Yadav

Indian (northern states): Hindu (usually Ahir) name, from Sanskrit yādava ‘of Yadu’, ‘descendant of Yadu’. Yadu was a legendary Hindu king, believed to be an ancestor of the god Krishna, who for this reason is sometimes referred to as Yadava. Since Krishna is said to have been brought up among Ahirs, who were herdsmen, the surname Yadav is popular among them. In Maharashtra, this name is found among the Marathas.