A gotra is equivalent to a lineage, akin to a family name, but the given name of a family is often different from its gotra, and may reflect the traditional occupation, place of residence or other important family characteristic rather than the lineage. People belonging to a particular gotra may not be of the same caste (as there are many gotras which are part of different castes) in the Hindu social system. However, there is a notable exception among matrilineal Tulu speakers, for whom the lineages are the same across the castes.