Unnithan

The Unnithan and Valiathan surnames originated from the title "Thānkal" (Malayalam: "താങ്കൾ"), which is a respectful designation used to address members of aristocratic families in Kerala.{{Cite book |last1=Nair |first1=R. Raman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-JRfipEdV0C&dq=Valiathan+unnithan&pg=PA24 |title=Chattampi Swami: An Intellectual Biography |last2=Devi |first2=L. Sulochana |date=2010 |publisher=South Indian Studies |isbn=978-81-905928-2-6 |language=en}}

According to legend, Maharajah Marthanda Varma of Travancore sought the help of certain Nair families to overcome the powerful Nair clan of Ettuveetil Pillamar, the Lords of the Eight Houses. Many members of these families were killed by the Ettuveetil Pillamar. Later, these families were awarded the titles Valiathan and Unnithan, which mean "eldest Thānkal" and "youngest Thānkal," respectively.{{Cite book |last=Sankunni |first=Kottarathil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jmkGEQAAQBAJ&dq=Unnithan+title&pg=PT220 |title=Aithihyamala |date=2024-05-08 |publisher=Mathrubhumi Books |language=en}}

Unnithan surname is prevalent mainly in the Kayamkulam region of central Travancore, later due to conflicts between the Kayamkulam Raja and the Unnithan families, they were settled in Kollam and Pathanamthitta region of central Travancore. Many of these Unnithan families are recognised as Stani families.{{Cite book |last1=Nair |first1=R. Raman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-JRfipEdV0C&dq=Valiathan+unnithan&pg=PA24 |title=Chattampi Swami: An Intellectual Biography |last2=Devi |first2=L. Sulochana |date=2010 |publisher=South Indian Studies |isbn=978-81-905928-2-6 |language=en}}

Until the 19th century, Unnithan families were only allowed to marry from the Royal, Valiyathan, Pillai, Kurup, Thampi, Karthav and Kaimal families. Currently, many families have started using the Surname "Nair". Unnithan ladies used the honorific title of Kunjamma/Ittiyamma, indicative of their greater status among the Nair community, where ladies unanimously used the title of Amma. Unnithan ladies were married by the Rajahs or princes of the royal families such as Mavelikara, Ennakad, Prayikkara etc.

Unnithans were not allowed to marry from ordinary Nair families, who served as soldiers and performed kitchen duties in Unnithan households.

• P. G. N. Unnithan (1898–1965), last Diwan of the Kingdom of Travancore (1947–1948)
• Adoor Gopalakrishnan Unnithan (born 1941), Indian film director
• Ramachandran Unnithan (born 1951), Indian Kathakali exponent
• Rajmohan Unnithan (born 1953), Member of Parliament from Kasaragod Lok Sabha constituency (2019–present)
• K. B. Unnithan (1936–2017), Indian politician
• R. C. Unnithan (1936–2015), Malayalam political activist
• Suresh Unnithan (born 1956), Indian film and television director

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