what origin is the last name shah from
Shah is an Indian surname. It is often confused with the Persian Shah meaning King. It is derived from Sanskrit Sadhu (meaning gentleman). The surname like various other Indian surnames was also adopted by various other people. The Shah surname is adopted by the trade communities (The Banias/Vanias ) in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh states.The Shah/Sah surname is also used by Gond community in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.