In Nepali castes, a particular Gotra represents a lineage division that prevents marriage between individuals who share a common mythical ancestor. The role of this factor is paramount in determining compatible Hindu matrimonial matches. The term "Sanskrit" means "cattle shed" and suggests that the present-day lineage division functioned as a unified family, sharing their belongings. The Gotra system refers to the social organization of clans. Traditionally, a family consists of individuals from different age groups who can trace their lineage back to a single male ancestor without any breaks.

Seven principal Gotras were formed from the mind-born sons of Brahma, who is one of the Hindu trinity. They are Gautama, Bharadvaja, Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, Vashista, Kashyapa and Atri. Agasthya is occasionally included in this roster as well. Today, there exist 49 recognized Hindu Gotras, either originated or developed from the original seven Gotras.

People who share the same Gotra are known as "Sagotri." Just like in other Hindu communities, marriages between individuals belonging to the same sagotri are not socially acceptable in Nepal. In the past, it was also considered unacceptable to marry within the sagotri of up to three generations on the mother's side.

List of some popular Gotras and Nepali surnames belonging to them:

Agasti : Dhungel

Angira: Joshi, Sedai, Saunak, Shahi

Atri : Adhikari, Arjel/Arjyal, Chapagai, Gotame, Khatiwoda, Mishra, Ojha, Wosti

Atrya : Aryal, Devkota, Dawadi, Dulal, Kalikote(Khadka), Paudel, Pokharel(Pani), Rosyara, Sharma, Sigdel, Thapa(Bagale)

Bharadwaaj : Adhikari, Chaulagai, Devkota, Jamarkattel, Lohani, Niraula, Panthi, Pandey, Panta, Pokharel(Dudh), Siwakoti, Subedi, Thapaliya, Upadhaya, Wagle

Dhananjaya : Basel/ Batsayal, Basnet, Bhusal, Budhathoki (Khulal), Dhamala, Gauripitri/ Gairipippli, Guragai, Humagai, Karki(Khulal), Khadka(Khulal), Kukurkote, Kunwar, Pangeni, Rijal, Thapa

Garg : Bastola, Bhurtel, Chudal, Gajurel, Thapa(Lamichhane), Rokaha, Rishal

Gautam : Chanda, Tripathi

Ghrita Kaushik : Baral, Karki(Sutar), Khanal, Nepal, Pandit

Kashyap : Adhikari(Bhadare, Khilchine and Kaubali), Badaal, Bogati, Budhathoki(Sodari), Gadtaula, Gartaula, Ghimire, Kathayat, Pade, Rayamajhi, Shah, Sahi, Thapa(Godar)

Kaudinya : Achraya, Baskota, Joshi, Khadka, Kharel, Marasini, Neupane, Pakurel, Paneru, Parajuli, Sapkota, Satyal, Thapa(Bagale and Gamle), Trital

Kausik : Baniya, Bastakoti, Bhandari, Bidari, Dhital, Dhungana, Gaudel, Khadka, Khapatari(Khadka, Bistha, Budhathoki and Basnet), Lamichhane, Luitel, Majhi, Phuyal, Pudasaini, Raghubansi, Regmi, Rimal, Sanjel, Tiwari

Mandabya : Bajagai, Bajhai, Gyawali, Maskey, Panthi

Maudagalya : Belkadhi, Karki(Mudula), Koirala, Kuinkel, Rume, Simkhada, Timsina/ Timilsina, Upreti

Parasar : Karki(Lama) , Kattel, Marhattha

Shandilya : Kafle/ Kaphle, Prasai

Upamanyu : Bartaula, Bhatta(Duwal), Dhakal, Mainali, Pandey

Viswamitra : Bhatta(Alina, Duwadi, Nirbansi, Rai and Rayal)

Vascha : Dahal, Kuwar, Lamsal, Rana, Rupakheti

Vashista : Bhandari, Bhattarai, Chalise, Dwadi, Gaire, Kharel, Mudabhari, Raut, Suyal(Garthi), Suyal(Thapa), Thangsine