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SHIRKE Surname Meaning & Heritage Data

725th

Most common surname in India

95,326

People with this surname currently in the iMeUsWe database

History:

This "Shirke" surname originated from the Marathi word Shirke, which means “a protector” or “one who guards.” In mythological contexts, the name is often associated with warriors or people of nobility who served as defenders or guardians of territories. The Shirke surname is traditionally linked to Kshatriya communities, who played important roles in the military and administration during historical periods. It is common among Marathi-speaking people, but some sub-communities with this surname also speak Hindi, Gujarati, and Konkani, reflecting regional variations.

The Shirke community has historically been associated with military service, administration, and land ownership, with many individuals involved in governance and defense during the Maratha Empire. Over time, members of the Shirke community have diversified into a variety of professions, including education, business, and the arts. Migration trends show the community’s expansion into urban centers like Mumbai, Pune, and Surat, where many have found economic opportunities.

This Surname has Shandilya Gotra. This Surname Worships Kuldaivat Kuldevta.

Description:

Shirke is a surname primarily associated with the Maratha community in India. The Shirke surname has its roots in the western parts of India, primarily in Maharashtra, and is also found in Gujarat and Goa. The Shirke community celebrates major Hindu festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti with great enthusiasm, following customs that honor deities and foster community bonds. Food traditions include a blend of Maharashtrian and Konkani cuisines, with dishes like puran poli, sabzi, and sweets like modak. The community places high value on education, resulting in relatively high literacy rates. Family values emphasize respect for elders, duty, and social responsibility. Prominent individuals from the Shirke surname include military leaders and political figures who contributed to India's history. Politically, the Shirke community has supported social and educational reforms, focusing on rural development and equality.

This surname is a fascinating one! Its likely of Indian origin, and there are a few interesting variations. You might find people with the surname Shirke spelled as Shirkey, Shirki, or even Shirk.

State-wise distribution of people with SHIRKE surname

from iMeUsWe Database

Maharashtra state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Maharashtra

30,193

Madhya Pradesh state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Madhya Pradesh

450

Gujarat state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Gujarat

307

Bihar state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Bihar

144

Delhi state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Delhi

31

Jharkhand state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Jharkhand

7

Tamil Nadu state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Tamil Nadu

4

Goa state distribution for SHIRKE surname

Goa

1

Category-wise distribution of people with SHIRKE surname

from iMeUsWe Database

People with the surname SHIRKE appear across 5 types of official government records in iMeUsWe's database — from electoral rolls to agricultural records — showing how widely distributed this surname is across Indian society.

Food Distribution Records category for SHIRKE surname

25,985 (83%)

Food Distribution Records

Farmer Beneficiary Records category for SHIRKE surname

4,795 (15%)

Farmer Beneficiary Records

Voters List category for SHIRKE surname

324 (1%)

Voters List

Investor & Taxpayer Records category for SHIRKE surname

30 (0.1%)

Investor & Taxpayer Records

Govertment Farmers Benificary List category for SHIRKE surname

5 (0.0%)

Govertment Farmers Benificary List

Frequently Asked Questions

SHIRKE families worship KULDAIVAT and SHIVA as their Kuldevta (family deities).

The SHIRKE surname is found across multiple communities including Maratha, 96 Kuli Maratha, Agri, Bhandari, Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (ckp), Kuruba, Katkari, Pardhi, Siddhi, Koli communities.

The SHIRKE surname is primarily associated with the Hindu religion.

SHIRKE families belong to the SHANDILYA gotra.

Maharashtra has the highest concentration of the SHIRKE surname with 30,193 records (97.0%).

The SHIRKE surname is written in MARATHI script.

SHIRKE is ranked #725 in India with approximately 95,326 people bearing this surname.

The SHIRKE surname is found across 8 states, with the top 3 being Maharashtra (97.0%), Madhya Pradesh (1.4%), Gujarat (1.0%).

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