Nayyar is a surname from the region of Punjab. The people who bear the name are Khatris belonging to the Sareen sub-group. The surname Nayyar drives basic origin from Kunjah in Gujrat District of Western Punjab (Now Pakistan) abutting to River Chenab area. A large number of Nayyars come from the Jalandhar District (a large number of them still live in Nurmahal in a region named Nijjaran Mohalla, and Ludhiana and Dasuya ( Distt Hoshiarpur)of Eastern Punjab. " The "JATHERE" of Nayyar's is situated at cheema road, Noormahal also known as sati Mata Mandir. Nayyars can also be Kshatriyas. Late Captain Anuj Nayar fought for India and is a war hero who will always be remembered.
Village historians say that Nayyars were originally Nijjars and Khatri Nijjar's changed their name to "Nayyar" under the suggestion of the British to distinguish themselves from Jatt Nijjars.
Nayyars have been, throughout history regarded as the upper caste and descendants of the Punjabi higher class businessmen, spiritual leaders and royalty. Majority of Nayyars today, are modern day descendants of royal or ruling families across Punjab. Their contributions towards the social, economical and cultural causes in Punjab, earned the caste laurels throughout the state.
Nayyars, were also involved in various causes, for the welfare of the people and their safety and were often feared by the British during the colonial rule . This earned many Nayyars the status of the protectors of the society.
Even in the modern day India and Pakistan, Nayyars have contributed towards the society and have held high respected positions in the community.
Today, a significant population of Nayyars is found in northern Pakistan and India, with a majority in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi and a minority in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Nayyars have also made their mark in countries such as Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, Germany, France and Italy and are successful businessmen, statesmen, actors, musicians and leaders.