Deshpande is a common surname in India, particularly among the Marathi community. It is often associated with individuals from the Maharashtra region and can denote a historical connection to land ownership or governance. The name itself translates to "one who is from the village" in the Marathi language. Many notable figures bear the surname Deshpande, including Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar, a prominent Marathi writer, and Shivaji Deshpande, a respected politician. The name is also linked to various cultural and educational institutions in India, reflecting the contributions of individuals with this surname to society and the arts.