Desai is an Indoaryan administrative title and surname derived from the apparently Turkish words "dah sai", which mean "ten parts". It may be possible that ancient Turkish trade links associated with the west coast of India may have influenced the name. Desais were revenue collectors who looked after a region or area on the ruler's behalf and in return would get ten percent share of revenue. Historically, the feudal lords of Western Indian regions of Gujarat and the Konkan regions of Maharashtra and Goa were honoured with the title 'Desai'. Desais can now be found all over the Indian subcontinent and primarily belong to either Kshatriya (ruler) or Brahmin (priestly) castes of Hindus. In the Konkan region, The titular Desai surname is attached to another family name or the name of the village, eg Sawant Desai (primarily of Sawantwadi), Rane Sardesai, Raut Desai, Naik Desai. * Morarji Desai - The late Prime Minister of India. * C. D. Desai - Chunnilal Devkaran Nanjee: "Desai" - Indian philatelist. * Kiran Desai - The renowned Indian author, who was awarded the Man Booker Prize, 2006. * Mahadev Desai - The secretary and assistant of Mahatma Gandhi. * Manmohan Desai - The late film director who gave numerous entertaining Bollywood flicks * Meghnad Desai, Baron Desai - Economist and life peer of the British Labour Party. * Dr. Umedram Lalbhai Desai - Physian/Surgeon (1869-1930) * Leela Desai - Famous Indian Actress/Producer * Prachi Desai- Famous actress in Indian Film Industry * Jay Desai- Famous British-Indian entrepreneur based in the UK * Bindu Desai - Very famous Indian Actress of 1960s, 1970s and 1980s * Sagar Desai Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desai"
