Singh

Singh is a common given name and surname in South Asia, especially among Sikhs in Punjab and the Indian diaspora. It is used as a middle name or surname by many in India and abroad, and is also found among non-Sikh communities. The name derives from the Sanskrit root simha, meaning lion, and is rendered Singh in Punjabi and Hindi.

Historically, Singh gained prominence as part of the Khalsa identity established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. He mandated that baptized male Sikhs adopt Singh as a surname and that baptized female Sikhs take Kaur. The practice created a distinctive, pan-Sikh naming tradition that identifies adherents of Sikhism while allowing individual family names to follow later.

In addition to Sikh usage, Singh has become common among Hindus in the Punjab region and other parts of India, as well as among the Indian diaspora. Women who use Singh are less common; typically, Kaur is used as a female counterpart within Sikh naming. In modern times, individuals may adopt Singh in various positions within full names, including as a middle name.

Notable people associated with the name include Bhagat Singh, the revolutionary and independence activist; Milkha Singh, the Olympic sprinter known as the Flying Sikh; Harbhajan Singh, the cricketer; Jagjit Singh, the singer; and Navjot Singh Sidhu, the former cricketer and politician.