Meo (surname)

Meo is a surname found in several different cultures and regions, most notably in India and Italy. Its origins and meanings vary significantly depending on the geographical context.

• India: In India, Meo (also sometimes spelled Mewati) primarily refers to a Muslim community found largely in the Mewat region, encompassing parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The Meo community claims Rajput ancestry and has a distinct culture and dialect, often referred to as Mewati. They are primarily an agricultural community. The surname Meo is common within this community.

• Italy: In Italy, Meo is a surname with its own distinct origin, unrelated to the Indian community. It's primarily found in southern Italy. The Italian surname Meo is generally considered to be a shortened form of names like Bartolomeo (Bartholomew) or Romeo. It can also be a diminutive of other names ending in "-meo."

It is important to note that the Indian and Italian Meo surnames are unrelated and have distinct etymological and cultural roots. Genealogical research should consider the potential for these separate origins when tracing family history.