List of surnames from Kerala
The titles are given to certain individual of families in Kerala. Nair - Higher caste surname, encompassing several subcastes which includes High ranking martial castes like Nambiar, Pillai, Kurup, Kaimal, etc that formed the aristocracy and elite of traditional Kerala, which is also used by auxiliary, intermediate and middle-caste Nairs like Padamangalam Nair, Pallichan Nair, Vaniya Nair, etc. Nayanar - The Nair surname associated with aristocracy. Pillai - The Pillai surname is often associated with Nairs who are feudal Lords, royals, and warriors. Kurup - The surname "Kurup" among the Nairs often indicates individuals who are Naduvazhi or landlords and are recognized as brave warriors.