: It is a famous fort capital of Rachakonda velamas in the district of Nalgonda of a.p. state, where these families would have worked. these people have worked during the period of velamas after downfall of kakatiya dynasty and before migrating to the vijayanagara by the time of 16th century only. There are villiages on the names of yellapu families on the starting point of dynasty area, namely malkapur, Gujja, yellagiri.It clearly indicates that yellapu people worked here. It is a famous surname among many castes.

• Ramshetti: This also reveals the connection of Yellapus to the Lord Rama, U.P.or Rajasthan and to business.These people are also known for their brevary at bandala lingapur. These people are present in khammam district also.

• Rapole: This is a corrupt form of Rayaprolu, which is a title given to the leaders of the soldiers during the period of Vijayanagara dynasty. Certainly these people would have enjoyed very good position during that period. It is a famous surname in coastal areas. The corruption of word would have taken place in Nalgonda district, as one famous historical temple in Suryapet town has same pronunciation. It clarifies that yellapus are migrated from North coastal area to Nalgonda.There are many villages in A.P. with this surname.

• Saini:It may be the corrupt form of sahni, which is a title of a leader of soldiers of certain level in the Maratha kingdom. The presence of saini families in Nagpur town supports this view.It reveals the marathi connection of yellapus and supports the view that before migrating to a.p., they were in Maharastra. Most of the saini families led their life in the borders of Maharastra in the recent past. we can also trace many Saini villages in India, possibly on the name of these tribe, one incudes in Meerut district, where yellapus lived in ancient period near Delhi.

Saini is a Rajput descent warrior caste of India. Sainis, also known as Shoorsaini in Puranic literature, are now found by their original name only in Punjab and in the neighboring states of Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. They trace their descent from Rajputs of the Yaduvanshi Surasena lineage, originating from Yadava King Shurasena, who was the grandfather of both Krishna and the legendary Pandava warriors. Sainis relocated to Punjab from Mathura and surrounding areas over different periods of time.

• Salvaji: It is pronounced as salvaji or salvadi.Salva means Army in Hindhi.It is a famous term in the central Indian region. Salvaji is a complete Hindi term, which means the respectable person relating to Army. It has a corrupt form in Telugu in the form of Salvadi, which means the army staff staying in the front line. Mostly, the brave people were kept in the front line to fight with enemies. This term mostly supports the term yellapus , which means (ela+ apu), one who stops the first flow of enemy soldiers standing in their army.There is one Idol of Veera of these families at elagandula fort.
It is a famous surname in Nalgonda district in other castes also.in the recent past yellapu elders are relating this surname to saluva dynasty of vijayanagara period.It is  also corrupted to chalvadi in yellapu families. Salva is also one of the famous ancient tribe of 6th century b.c.There are many villages are existing on the name of Salva in north India.

• Shetti: It means a business man. I feel that some inconvenient prefix is definitely missing. It may be because of their in-depth involvement in their business or with local community.It is famous surname in Khammam district also.There are many villages on the name of these families,namely one in khammam district(shettypally) and other in tamilnadu in tirunalvelvi district( Chettikulam)
Sriramshetty : it may  have some relation to ramshetty.It is famous surname in Nalgonda and Nirmal.It reveals two aspects like ramshetty.

• Sunkara:It is also a famous surname in many castes. It means a subordinate working under an officer, especially under revenue administrator. It is a famous surname in Nalgonda district. Hence, this surname may be obtained in Nalgonda , during their stay.

• Sunki:This term is related to tax(sunkam). These families would have collected or levied tax from/on the people either for kings or to pay to kings. The surnames of sunkara and sunki may be related and the sunkaras might have assisted the sunkis during their revenue collection process. There is one village by name sunkishala near valigonda in Revenue division of Bhongir.Thus, these people might got this name during their stay at nalgonda district. It also reveals the fact that some yellapus were working as officers under the kings.

Telu: Thelu means scorpion. There is possibility of a war strategy. But, there is also possibility of Thel , which means oil, may be corrupted to thelu. There are Gandla families are there. Hence, selling families of oil is also possible.

• Thoom: It means a water passage from a tank or stream. It is related to agriculture. The lands of these people may be near this place. This reveals the connection of yellapus to agriculture.

• Thota: It is also an agricultural term which means garden. It is also a famous surname amongst the agricultural communities. This surname reveals shift of occupation or amalgamation of other castes in A.p. into core yellapus.

• Tula:.In elgandula fort these people were officers to carry out the weighing of the grain of kingdom. Hence, this may be derived from the job.there are many tula family members with different gotras suggest  that it is a profession beyond any doubt. It also reveals the fact that some yellapus were working as officers under the kings. These people got lands for their sevices to Nizam.


• Veeramalla: Veera means brave and malla means wrestler. It means a brave wrestler. The large body structure of these family members supports that they were worked as wrestlers in olden days, which was a famous sport during the days of kings.malla is also a famous ancient tribe during pre-mauryan period and also mentioned by buddhist texts.As per the story told by somadevaraju, it is the title given by prataparudra-2 to somadevaraju , a sainyadhikari of kakatiyas, who repulsed the attack of Delhi sulthans.

• Veerla: This means the person of brave family, usually worked in the army in ancient days. These family members also have large structures.

• Velmula:It is a name of a village in Medhak district in Ramachandrapuram Block. These people may be resided in this village.This may be during the kalyani chalukya period.

• Velpula: This means God or Goddess. These families might be priests among this yellapus, especially at the time of war. They would have invoked the God to make their army regiment psychologically stronger and make them enthusiastic. Such sacred practices were present also amongst velamas.To save the Hindhu religion from the onslaught of other religions ,certain priest classes are created in many castes including yellapus in Nalgonda District and other districts also.

• Vodnala:It is a famous surname in Telangana area. It is a corrupt telugu word originated out of voddanam or vaddana, which means a belt made of silver or gold worn to the waist by women of rich class and to serve food respectively .Both the things reveals their grandeur but the first one is more probable. This may come due to wearing of this of this ornament by most of their family members. There is also possibility that these people would have involved in the business of this ornament. However, it is a famous surname in telangana area.

Vugrala: This means the persons of angry nature. These families might be very ferocious at the time of war, etc. This is the nature of most of the yellapus.

• Vulise:It may be a kannada word. It is a famous surname in A.P.

 

                       

Categorization of surnames

The surnames of the Yellapus can be categorized in to different categories, such as places, occupations, relations, titles, castes, material, etc. It is done in order to fine tuning the analysis done earlier. It also gives the clear picture of which family belongs to which category. It is also pertinent to observe that some people are belongs to more than one category. They are either enumerated in two categories or intentionally kept only in one category.
·     
                                            Places
General- Puramshetti,Puram, palle, Kondu, Katta, Jangili, Ganta,

Erst while Andhra Pradesh- Beerpur, Bonagiri, Chintharapu, Gadapa, Kandunuri,koodala ,Korukanti, Muppala, Madapally, Paruvelly ,Rachakonda,Velmula, Vurugonda

Maharastra- Perkari, Chanda,

North India-, Jangeti, Kailasa, Chadala

Orissa: Katakam,

Foreign- Kola, Kosna

Tamilnadu- Onna,chennala,

Rajasthan-Penchala
·                                                                             
                                                              Occupations


Military- Vugrala, Veerla, Salvaji, Koppula, Kaluvala, Balasankula, Basa, Anabheri, Adi, Muppala.,

 Agriculture- Akula, Thoom,Thota, Mekala, Madapathi, Kamatam, Katta, Cherukuthota,

Priests- Velpula,

Business-, Shetti, Sriramshetty,Ramshetti, Puramshetti, Lakkam, Kotte, Gandla, Gandhe, Chetti, Bairushetty,Akula.,Lakkakula

Jobs-  Tula,Sunkara, Naradasu,Sunki, Madasu,
                                       
                                              God &Saints
                               
                                Ramshetti, Ramneni, Gargula and Garige
                                
                                       Relations
                                                                                   
                                    Puppala,Pedda, Dadi, 
                                                                                    
                                         Titles&Kings/Vassals

·         Akireddy,Rapole, Chataraju, Aparaju, Karnavattula, Madapathi, Bethi, Jampala, Veeramalla.·      Pirisingula

                                                                                    
                                                    Castes&Tribes

·         Shetti,Saini, Gujjeti, , Avari ,Yellapu, Velmula

                                                           
                                              Family head
                                                Bethi,Jampala
                                    
                                        Material
Pagadala, Maidam, Malka, Kaluvala, Chintapandu, Bonthla, Bongaram,Akula, Anabheri, Arakala, Gandhe, Kola
                                Miscellaneous

·        
Aindla,Padala,Vodnala,Vulise,Nanvala,Namani, , Aregala, Mekala, , Padala, Vogeti

·          

·          

How surnames are formed?

Most of the surnames are based on the name of their villages or town inhabited by their family.For instance bonagiri,Rachakonda,mellacheruvu,nalgonda,mothkuru,etc can be observed as surnames in the nalgonda and other district also.Also,srirangam, madhurai, tanjore,Mysore,etc. can be also observed as surnames in other states.In the broader aspect,when the town or village is not famous,the name of the state would be surname.we can observe the surname of Karnataka,kerala,malayala,pondicherry,etc.among some castes in telangana area.When the attachment is more,on second or third migration also,the surname remains the same.

In some cases the name of the town or village corrupts.For instance,the Hanumakonda changes to Anumakonda and Orugallu changes to Oruganti in Vyshyas,indcating that they are from orugallu.Also goruganti in velamas.

In some cases the village names ends with " ti " in the surname.for instance, the surnames related to kodada, nakrekal, bommakal changes in vyshyas and other castes to kodati, nakrekanti, bommakanti respectively.

Most of the people think that their surnames is matching with other caste people surname.In case of village name and town name,same surname exists in many castes.For instance,Bonagiri surname exsists in Vyshya, Kapu, yellapu,scheduled castes in many districts and Rajaka in Khammam.

Surnames are also based on the name of the tribe or gotra or their rushi ,etc.The tribe names of Kaluvala,gurjara, sainis, jats,etc. can be seen in many castes in andhraprasesh.they are thoroughly merged in different castes.

In olden days caste system was not so rigid.In many occassions, enmass amalgamation of castes were allowed.We can observe the surname of yellapu in Gavara caste,Surname of Gavara in Velamas,Koya surname in Kapus.

Surname can be formed on the name of reformers.We can observe surname Basava in Kapus. We can observe the surname of Buddha among sheduled  castes.


Surnames are also based on the profession carried by the families.For instance,the Gandla families used to extract the oil through ganugu.Hence,we find gandla and gangula as surnames in many castes.Many Malla families can be observed in many castes in Andhrapradesh.We can also observe the suffix "Neni" among the kammas and velamas, as they worked as senanis during the Kakatiya period in coastal area.Avula,Mekala,Edla,Gedala families can be observed in the agricultural based castes.

in the agricultural castes, we can observe the surnames on the basis of the produced products such as Avala,makkala,malka,dhanyala (in kapus).

we can also observe the surnames related to battle ground and its modalities or material or resource in warrior communities.they as such as Gurram, Bheri( Bhairu in telangana),Katari,Ballem,salvaji or Salvadi,Banalaveerla,Hazari,turaga,etc.Dandu surname can be observed in mudiraj community indicating that they were warriors earlier.

The officers worked for the kingdom and in its offices have retained their job name as their surname.They are Reddy,deshmukh,Deshpandey,adapa,prathani,bhatt,manthri,daluvai,etc.

Surnames are also based on the titles,awards,etc.The title of Nimishakavi, Rayaprolu,apararaju can be observed among upper caste communities.

Surnames are also based on the migrational pattern.Generally,the Yadavas used to migrate to some areas for the food of their animals and comeback to their original place.Their surnames consists the word Boina as suffix and the prefix is their place of migration.Aithaboina,edaboina,etc.are the surnames among the yadavas of Telangana area.

Surnames are also based on the name of the elder of the family.Especially it is prevalent in the Gaundla or Gauds( toddy tappers community).In olden days, joint family system was prevalent in Gauds.The whole family was dependent on sale of kallu( toddy). In order to simplify remembering all the family members were called on the name of family elder.For instance, one Gopagoud is the elder of goud family in our village. the family members are called by village elders as" Gopagoudgani " family members. In short the surnames is crystallysed as "Gopagani".Sudhagani,Naragoni,Ramagani , sheshagani and somagani are such surnames having "Gani" as suffix in surnames exists in the Gouds in telangana areas.unfortunate,but such uttering is due to lack of dignity of labour.we can correct the inhuman thing by changing it to gopagari, sudhagari, ramagari, naragari, sheshagari, etc.

Similarly,this can be observed in the upper classes on the names of the family establisher or great person or achiever.They are Recherla, Bethi, Gundam,Pratapani,Prola,etc.are existing in many castes in telangana area on the names of Kakatiya kings.There are many surnames starting with Lord Rama, Seetha, ganga and Laxmi in many castes.

Surnames are also based on the material they sold.we can observe the surnames of Akula,chinthapandu,pagadam,Ratnam,nune, etc.in many castes.

Surnames are also based on the place of their living or occupation.We can observe the surnames of katta,cheruvu, palle,puram,kota, kalva,etc. in many castes in telangana area.

Surnames are also based on the name of relative on who's side he is taking shelter at some place.In olden days, many family members use to be lost in wars and calamities.In such case ,they use to get shelter at their relatives.They are recognised by their relation.Some surnames such as Puppala, Dadi,etc.are existing in many castes.we also observe the names of Gods as surname.in kapus, we can observe Murari and Narahari as surnames .the surnames are also found on the size and prestiege of the family.in kapus, we can observe the surnames of peddinti and pinninti in them.we can also find some common suffixes such as Routhu (owner of horse or rider of horse), shetty (business men) and Reddy (one of the 12 village heads men in kapus, indicating them as professions.also we can observe some surnames in kapus with multiple gotras such as puppala, rayani, shetty, veera, etc.it either reveals the profession or dependency.

Surnames are also based on the entry time of them in to that perticular village or doing a new thing.Hence,we can observe the surnames of kotha,patha,adi,etc.can be observed in many castes.

Surnames are also based on the dance forms.perni surname is seen in warangal district. The jakkula surname is seen in rajaka cmmunity in khammam district.Also haridasula surname can be observed in Kapus.


Surnames are also based on the time also.we can find cheekati among kapus and velgu among other castes.

Surnames are also based on the basis of the migrants native language.we can find the kannada word Dodda among the kapus, also tamil word onna, kottai can be also found among kapus.

We can also observe the surnames on the names of flowers.in kapus we can observe modugu, mogali, mogali puvvu, molabanti, etc. As surnames.it may due to production or collection and selling of these flowers.

It can be also observed in maharastra and maharastra based people that their surname consists of "kar"as suffix.For instance maisekar, pardikar, nandedkar, mumbaikar, punekar, etc.

We can also observe the surnames consists of "wala" as suffix.  For  instance punewala and Mumbaiwala, etc.




Some russian names remind the Indian origin of them.Damantheva reminds us about the Damayanthi and king Nala story.

The Kashyapa Rishi has reminded from the names of kashyapov, kaspov, kasparov, etc.Similarly the caspian sea, which is largest lake on this earth is on the name of Kashyapa and earlier denoted by the Indians as Kashyapa sagara.
We also find the name Agniya, which means pure may be related to Agni, fire God,
Nikitha is a russian name, which means unconquered has similar meaning of victorious in Indian languages.

Roza has meaning of Red in Russian. In the the colour of Rose flower is usually Red.
We can find the name of Shura in Russian, which means defender of mankind.In indian languages, it has same meaning such as defender, brave, etc.

SURNAMES

Coming to the surnames of the Russians, they have the similarities with Indian surnames in the formation.
Russian surnames formed on the names of the sects/tribes.The Avery family is on of the famous families in the central Asia. The formation of surname on these family took place in Russia as Averin and Averyanov.In the Indian context they are Avery , Avarai, Avarineni, etc.

Russian surnames are also formed on the basis of a region or state.we can find surname Belorusov on the name of  Belorus(Presently a country).It can be also observed that Romanov is the surname formed on the name of Romania country.It is also name of the dynasty in Russia. India we can find the surnames such as dakshinadi, kalinga, avanthi, etc.

It is observed that Slavasky is the surname on slav ethno-linguistic group.we can find surnames of telang, odra ethno-linguistic groups in India also.Yaroslavasky and yaroslavatsev are two slav surname variations  in Russian surnames.

It is observed that one surname on the barentz sea is Barentsev, possibily for living on the banks of barentz. We can also find the surnames of samudrala in some castes in India.

it is observed that Uralets surname is formed on the name of Ural mountains.
Astonishingly, it is observed that one surname urbanovasky is formed on urban area (of living).


Russian surnames are also formed on the names of the cities.Vinogradov , Vinokurov are such names formed on the name of vinograd.we can observe

Russian surnames are formed on the famous person of their family. Abdulov, abramov, Abramovich, simonov, Umanov, filipov, Ivanov, yusufov, Yukubov, etc.can be find in Russian surnames.
In Indian context also , we can find surnames on the names of family heads like garg, kashinathuni, gopagani, etc.

Russian surname Benedictov is formed on the name of a religious leader Benedict.In India we can find surnames of Buddha, etc.

Russian surnames Zarkov, Zarkhin are formed on the name of their king before the Russian Revolution.

Russian surname polzin is a occupational name.It is a designating a merchant, who engaged in transactions for profit in Russia.In india , we find  the surnames of shetty and surnames on guild name.
Russian surname Kuzents means Blacksmith. It clarify that these surnames are formed on the occupation name.We can find surname of Gandla (oil extracting community), Chamar (skin extraction) in India.
In Russian surnames, it can be observed that Siyan ,which means defender (protector) has many number of variations such as Siyan, Siyangulov, Siyanin, Siyanitsa, Siyankin, Siyanko,Siyankov, Siyankovasky, Siyanov, Siyanovich, Siyanosov, Siyansky, Siyankikh, Siyanstev, Siyanchuk.

Thus, it is very clear that Indian surnames and Russian surnames are similar on formation.