Menon (Malayalam: [meːnoːn]) is an aristocratic hereditary title of the Nair community bestowed by various kings of Kerala, most saliently the Zamorin of Calicut and the Maharaja of Cochin, upon eminent Nairs. Menon III of Pharsalus or Meno, a Thessalian general and character in Plato's Meno dialogue. One of the generals of the Greek mercenaries in the army of Cyrus the Younger.

Understanding the Context

Dr. Anil Menon is in space for the first time, for an eight-month mission at the International Space Station with NASA. Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Menon quickly rocketed to success ... Menon is a subcaste of the Nair community of Kerala, India, and was an honorific hereditary title, often used as an affix to one's name, bestowed by the various Kings of Kerala to the members of certain classes of Nairs.

Key Insights

Early in his career, Dr. Menon sought to end global use of antibiotics in animal feed. His invention, MrFeed®, reduces infection and improves digestibility for animals without antibiotics. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Mantri," meaning counselor or minister. The surname Menon signifies a person who held a position of authority or served as an advisor to the ruling class.

Final Thoughts

Today, it is a prestigious surname associated with the Brahmin community in Kerala. MENON, founded in 1997, is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, production and sales of functional feed additives and enzymatic hydrolysate of plant protein for pig, ruminant, poultry and aquaculture. Property developer P.N.C.Menon left Kerala in south India and migrated to Oman in 1976 to start an interior decorating business with a partner. Seeing an opportunity in real estate back home,...