Bajwa

Bajwa is a Punjabi surname and a clan name commonly used by people of Jat descent in the Punjab region of South Asia. The surname is found among Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims, reflecting the multi-religious composition of many Punjabi communities.

Origins and social context: Bajwa is one of several subgroups within Jat lineage. Like other Jat clans in Punjab, Bajwas historically engaged in agriculture and landholding; clan identities often intersect with village, kinship networks, and regional affiliations. The exact etymology of Bajwa is not clearly documented.

Geographic distribution: In India, Bajwas are concentrated in the Punjab region, with populations also in Haryana and Delhi due to internal migration. In Pakistan, they are most common in the Punjab province, particularly in rural and agricultural areas. The surname is also present among diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and elsewhere.

Notable and cultural notes: A number of people bearing the Bajwa surname have been prominent in politics, the military, sports, and entertainment in South Asia and among diaspora communities. As with many Punjabi surnames, Bajwa serves as a clan identifier that can cross religious and national boundaries due to the shared cultural heritage of the Punjab region.