The word Havyaka was transcended from words Havyaga or Haveega or Haiga, which means the one who performs Havana (Havya) and Homa (Gavya), since the very purpose of Havyaka Brahmins was to perform the royal rituals and the related functions of the empirical government. In fact, the name “Haiga” persists in Havyaka lexicon.
The word Havyaka might also be derived from the place named Haigunda (Honnavar Taluk, Uttara Kannada District). That region of Karnataka which has been inhabited by Havyakas from ancient times is also called Parashurama Kshethra, Gorastra Gesha, Gokarna Mandala.
The Havyakas are united by their unique language. They speak dialect of Kannada known as Havyaka/haiga Kannada. It is 60-70% similar to mainstream Kannada but draws more words from ancient Kannada. However, most mainstream Kannada speakers find it difficult to understand Havyaka Kannada. The Havyaka dialect is supposed to be quite old. Its origins, like many other things in India, are shrouded in mystery.
Geographic distribution
Havyakas are mainly concentrated in the state of Karnataka. Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamangalur, Kodagu districts in Karnataka and Kasarogod in Kerala are the districts where Havyakas have lived for centuries. They are now spread all over India, especially in metropolitan cities of Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi and other industrial and business centers. Havyakas are also in large numbers in countries like United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Gulf Countries and other places outside India.
Population of Havyakas all around the world is estimated to be around 2 million.
Information taken from https://www.havyak.org