Lalla
/ˈlɑːlə/noun
A title of respect formerly used for a Hindu man, especially in India.
Did you know?Lalla is an English spelling of Hindi lālā, a respectful form of address historically associated especially with Hindu Kayasthas and merchants.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit period
Sanskrit
lāla
“A term connected with affection or endearment; its relationship to the later Hindi title is not completely certain.”
Medieval period
Indo-Aryan
lālā
“A respectful form of address and title used in North India.”
18th–19th Century
Hindi
lālā
“A title used for Hindu men, particularly among Kayasthas and merchant communities.”
19th Century
Anglo-Indian English
lalla
“An English rendering of the Hindi title lālā.”
Modern English
English
Lalla
“A chiefly historical or literary English word for the Indian title of respect.”
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