The name "Kulkarni" is a common surname in India, particularly among the Marathi community. It is derived from the word "kulkarn," which means "accountant" or "record keeper" in Marathi. Traditionally, individuals with this surname were responsible for maintaining village accounts and records. Kulkarni is also a title used in some regions of India, signifying a person of authority or a village head. The surname is prevalent in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, and many notable figures in various fields, including politics, arts, and science, bear this name.