Desai (pronounced [d̪eːsaːi]) is an Indian administrative, princely or honorary title and surname.
[1][2] The word is derived from the Sanskrit deśa (country) and svāmī (lord).
[3] Desai was a title given to feudal lords, and others who were granted a village or group of villages in Maharashtra, and North Karnataka.
The title Desai should not be associated with a particular religion or caste, though a Desai would use the title of Rao or Rai or Raje as a suffix to his name denoting he is a king of those villages, The "Desai" title was given by Maratha emperors, Mughal emperors and by the Deccan sultanates.
[19] Notable individuals with the surname Desai include: