There is a debate that Ennayiram also refers to the caste name of Jain merchants.

Tamil people do not use their family or caste names.

In the 19th and early 20th century, caste names were used as surnames in the south Indian states.

The caste name is shared among both Hindus and Muslims.

Amongst some Tamil communities the name is also now used as a caste name or signifier, though without any real historical basis.

The surname may be a family name or a caste name.

They were originally intended to replace the Sikh's original surname, which was often a caste name.

Alternatively, a person may not like to declare his /her caste name to avoid being identified.

Several South Indians use caste names as surnames in the Western mode.

She was also called Gandri, her caste name.