Naidu (also spelt Nayudu or Naidoo) is a title used by various social groups of the Andhra Pradesh state of India. It is also used in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and Chattisgarh. It is a Telugu derivation of the Sanskrit Nayaka, meaning "protector" or "leader".
The word Naidu is etymologically related to the Nair of Kerala, Marathi Naik and Nayaks (Pattanayak) in Orissa.
Read more about Naidu: Usage, Origins, Notable Naidus