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{{Short description|Surname originating from Asia}} {{For|a list of people with the surname|List of people with surname Singh}} {{pp-pc}} {{Multiple image|perrow=2|total_width=300|caption_align=center | image1 = Depiction of king Rana Sanga.jpg|caption1=Rajput ruler [[Rana Sanga|Rana Sangram Singh]] (1482-1528). | image2 = Guru Gobind Singh creates the Khalsa.jpg|caption2=Creation of the [[Khalsa]] by Sikh Guru [[Gobind Singh]], 1699 CE. | image3 = Portrait of mathabar singh thapa.jpg|caption3= [[Prime Minister of Nepal]] and [[Commander-in-Chief of the Nepalese Army]], [[Mukhtiyar]] [[Mathabar Singh Thapa]], (1843-1845) of the [[Chhetri]] [[Thapa dynasty]]. | image4 = Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh, 1888.jpg|caption4=Maharaja [[Lakshmeshwar Singh]] of [[Raj Darbhanga]] in [[Bihar]], published in Graphic Magazine, December 1888. }} '''Singh''' ([[Help:IPA|IPA]]: {{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|ɪ|ŋ}} {{respell|SING}}) is a [[title]], [[middle name]], or [[surname]] that means "[[lion]]" in various [[South Asia]]n and [[Southeast Asia]]n communities. Traditionally used by the [[Hindu]] [[Kshatriya]] community,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hanks |first=Patrick |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG7MZ9J6dAgC&pg=RA2-PA354 |title=Dictionary of American Family Names |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2013 |isbn=9780199771691 |pages=354}}</ref> it was later mandated in the late 17th century by [[Guru Gobind Singh]] (born Gobind Das) for all male [[Sikhs]] as well, in part as a rejection of [[Caste system in India|caste]]-based prejudice<ref>{{cite book |author=James Minahan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=abNDLZQ6quYC&pg=PA289 |title=Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific An Encyclopedia |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2012 |isbn=9781598846591 |pages=289 |quote=The use of the two names by baptized Sikhs was originally intended to end the prejudice created by names pertaining to the various Hindu castes}}</ref> and to emulate [[Rajput]] naming conventions.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Atwal |first1=Priya |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvcTEAAAQBAJ&dq=kaur&pg=PA34 |title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire |date=15 January 2021 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-756693-0 |page=34 |quote=Singh was a common name utilised by Rajputs, the Hindu ruling or warrior caste.}}</ref><ref name="Oxford Handbook">{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Pashaura |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8I0NAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA23 |title=The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies |date=2014-03-01 |publisher=OUP Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-969930-8 |editor-last=Singh |editor-first=Pashaura |pages=23 |language=en |chapter=An Overview of Sikh History |quote=The male members were given the surname Singh (lion) and female members were given the surname Kaur (princess), with the intention of creating a parallel system of aristocratic titles in relation to the Rajput hill chiefs of the surrounding areas of Anandpur. |editor-last2=Fenech |editor-first2=Louis E.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Jakobsh |first=Doris |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xY_XAAAAMAAJ |title=Sikhism and History |date=2004 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-566708-0 |editor-last=Singh |editor-first=Pashaura |pages=176 |language=en |chapter=What's in a Name: Circumscribing Sikh Female Nomenclature |quote=As the term 'Singh' meaning 'lion' was adopted from the Rajputs, so too was the name 'Kaur' |editor-last2=Barrier |editor-first2=Norman Gerald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Shackle |first=Christopher |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HAg3AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA722 |title=The World's Religions |date=2004-01-14 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-85185-8 |editor-last=Hardy |editor-first=Friedhelm |pages=722 |language=en |chapter=Sikhism |quote=The code of conduct (rahit) expected of all initiates of the Khalsa, as laid down by Guru Gobind Singh and subsequently eloborated, emphasises both the equality of its members and the martial spirit expected of them by awarding the Rajput titles of Singh ('lion') to men and Kaur ('princess') to women, irrespective of caste origin. |editor-last2=Houlden |editor-first2=Leslie}}</ref> As a surname or a middle name, it is now found throughout the world across communities and religious groups, becoming more of a generic, caste-neutral, decorative name—similar to names such as [[Kumar]] and [[Lal]].<ref name="Adhikari">{{Cite book |last1=Adhikari |first1=Krishna P. |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dOF1DwAAQBAJ&dq=singh+casteless&pg=PT128 |title=Global Nepalis: Religion, Culture, and Community in a New and Old Diaspora |last2=Sapkota |first2=Bhimsen |date=2018-06-09 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-909337-3 |editor-last=Gellner |editor-first=David N. |language=en |chapter=Fiji Nepals: Reviving Connections Lost for Over a Century |quote=In the process of forming a casteless society, many first generation Nepalis (and Indians) changed their surnames to Singh, which is a neutral and now common surname. |editor-last2=Hausner. |editor-first2=Sondra L.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Deshpande |first=Ashwini |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4vQtDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT39 |title=The Grammar of Caste: Economic Discrimination in Contemporary India |date=2011-08-03 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-908846-1 |language=en |chapter=Theories of Discrimination and Caste |quote=Some individuals often drop their surnames and use generic names such as Kumar, Lal, Singh, or Chowdhary that are not jati specific.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bfAMAQAAMAAJ | title=Communities, segments, synonyms, surnames and titles | publisher=[[Anthropological Survey of India]] | author=Kumar Suresh Singh | author-link=Kumar Suresh Singh | year=1996 | isbn=9780195633573 |page=32 |quote=Going by the usage, Singh is more a title than a surname, cutting across communities and religious groups. }}</ref> == Etymology and variations == The word "Singh" is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word सिंह ([[IAST]]: siṃha) meaning "lion", and is used to convey a "hero" or "eminent person".<ref>{{cite book |editor=Patrick Hanks |title=Dictionary of American Family Names |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG7MZ9J6dAgC&pg=RA2-PA354 |year=2003 |publisher=Oxford University Press, USA |isbn=978-0-19-508137-4 |page=354 }}</ref> Several variants of the word are found in other languages: * In [[Tibetan language (standard)|Tibetan]], it is written as སིང་ with the same pronunciation (Sing). * In Tamil, the word for lion is Singham or Singhe written as சிங்க, also derived from Sanskrit. * In Burmese, it is spelled သီဟ (''thiha''), derived from the Pali variant ''siha.'' * In [[Urdu]], it is written as {{nq|سِنگھ}} with the same pronunciation as Hindi. Variations include Simha and Sinha in [[Bihar]]. * In [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]], it is written as Singa and it means lion. == History == [[File:Western Satrap Coin of Rudrasimha I .jpg|thumb|300px|Coin of the Western Kshatrapa ruler [[Rudrasimha I]] (178 to 197 CE) who used "Simha" as suffix.]] Originally, the Sanskrit word for lion, variously transliterated as Simha or Singh, was used as a title by [[Kshatriya]] warriors in northern parts of India. The earliest recorded examples of names ending with "Simha" are the names of the two sons of [[Rudradaman I|Rudraraman]], who ruled the Western Satraps in the second century CE. [[Jayasimha (Vatapi Chalukya dynasty)|Jayasimha]], the first ruler of the [[Chalukya dynasty]] to bear the title Simha, ruled around 500 CE. The [[Chalukyas of Vengi|Vengi branch]] of the Chalukyas continued using Simha as a last name until the eleventh century. The Rajputs started using Singh in preference to the classical epithet of "[[Varma (name)|Varman]]". Among the [[Rajput]]s, the use of the word Singh came into vogue among the [[Paramara dynasty|Paramara]]s of [[Malwa]] in 10th century CE, among the [[Guhilot]]s and the [[Kachwaha]]s of [[Narwar]] in the 12th century CE, and the [[Rathore dynasty|Rathore]]s of [[Marwar]] after the 17th century.<ref name="Qanungo">{{cite book|last=Qanungo|first=Kalika Ranjan|title=Studies in Rajput History|publisher=[[S. Chand]]|location=[[Delhi]]|year=1960|oclc=1326190|pages=138–140}}</ref> By the sixteenth century, "Singh" had become a popular surname among Rajputs.<ref name="Chander2003">{{cite book|author=Prakash Chander|title=India: Past & Present|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4_Rl5c_v1-kC&pg=PA120|access-date=11 January 2013|date=1 January 2003|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=978-81-7648-455-8|pages=120 |quote=In those days, "Singh" as a surname was very popular among a famous warrior caste of north India, the Rajputs. Some of the first Sikhs were also Rajputs.}}</ref> It was adopted by the Sikhs in 1699, as per the instructions of [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. Singh is used by all baptized male Sikhs, regardless of their geographical or cultural binding; the women use [[Kaur]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-QR8tAEACAAJ A History of the Sikh People (1469-1988)] by Dr. Gopal Singh {{ISBN|81-7023-139-6}}{{page needed|date=December 2018}}</ref><ref name="Catherine B. Asher, Cynthia Talbot">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZvaGuaJIJgoC&q=jat+surname+singh&pg=PA269 | title=India Before Europe | publisher=Cambridge University Press |author1=Catherine B. Asher |author2=Cynthia Talbot | year=2006 | pages=269 | isbn=9780521809047}}</ref> Guru Gobind Singh introduced the surname "Singh" for Sikh men to foster equality and unity within the community. This move aimed to eliminate caste distinctions and promote a fearless and righteous identity. By adopting "Singh," Sikh men were encouraged to live as saint-soldiers, embodying courage, justice, and a commitment to serving humanity,<ref name=Singh/>{{rp|121–126}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Khushwant|title=A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MD9uAAAAMAAJ|access-date=6 January 2025|edition=2nd|date=11 October 2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-567308-1|page=83}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=History Of The Sikhs Vol I The Sikh Gurus, 1469-1708|publisher=Munshilal Manohorlal, Pvt Ltd|first= Hari Ram |last=Gupta|author-link= Hari Ram Gupta|page=271|isbn=978-81-215-0276-4}}</ref> According to [[Pashaura Singh (Sikh scholar)|Pashaura Singh]], the Guru gave male Sikhs the name "Singh", which was associated with aristocracy, to imitate the traditions of the Rajput hill chiefs near Anandpur Sahib.<ref name="Oxford Handbook"/> In the 18th century, several groups started using the title "Singh". These included the Brahmins, the Kayasthas and the Baniyas of what are now [[Uttar Pradesh]] and Bihar. In the 19th century, even the Bengal court [[peon]]s of the lower castes adopted the title "Singh".<ref name="Qanungo"/> [[Bhumihar]]s, who originally used Brahmin surnames, also started affixing Singh to their names.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tOXZAAAAMAAJ |title=Community And Caste In Tradition |year=1992 |author=Virendra Prakash Singh |publisher=Commonwealth |page=113 |isbn=9788171692422 }}</ref> In [[Bihar]] and [[Jharkhand]], the surname came to be associated with power and authority, and was adopted by people of multiple castes, including [[Brahmin]] [[zamindar]]s.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Using-surnames-to-conceal-identity/articleshow/4162892.cms | author = Pranava K Chaudhary | title = Using surnames to conceal identity | work = [[The Times of India]] | date = 2009-02-21 | access-date = 2013-01-18 }}</ref><ref name="biha">{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Santosh|title=Ruled or Misruled: Story and Destiny of Bihar|date=2015|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=9789385436420|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SVu8CgAAQBAJ&q=singh+surname&pg=PT228|access-date=28 July 2016|language=en}}</ref> Citing [[Kshatriya]] status, numerous communities use 'Singh' as part of their names.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=te4DAAAAMAAJ |title=Bhavan's Journal, Volume 12, Issues 1-16 |year=1965 |page=123 }}</ref> Some Jains have also adopted the surname in addition to various Hindu castes.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Frankel |first=Francine R. |title=Dominance and State Power in Modern India |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1990 |volume=2 |pages=17 |quote=The surname, Singh, for example, was appropriated over a period of several centuries of acculturation by different Hindu castes, including lower castes as well as followers of Jainism.}}</ref> Many Muslim [[Shina people|Shins]] historically used the surname "Sing", the earlier form of the name, "Simha", was frequently appended to names found in the Gilgit Manuscripts, a corpus of Buddhist texts and the oldest surviving manuscripts in India, discovered in the [[Gilgit]] region of Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schmidt |first=Ruth Laila |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mZzD86umtbAC&dq=muslim+shins&pg=PA11 |title=A Grammar of the Shina Language of Indus Kohistan |publisher=Harrassowitz |year=2008 |isbn=9783447056762 |pages=11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gilgit Manuscript |url=https://www.unesco.org/en/memory-world/gilgit-manuscript |website=UNESCO}}</ref> People belonging to several other castes and communities also started using Singh as a title, middle name or a surname; these include non-Sikh Punjabis, [[Charans]], [[Yadav]]s, [[Gurjar]]s, [[Brahmins]], [[Maratha (caste)|Marathas]], [[Jat people|Jat]]s, [[Kushwaha]]s, [[Rajpurohit]]s, [[Kumawat]]s etc. Dalit and [[Other Backward Class|other backward]] groups have also adopted the name, including the [[Bhil people|Bhils]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gupta |first=Sanjukta Das |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VDGIpkJ9BgwC&pg=PA134 |title=Narratives from the Margins: Aspects of Adivasi History in India |date=2012 |publisher=Primus Books |isbn=978938060710-8 |pages=134}}</ref> [[Koeri]]s,<ref name="HOA">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SNw5zVN1V0oC&pg=PA436 |title=History of Anthropological Thought |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |year=1993 |isbn=9788170224921 |editor1=V.S. Upadhyay |place=India |page=436 |quote=Similarly, Koyeris, a backward caste, claim themselves as Kushwaha Kshatriya and Dusadh, another scheduled caste, claim themselves as Gahlout Kshatriya. Some of their members use titles like ' Singh ' and ' Thakur. |editor2=G. Pandey}}</ref> and [[Dusadh]]s.<ref name="HOA" /> The name is also found among the [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian diaspora]]. == Usage == "Singh" is generally used as a surname or as a middle name/title. When used as a middle name, it is generally followed by the caste, clan or family name. To reduce caste discrimination, some Sikhs append "[[Khalsa]]" or their native village names to Singh.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4bfmnmsBfQ4C&pg=PA1846 | title=People of India: Maharashtra, Part 3 | publisher=Popular Prakashan | author=B. V. Bhanu | others=Contributors Kumar Suresh Singh, B. V. Mehta, Anthropological Survey of India | year=2004 | pages=1846 | isbn=9788179911020}}</ref> Originally, a common practice among the [[Rajput]] men was to have "Singh" as their last name, while [[Rajput]] women had the last name 'Kanwar'. However, now, many Rajput women have Singh in their name as well.<ref>Kolff, Dirk H.A., ''The Rajput of Ancient and Medieval North India: A Warrior-Ascetic''; Folk, Faith and Feudalism, edited by NK Singh and Rajendra Joshi, Institute of Rajasthan Studies, Jaipur, India. Rawat Publications, Jaipur and New Delhi. {{ISBN|81-7033-273-7}}</ref> === Nepal === Singh is a common name in Nepal; the appellation has acquired caste-neutral status due to its wide scale adoption by many members of Nepali society.<ref name= "Adhikari"/> Some notable examples of Nepalis with the middle name/surname Singh are: [[Amar Singh Thapa]], [[Ranodip Singh Kunwar|Ranodip Singh]], and [[Pratap Singh Shah]]. === Outside South Asia === Singh is a common Hindu name in Guyana.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Danns |first=George K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=km9QDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT134 |title=Domination and Power in Guyana: Study of the Police in a Third World Context |date=2017-09-29 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-351-52186-4 |pages=120 |language=en}}</ref> Some Indian immigrants to British Guiana are believed to have adopted surnames traditionally associated with high caste status, including Sharma and Tiwari (Brahmin), as well as Singh (Kshatriya).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Raymond T. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ITRpAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA118 |title=The Matrifocal Family: Power, Pluralism and Politics |date=2014-04-23 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-65959-1 |pages=118 |language=en}}</ref> A section of around a million adherents of Sikhism that live abroad in [[Western countries]] only keep Singh or Kaur as their last name. This has caused legal problems in immigration procedures, especially in [[Canada]]. For a decade, the [[Diplomatic missions of Canada|Canadian High Commission]] in [[New Delhi]] stated in letters to its Sikh clients that "the names Kaur and Singh do not qualify for the purpose of immigration to Canada", requiring people with these surnames to adopt new ones. The ban was denounced by the Sikh community, after which the Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced it was dropping the policy, calling the whole issue a misunderstanding based on a "poorly worded" letter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/article/240030|title='Singh' ban denounced |work= Toronto Star |author=San Grewal |date=2007-07-26}}</ref> ==See also== * [[List of people with surname Singh]] * ''[[Singh v Canada]]'', a Supreme Court of Canada case on the applicability of Charter rights to refugee claimants * [[Sinha]] * [[Kaur]] == References == {{Reflist}} [[Category:Surnames of Indian origin]] [[Category:Pakistani names]] [[Category:Titles in India]] [[Category:Sikh names]] [[Category:Punjabi-language surnames]]
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