The surname , Peshwa , is found among Chitpavans with Peshave or Peshwe as alternatives .
Today , the surname `` Peshwe '' ( alternatively `` Peshave '' ) or `` Peshwa '' is found both among Chitpavans ( tracing descent to the ( Bhat ) Deshmukh clan , notably Bajirao I ) , Deshasthas ( tracing descent to Moropant Pingle , Sonopant Dabir and a certain clan from Jejuri , Pune ) , as well as some Maratha ( Kshatriya ) families of Vidarbha ( by titulary heritage ) .The word Peshwa is from Persian pēshwā , meaning `` foremost , leader '' .
Peshwa