The Family name of the Gaekwad’s was originally believed to be “Matre”. They belonged to the Maratha clan who are ranked among the Kshatriyas, the warrior class. Amidst several versions of how the name ‘Gaekwad’ came about, the most persuasive explanation happened to be that Nandaji, a fairly prosperous farmer holding the headship of more than one village was an avid cow protectionist . It was he who came to be known as ‘gae-kaiwari’ meaning ‘one who is ready to fight for the cause of cow protection.’ The label later became simplified into Gaekwad.
 
The Gaekwad Maharajas of Baroda 

 Pilaji Rao Gaekwad (1721–1732)

 Damaji Rao Gaekwad (1732–1768)

 Govind Rao Gaekwad (1768–1771)

 Sayaji Rao Gaekwad I (1771–1789)

 Manaji Rao Gaekwad (1789–1793)

 Govind Rao Gaekwad (restored) (1793–1800)

 Anand Rao Gaekwad (1800–1818)

 Sayaji Rao II Gaekwad (1818–1847)

 Ganpat Rao Gaekwad (1847–1856)

 Khande Rao Gaekwad (1856–1870)

 Malhar Rao Gaekwad (1870–1875)

 Maharaja Sayyaji Rao III (1875–1939)

 Pratap Singh Gaekwad (1939–1951)

 Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad (1951–1988)

 Ranjitsinh Pratapsinh Gaekwad (1988 - )