Chowdhury, one of the most common surnames in the world, originates from the time of the Mughal (Persian) Empire, which ruled over much of what is now India and Pakistan. Initially it was a title bestowed on nobility who were given privileges and obligations to those of higher station. The title is somewhat comparable to the English squire. It is derived from two Sanskirt words: catus (चतुस्) - four times and dhuriya (धुरीय) - charged with important duties. Thus, it means: one charged with four important duties.

However, most bearers of the Chowdhury name are not descendants of Mughal Chowdhury. After the fall of the Mughal Empire, the name was adopted en masse, likely by those wanting to drape themselves in importance in a rigid caste system. This trend appears to have occurred upon migration and immigration, as there would be no one to dispute the adopters' status.