Varma (surname)

Indian traditional usage

The Sanskrit word (Sanskrit: वर्मा Varmā, वर्मन् Varman) Varmaa is masculine form of the word Varman, meaning "Shield, defensive armour".

The word Varman derives from Varamban as in the Chera king title Vana-varamban, meaning one whose kingdom is bounded by the sky. Its usage can be traced back to the Sangam period.

The title was used historically by Kshatriyas, although Brahmins in parts of Odisha also used it.

In Kerala, Varma was the surname used by members of the Travancore Royal Family and Cochin Royal Family and other royal families.

Finnish usage

The word varma means "certain", "sure", "confident". The name is of relatively recent origin, and belongs to the class of names introduced in the early 20th century names with literal meanings in Finnish. Its first official appearance was in the 1909 St. Petersburg Finnish calendar. As of 2009, it has been given to 180 boys and 680 girls. Although officially it is considered a female name, it has been given to a few boys even in the 2000s. Nevertheless, most Varmas have been born in the early 20th century. Varma's name day is 23 August.

Persons with the name

Notable people with surname "Varma" or its variants include:

Dev Burman

Varma

Varman

Verma