Babbar

Babbar is a Punjabi surname and, less commonly, a given name. The word derives from Punjabi babbar, meaning lion, and has long been used to symbolize courage and leadership. It is found among Sikhs and other Punjabi speakers, particularly in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, as well as among diaspora communities.

As a surname, Babbar is borne by people in various fields. One widely known bearer is Raj Babbar (born 1952), an Indian actor who has also pursued politics. The name appears in different Punjabi communities and can be part of extended family names and lineages.

In historical and organizational contexts, the name Babbar appears in groups associated with Sikh political movements. Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is a Sikh militant organization formed in the 1980s that advocates Khalistan. It has operated in multiple countries and has been designated a terrorist organization by India and several other governments. The use of the word Babbar in such group names reflects the aspirational association with bravery and martial identity.

The term also has historical resonance in the broader Sikh reform and activist milieu, where variations of the word have appeared in the names of movements and jathas that sought social, religious, or political change during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In contemporary usage, Babbar continues to appear as a surname within Punjabi communities and as part of organizational titles, carrying connotations of strength and valor in cultural and historical contexts.