History:

The surname Rao is predominantly found in India, especially among various communities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Its roots trace back to the Sanskrit term "Raja," meaning king or ruler, often associated with nobility. The spread of this surname links to historical migrations due to trade, conquest, and colonial influences. As people moved for economic opportunities or during political upheavals, the Rao surname expanded beyond its original regions. Additionally, the integration of communities through intermarriages and social mobility facilitated the adoption of this surname, embedding it into diverse cultural landscapes across India.

The Kuldevtas associated with this surname are Shri Durga Devi and Shri Venugopala Swamy.

Description:

The surname Rao is primarily associated with various communities across India, especially within the Telugu-speaking populations of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is common among Kshatriyas, who were historically warrior clans, and among certain sections of the Brahmin and Vaishya communities. In Maharashtra, this surname is linked to the Maratha caste. The title "Rao" often denotes a position of respect and can indicate landholding or leadership roles within these communities. Additionally, this surname appears among some Rajput clans, reflecting regional variations in Indian social structures.

The surname Rao is primarily associated with India and is common among various communities, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. People with this surname commonly speak languages such as Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Hindi. It is linked to the Kshatriya or warrior class, and in some regions, it serves as an honorific title. The name has deep historical roots and is often found among those in the Brahmin community as well. Overall, Rao reflects a rich cultural heritage intertwined with regional linguistic diversity.

Here are few notable Indian personalities with the surname and their professions: Narasimha Rao - 9th Prime Minister of India
N. Rama Rao - Film personality, former Chief Minister
Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao - Chief Minister of Telangana
Rajkummar Rao - Indian film actor
Ayyagari Sambasiva Rao - Indian scientist
Udupi Ramachandra Rao - Indian space scientist
Akkineni Nageswara Rao - Telugu film actor
Dileep Rao - American actor
Amrita Rao - Indian film actress
Gitanjali Rao - Scientist, high achiever.

Here are three Indian variations or alternate spellings related to the surname "Rao" in last names:
Raao , Raw , Row
These variations highlight the use of "Rao" in different contexts and by influential individuals in Indian history and politics.