Neupane

Neupane, also spelled Nyaupane (Nepali: नेउपाने / न्यौपाने), is a surname found primarily among the Khas people of Nepal. It is commonly associated with Bahun (Upadhyaya, Jaisi) and Chhetri (Khatri/KC) castes.

Neupane/Nyaupane

Language(s)	Nepali
Origin
Language(s)	Khas language
Meaning	New Water
Other names
Variant form(s)	Bahun Chhetri
Derivative(s)	Upadhyaya Neupane, Jaisi Neupane, Neupane Khatri/KC
See also	Acharya, Bagale Thapa, Khadka, Parajuli, Sapkota

Origin

One traditional belief suggests that the Neupane surname originated in Jumla, Nepal. During a Rajasuya Mahayagya (grand Vedic ritual) conducted under King Raṇakeshar (रणकेशर), Sachidānanda (सच्चिदानन्द) is said to have ignited fire through mantra shakti (mantric power), while his younger brother Sadananda (सदानन्द) caused holy water to emerge from the ground. This act led to Sadananda being revered as Nabapaniya (नवपानीय), meaning "new water." Over time, the name evolved into Neupane. Sadananda is often regarded as the Adipurush of the Neupane lineage.

Cultural and religious practices

Neupane caste belongs to the Khas people and therefore, their culture aligns closely with other Khas communities of Nepal. Like most Khas people, Neupane predominantly (over 99%) follow Hinduism. Neupane belong to Kaundinya gotra along with Acharya, Bagale Thapa (some lineages), Khadka (some lineages), Parajuli, Sapkota, etc. As part of the Khas tradition, Neupane families also practice Dewali (Kul Puja), which includes ancestral and Masto worship, especially in rural or western region of Nepal.

Variation

Neupane surname is primarily associated with the Bahun (Upadhyaya and Jaisi) community. However, Neupane Khatri/KC also exist within the Neupane group. Despite these distinctions, all Neupane trace their ancestry to the same gotra i.e. Kaundinya. Due to this shared gotra and no internal sub-clans, marriage within Neupane is prohibited, following the Hindu gotra rule.

Notable people with the surname Neupane

• Amar Neupane, Nepali writer
• Kedar Neupane, Nepali politician
• Kedar Nath Neupane (1927–1971), Nepali educator and author
• Mukunda Neupane, Nepali trade unionist and politician
• Yogmaya Neupane (1860–1941), Nepali activist