Vanaga is the feminine form of Vanags, a Latvian surname derived from the word for "hawk." While commonly associated with men, the feminine variant reflects the naming tradition in Latvian where surnames adopt gendered endings, typically -s for masculine and -a for feminine. The root ties the name to the Baltic landscape and to animal symbolism—hawks being a symbol of keen sight and freedom.Notable BearersThe most prominent bearer outside Latvia is Chintaman Vanaga (1950–2018), an Indian politician and adivasi leader from Maharashtra. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament: from 1996 to 1998 for Dahanu, again from 1999 to 2004 for the same constituency, and finally in 2014 for Palghar. He also served in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Vikramgad from 2004 to 2014. His advocacy for tribal rights made his name locally well known, though its Baltic origin is coincidental.Meaning: Feminine form of Vanags (“hawk”)Origin: Latvian (surname)