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Rajput ruler Rana Sangram Singh (1482-1528).

Creation of the Khalsa by Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, 1699 CE.

Prime Minister of Nepal and Commander-in-Chief of the Nepalese Army, Mukhtiyar Mathabar Singh Thapa, (1843-1845) of the Chhetri Thapa dynasty.

Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh of Raj Darbhanga in Bihar, published in Graphic Magazine, December 1888.

Singh (IPA: /ˈsɪŋ/ SING) is a title, middle name, or surname that means "lion" in various South Asian and Southeast Asian communities. Traditionally used by the Hindu Kshatriya community,^[1] 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-based prejudice^[2] and to emulate Rajput naming conventions.^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6] 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.^[7]^[8]^[9]

Etymology and variations[edit | edit source]

The word Singh is derived from the Sanskrit word सिंह (IAST: siṃha) meaning 'lion', and is used to convey 'hero' or 'eminent person'.^[10]

Several variants of the word are found in other languages:

In Meitei (officially called Manipuri), it is written and pronounced as "Singh" (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.). It is used as a name suffix (after the given name or middle name) by the Meitei kings of medieval and early modern Manipur, as well as by the vast majority of the menfolk populace of the Meitei Hindu community, in Manipur, Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh.^[11]^[12]^[13]
In Tibetan, it is written as སིང་ with the same pronunciation.
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 سِنگھ with the same pronunciation as Hindi. Variations include Simha and Sinha in Bihar.
In Indonesian, it is written as Singa and it means 'lion'.

History[edit | edit source]

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 Rudraraman, who ruled the Western Satraps in the second century CE. Jayasimha, the first ruler of the Chalukya dynasty to bear the title Simha, ruled around 500 CE. The 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 "Varman". Among the Rajputs, the use of the word Singh came into vogue among the Paramaras of Malwa in 10th century CE, among the Guhilots and the Kachwahas of Narwar in the 12th century CE, and the Rathores of Marwar after the 17th century.^[14]

By the sixteenth century, "Singh" had become a popular surname among Rajputs.^[15] 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.^[16]^[17] 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,^[18]^:121–126^[19]^[20] According to 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.^[4]

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 peons of the lower castes adopted the title "Singh".^[14] Bhumihars, who originally used Brahmin surnames, also started affixing Singh to their names.^[21] In Bihar and Jharkhand, the surname came to be associated with power and authority, and was adopted by people of multiple castes, including Brahmin zamindars.^[22]^[23] Citing Kshatriya status, numerous communities use 'Singh' as part of their names.^[24] Some Jains have also adopted the surname in addition to various Hindu castes.^[25]

Many Muslim 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.^[26]^[27]

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, Yadavs, Gurjars, Brahmins, Marathas, Jats, Kushwahas, Rajpurohits, Kumawats etc. Dalit and other backward groups have also adopted the name, including the Bhils,^[28] Koeris,^[29] and Dusadhs.^[29] The name is also found among the Indian diaspora.

Usage[edit | edit source]

"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.^[30]

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.^[31]

Nepal[edit | edit source]

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.^[7] Some notable examples of Nepalis with the middle name/surname Singh are: Amar Singh Thapa, Ranodip Singh, and Pratap Singh Shah.

Outside South Asia[edit | edit source]

Singh is a common Hindu name in Guyana.^[32] 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).^[33]

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 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.^[34]

References[edit | edit source]

↑ Hanks, Patrick (2013). Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press. p. 354. ISBN 9780199771691.
↑ James Minahan (2012). Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 289. ISBN 9781598846591. 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
↑ Atwal, Priya (15 January 2021). Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire. Oxford University Press. p. 34. ISBN 978-0-19-756693-0. Singh was a common name utilised by Rajputs, the Hindu ruling or warrior caste.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 Singh, Pashaura (2014-03-01). "An Overview of Sikh History". In Singh, Pashaura; Fenech, Louis E. (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies. OUP Oxford. p. 23. ISBN 978-0-19-969930-8. 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.
↑ Jakobsh, Doris (2004). "What's in a Name: Circumscribing Sikh Female Nomenclature". In Singh, Pashaura; Barrier, Norman Gerald (eds.). Sikhism and History. Oxford University Press. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-19-566708-0. As the term 'Singh' meaning 'lion' was adopted from the Rajputs, so too was the name 'Kaur'
↑ Shackle, Christopher (2004-01-14). "Sikhism". In Hardy, Friedhelm; Houlden, Leslie (eds.). The World's Religions. Routledge. p. 722. ISBN 978-1-136-85185-8. 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.
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 Adhikari, Krishna P.; Sapkota, Bhimsen (2018-06-09). "Fiji Nepals: Reviving Connections Lost for Over a Century". In Gellner, David N.; Hausner., Sondra L. (eds.). Global Nepalis: Religion, Culture, and Community in a New and Old Diaspora. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-909337-3. 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.
↑ Deshpande, Ashwini (2011-08-03). "Theories of Discrimination and Caste". The Grammar of Caste: Economic Discrimination in Contemporary India. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-908846-1. Some individuals often drop their surnames and use generic names such as Kumar, Lal, Singh, or Chowdhary that are not jati specific.
↑ Kumar Suresh Singh (1996). Communities, segments, synonyms, surnames and titles. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 32. ISBN 9780195633573. Going by the usage, Singh is more a title than a surname, cutting across communities and religious groups.
↑ Patrick Hanks, ed. (2003). Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 354. ISBN 978-0-19-508137-4.
↑ Constantine, R.. Manipur, Maid of the Mountains. India: Lancers, 1981. p. 37
↑ Chaki-Sircar, Manjusri. Feminism in a Traditional Society: Women of the Manipur Valley. India: Shakti Books, 1984. p. 58
↑ "Singh Title in the Meitei name of Manipur By Okram Kumar". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2022-08-17.
↑ ^14.0 ^14.1 Qanungo, Kalika Ranjan (1960). Studies in Rajput History. Delhi: S. Chand. pp. 138–140. OCLC 1326190.
↑ Prakash Chander (1 January 2003). India: Past & Present. APH Publishing. p. 120. ISBN 978-81-7648-455-8. Retrieved 11 January 2013. 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.
↑ A History of the Sikh People (1469-1988) by Dr. Gopal Singh ISBN 81-7023-139-6^{[page needed]}
↑ Catherine B. Asher; Cynthia Talbot (2006). India Before Europe. Cambridge University Press. p. 269. ISBN 9780521809047.
↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Singh
↑ Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-19-567308-1. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
↑ Gupta, Hari Ram. History Of The Sikhs Vol I The Sikh Gurus, 1469-1708. Munshilal Manohorlal, Pvt Ltd. p. 271. ISBN 978-81-215-0276-4.
↑ Virendra Prakash Singh (1992). Community And Caste In Tradition. Commonwealth. p. 113. ISBN 9788171692422.
↑ Pranava K Chaudhary (2009-02-21). "Using surnames to conceal identity". The Times of India. Retrieved 2013-01-18.
↑ Singh, Santosh (2015). Ruled or Misruled: Story and Destiny of Bihar. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9789385436420. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
↑ Bhavan's Journal, Volume 12, Issues 1-16. 1965. p. 123.
↑ Frankel, Francine R. (1990). Dominance and State Power in Modern India. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press. p. 17. 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.
↑ Schmidt, Ruth Laila (2008). A Grammar of the Shina Language of Indus Kohistan. Harrassowitz. p. 11. ISBN 9783447056762.
↑ "Gilgit Manuscript". UNESCO.
↑ Gupta, Sanjukta Das (2012). Narratives from the Margins: Aspects of Adivasi History in India. Primus Books. p. 134. ISBN 978938060710-8.
↑ ^29.0 ^29.1 V.S. Upadhyay; G. Pandey, eds. (1993). History of Anthropological Thought. India: Concept Publishing Company. p. 436. ISBN 9788170224921. 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.
↑ B. V. Bhanu (2004). People of India: Maharashtra, Part 3. Contributors Kumar Suresh Singh, B. V. Mehta, Anthropological Survey of India. Popular Prakashan. p. 1846. ISBN 9788179911020.
↑ 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
↑ Danns, George K. (2017-09-29). Domination and Power in Guyana: Study of the Police in a Third World Context. Routledge. p. 120. ISBN 978-1-351-52186-4.
↑ Smith, Raymond T. (2014-04-23). The Matrifocal Family: Power, Pluralism and Politics. Routledge. p. 118. ISBN 978-1-136-65959-1.
↑ San Grewal (2007-07-26). "'Singh' ban denounced". Toronto Star.

[1] Hanks, Patrick (2013). Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press. p. 354. ISBN 9780199771691.

[2] James Minahan (2012). Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 289. ISBN 9781598846591. 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

[3] Atwal, Priya (15 January 2021). Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire. Oxford University Press. p. 34. ISBN 978-0-19-756693-0. Singh was a common name utilised by Rajputs, the Hindu ruling or warrior caste.

[Oxford_Handbook-4] 4.0 ^4.1 Singh, Pashaura (2014-03-01). "An Overview of Sikh History". In Singh, Pashaura; Fenech, Louis E. (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies. OUP Oxford. p. 23. ISBN 978-0-19-969930-8. 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.

[5] Jakobsh, Doris (2004). "What's in a Name: Circumscribing Sikh Female Nomenclature". In Singh, Pashaura; Barrier, Norman Gerald (eds.). Sikhism and History. Oxford University Press. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-19-566708-0. As the term 'Singh' meaning 'lion' was adopted from the Rajputs, so too was the name 'Kaur'

[6] Shackle, Christopher (2004-01-14). "Sikhism". In Hardy, Friedhelm; Houlden, Leslie (eds.). The World's Religions. Routledge. p. 722. ISBN 978-1-136-85185-8. 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.

[Adhikari-7] 7.0 ^7.1 Adhikari, Krishna P.; Sapkota, Bhimsen (2018-06-09). "Fiji Nepals: Reviving Connections Lost for Over a Century". In Gellner, David N.; Hausner., Sondra L. (eds.). Global Nepalis: Religion, Culture, and Community in a New and Old Diaspora. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-909337-3. 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.

[8] Deshpande, Ashwini (2011-08-03). "Theories of Discrimination and Caste". The Grammar of Caste: Economic Discrimination in Contemporary India. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-908846-1. Some individuals often drop their surnames and use generic names such as Kumar, Lal, Singh, or Chowdhary that are not jati specific.

[9] Kumar Suresh Singh (1996). Communities, segments, synonyms, surnames and titles. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 32. ISBN 9780195633573. Going by the usage, Singh is more a title than a surname, cutting across communities and religious groups.

[10] Patrick Hanks, ed. (2003). Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 354. ISBN 978-0-19-508137-4.

[11] Constantine, R.. Manipur, Maid of the Mountains. India: Lancers, 1981. p. 37

[12] Chaki-Sircar, Manjusri. Feminism in a Traditional Society: Women of the Manipur Valley. India: Shakti Books, 1984. p. 58

[13] "Singh Title in the Meitei name of Manipur By Okram Kumar". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2022-08-17.

[Qanungo-14] 14.0 ^14.1 Qanungo, Kalika Ranjan (1960). Studies in Rajput History. Delhi: S. Chand. pp. 138–140. OCLC 1326190.

[Chander2003-15] Prakash Chander (1 January 2003). India: Past & Present. APH Publishing. p. 120. ISBN 978-81-7648-455-8. Retrieved 11 January 2013. 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.

[16] A History of the Sikh People (1469-1988) by Dr. Gopal Singh ISBN 81-7023-139-6^{[page needed]}

[Catherine_B._Asher,_Cynthia_Talbot-17] Catherine B. Asher; Cynthia Talbot (2006). India Before Europe. Cambridge University Press. p. 269. ISBN 9780521809047.

[Singh-18] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Singh

[19] Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-19-567308-1. Retrieved 6 January 2025.

[20] Gupta, Hari Ram. History Of The Sikhs Vol I The Sikh Gurus, 1469-1708. Munshilal Manohorlal, Pvt Ltd. p. 271. ISBN 978-81-215-0276-4.

[21] Virendra Prakash Singh (1992). Community And Caste In Tradition. Commonwealth. p. 113. ISBN 9788171692422.

[22] Pranava K Chaudhary (2009-02-21). "Using surnames to conceal identity". The Times of India. Retrieved 2013-01-18.

[biha-23] Singh, Santosh (2015). Ruled or Misruled: Story and Destiny of Bihar. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9789385436420. Retrieved 28 July 2016.

[24] Bhavan's Journal, Volume 12, Issues 1-16. 1965. p. 123.

[25] Frankel, Francine R. (1990). Dominance and State Power in Modern India. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press. p. 17. 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.

[26] Schmidt, Ruth Laila (2008). A Grammar of the Shina Language of Indus Kohistan. Harrassowitz. p. 11. ISBN 9783447056762.

[27] "Gilgit Manuscript". UNESCO.

[28] Gupta, Sanjukta Das (2012). Narratives from the Margins: Aspects of Adivasi History in India. Primus Books. p. 134. ISBN 978938060710-8.

[HOA-29] 29.0 ^29.1 V.S. Upadhyay; G. Pandey, eds. (1993). History of Anthropological Thought. India: Concept Publishing Company. p. 436. ISBN 9788170224921. 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.

[30] B. V. Bhanu (2004). People of India: Maharashtra, Part 3. Contributors Kumar Suresh Singh, B. V. Mehta, Anthropological Survey of India. Popular Prakashan. p. 1846. ISBN 9788179911020.

[31] 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

[32] Danns, George K. (2017-09-29). Domination and Power in Guyana: Study of the Police in a Third World Context. Routledge. p. 120. ISBN 978-1-351-52186-4.

[33] Smith, Raymond T. (2014-04-23). The Matrifocal Family: Power, Pluralism and Politics. Routledge. p. 118. ISBN 978-1-136-65959-1.

[34] San Grewal (2007-07-26). "'Singh' ban denounced". Toronto Star.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Surname originating from Asia}}
-{{Short description|Surname originating from the Asias}}
 {{For|a list of people with the surname|List of people with surname Singh}}
+{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
+{{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|Prime Minister]] and Commander-in-Chief of Nepal [[Mathabar Singh Thapa]] (1843-1845) of the [[Chhetri]] [[Thapa dynasty]].
+| 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}}) 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, it eventually became a common surname adopted by different communities including [[Rajput]]s and [[Sikhs]].<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><ref>{{multiref|{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Khushwant|title=A History of The Sikhs 1469-1839|url=https://sikhnationalarchives.com/book/read/a-history-of-the-sikhs_21935/#page/103/mode/2up|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=83|isbn=9780195673081|quote=Singh is derived from the Sanskrit simha, meaning lion. It was (and is) commonly used as a surname by the Rajputs, Gurkhas and many others belonging to Hindu martial classes}}|{{cite book|last1=Singha|first1=H.S|title= The Encyclopedia of Sikhism|url=https://www.google.ca/books/edition/The_Encyclopedia_of_Sikhism_over_1000_En/gqIbJz7vMn0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA186&printsec=frontcover|page=186|isbn=9788170103011|quote=It was and still is being used by Rajputs, Thakurs, and some other communities as part of their male names}}}}</ref><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 later mandated in the late 17th century by [[Guru Gobind Singh]] (born Gobind Rai) for all male [[Sikh]]s as well, in part as a rejection of [[caste system in India|caste]]-based prejudice.<ref name="jam">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=abNDLZQ6quYC&pg=PA289|title=Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific An Encyclopedia|publisher=ABC-CLIO|author=James Minahan|year=2012|pages=289|isbn=9781598846591}}</ref><ref name="concise">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4XycAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA1346|title=Concise Oxford English Dictionary: Book & CD-ROM Set|publisher=OUP Oxford|author1=Angus Stevenson|author2=Maurice Waite|year=2011|pages=1346|isbn=9780199601103}}</ref> It has also been adopted by several castes and communities. As a surname or a middle name, it is now found throughout the world across communities and religious groups, becoming more of a title than a surname.<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>
+'''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 {{lang|sa|सिंह}} ([[IAST]]: {{lang|sa-Latn|siṃha}}) meaning 'lion', and is used to convey '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>
-The word "Singh" is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word सिंह ([[IAST]]: siṃha) meaning "lion", and is used in the sense "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:
-Several variants of the word are found in other languages:
+* In [[Meitei language|Meitei]] (officially called [[Manipuri language|Manipuri]]), it is written and pronounced as "Singh" ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯁꯤꯡꯍ}}|}}). It is used as a name suffix (after the [[given name]] or [[middle name]]) by the [[List of Meitei kings|Meitei kings of medieval and early modern Manipur]], as well as by the vast majority of the menfolk populace of the [[Meitei Hindu]] community, in [[Manipur]], [[Assam Meiteis|Assam]], [[Tripura Meiteis|Tripura]] and [[Bangladesh Meiteis|Bangladesh]].<ref>Constantine, R.. Manipur, Maid of the Mountains. India: Lancers, 1981. p. 37</ref><ref>Chaki-Sircar, Manjusri. Feminism in a Traditional Society: Women of the Manipur Valley. India: Shakti Books, 1984. p. 58</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Singh Title in the Meitei name of Manipur By Okram Kumar |url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.Singh_Title_in_the_Meitei_name_of_Manipur_By_Okram_Kumar|access-date=2022-08-17 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
-* In [[Hindi languages|Hindi]] and [[Nepali language|Nepali]], the name is written सिंह, and pronounced {{IPA-hi|sɪŋɡʱ|}} in Hindi and {{IPA-ne|siŋɦʌ|}} in Nepali.
+* In [[Tibetan language (standard)|Tibetan]], it is written as {{lang|bo|སིང་}} with the same pronunciation.
-* In [[Odia language|Odia]], the name is written as ‘ସିଂ’ ({{IPA-or|siŋ|pron}}) or ‘ସିଂହ’ ({{IPA-or|siŋɦɔ|pron}} or {{IPA-or|sinhɔ|}}).
+* In Tamil, the word for lion is {{lang|ta-Latn|Singham}} or {{lang|ta-Latn|Singhe}} written as {{lang|ta|சிங்க}}, also derived from Sanskrit.
-* In [[Bengali language|Bengali]], the name is written as সিনহা (Sinha) or  সিংহ (''Siṁhô'') which also means lion, however the name is pronounced as ''Shingh''.
+* In Burmese, it is spelled {{lang|my|သီဟ}} ({{lang|my-Latn|thiha}}), derived from the Pali variant {{lang|pi-Latn|siha}}.
-* In [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] ([[Gurmukhi]] script/[[Shahmukhi]] script), the name is written as ਸਿੰਘ/{{nq|سِنگھ}} and pronounced as {{IPA-pa|sɪ́ŋɡ|}}.
+* In [[Urdu]], it is written as {{lang|ur|سِنگھ}} with the same pronunciation as Hindi. Variations include {{lang|ur-Latn|Simha}} and {{lang|ur-Latn|Sinha}} in [[Bihar]].
-* In [[Urdu]], it is written as {{nq|سِنگھ}} with the same pronunciation as Hindi. Variations include Simha and Sinha in [[Bihar]].<ref>{{cite book| last=Vanita |first=Ruth | author-link=Ruth Vanita | title=Gandhi's tiger and Sita's smile: essays on gender, sexuality and culture | publisher=Yoda Press | location=[[New Delhi]]|year=2005|oclc=70008421|isbn=978-81-902272-5-4|page=37}}</ref>
+* In [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]], it is written as {{lang|id|Singa}} and it means 'lion'.
-* In [[Maithili language|Maithili]], the name is written as सिंह and both Singh and Sinha are used interchangeably.
-* In [[Magahi]], the name is written as सिंह and is used by people of dominating castes.
-* In [[Marathi language|Marathi]], the name is written सिंह and pronounced as {{IPA|sinhə|}}.
-* In [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], it is spelled as સિંહ (''Sinh'') and pronounced {{IPA-gu|'sĩɦ|}}.<ref>[[wikt:સિંહ|"સિંહ"]]. ''Wiktionary''. Retrieved 01 May 2020.</ref> Another variant is Sinhji, where the suffix of respect 'ji' is added.
-* In [[Shina language|Shina]], it is spelled as {{nq|سِنگھ}}.
-* In [[Chinese language|Chinese]], Shīzi (狮子) means [[lion]].
-* In [[Telugu language|Telugu]], the word for lion is simham (సింహం).
-* In [[Malayalam]], simham (സിംഹം) means [[lion]].
-* In [[Meitei language|Meitei]], the name is written and pronounced as Singh or (ꯁꯤꯪꯒ), although many Meitei communities are shifting back to the traditional naming system. The Bishnupuri Manipuri people use Sinha (সিনহা) or Singha (সিংহ).{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}
-* In [[Tamil language|Tamil]], the name is Singham written as சிங்கம்.
-* In [[Singhala language|Singhala]], the name is written {{lang|si|සිංහ}} and pronounced {{transl|si|[[Singha]]}}.
-* In [[Burmese language|Burmese]], it is spelled {{lang|my|သီဟ}} (''thiha''), derived from the Pali variant ''siha.''
-* In [[Thailand]], ''singha'' is known as ''sing'' (สิงห์), meaning "lion".
-* In [[Indonesia]] and [[Malaysia]], Singa or Singha, means [[lion]].
-* In [[Kannada]] the name is simha and written as ಸಿಂಹ.
 == 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 the names ending with "Simha" are the names of the two sons of the [[Saka]] ruler [[Rudradaman I|Rudraraman]] 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 the last name till 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 Simha came into vogue among the [[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]]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>
+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]] in order to create a parallel system of aristocratic titles being used by the neighboring Rajput hill chiefs of [[Anandpur Sahib]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Pashaura |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Dictionary_of_Sikh_Studies/-tQBEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=singh+vaisakhi&pg=PT125&printsec=frontcover |title=A Dictionary of Sikh Studies |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2019 |isbn=9780192508430 |pages=125}}</ref> 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>
+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|peons]] 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> Citing [[Kshatriya]] status, [[Ahir]]s ([[Yadav]]s), [[Kushwaha]] (Koeri) and [[Kurmi]]s also 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> Many Muslim [[Shina people|Shins]] also used the surname "Sing".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schmidt |first=Ruth Laila |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Grammar_of_the_Shina_Language_of_Indus/mZzD86umtbAC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=muslim+shins&pg=PA11&printsec=frontcover |title=A Grammar of the Shina Language of Indus Kohistan |publisher=Harrassowitz |year=2008 |isbn=9783447056762 |pages=11}}</ref>  Some Jains had also adopted "Singh" 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>
+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>
-People belonging to several other castes and communities have also used Singh as a title, middle name or a surname; these include non-Sikh Punjabis, [[Gujjars]] (e.g. [[Nirbhay Singh Gujjar]]), [[Brahmins]] (e.g.[[Lakshmeshwar Singh]]), [[Maratha (caste)|Marathas]] (e.g. [[Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad]]) and Hindu [[Jat people|Jat]]s, (e.g. [[Bhim Singh Rana]]), [[Sikh]] [[Jats]],(e.g. [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]]), [[Kushwaha]] ([[Maurya]]) ,(e.g. [[Babu Singh Kushwaha]]), and the [[Bhil people]] (an Adivasi ethnic group).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gupta |first=Sanjukta Das |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Narratives_from_the_Margins/VDGIpkJ9BgwC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA134&printsec=frontcover |title=Narratives from the Margins: Aspects of Adivasi History in India |date=2012 |publisher=Primus Books |isbn=978938060710-8 |pages=134}}</ref> The surname 'Singh' is used by many caste groups in [[Bihar]].<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> The name is also found among the [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian diaspora]]. For example, taking advantage of the fact that there was no reliable way to ascertain a person's caste, some of the low-caste [[Indian indenture system|Indian indentured labourers]] brought to [[British Guiana]] adopted the surname "Singh", claiming to be Kshatriyas.<ref>{{cite book |title=The matrifocal family: power, pluralism, and politics|author=Raymond Thomas Smith |publisher=Routledge |year=1996 <!--|ISBN=978-0-415-91214-3 -->|isbn=0-415-91214-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ITRpAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA118 |page=118 }}</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 (e.g. [[Manmohan Singh]] or [[Yuvraj Singh]]) or as a middle name/title (e.g. [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]], [[Mahendra Singh Dhoni]]). When used as a middle name, it is generally followed by the caste, clan or family name.
+"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>
-Rajputs may have "Singh" as a middle name or last name (e.g. Manish Singh Parmar).<ref>[[Khushwant Singh]], ''A History of the Sikhs, Volume I''</ref> To stop the practice of caste system in Sikhism, some Sikhs append "[[Khalsa]]" to Singh (e.g. [[Harinder Singh Khalsa]]). Some Sikhs and Rajputs add the names of their native villages instead (e.g. [[Harcharan Singh Longowal]], after [[Longowal]], [[Pratap Singh Khachariyawas]] after [[Khachariyawas]]).<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 Contributors Kumar Suresh Singh, B. V. Mehta, Anthropological Survey of India | year=2004 | pages=1846 | isbn=9788179911020}}</ref> In order to create a casteless society, many first generation Indians and Nepalis changed their surnames to "Singh", which is now a common, neutral and non caste specific surname.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gellner |first=David N. |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Global_Nepalis/dOF1DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=singh+casteless&pg=PT128&printsec=frontcover |title=Global Nepalis: Religion, Culture, and Community in a New and Old Diaspora |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-909337-3 |pages=128}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Deshpande |first=Ashwini |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Grammar_of_Caste/4vQtDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT39&printsec=frontcover |title=The Grammar of Caste: Economic Discrimination in Contemporary India |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2011 |isbn=9780199088461 |pages=39 |quote=Some individuals often drop their surnames and use generic names such as Kumar, Lal, Singh, or Chowdhary that are not jati specific.}}</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>
-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 (e.g. [[Prashanti Singh]]) 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>
@@ Line 61: / Line 54: @@
 * [[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]]
+{{lion-surname}}
 == References ==
 {{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Indian surnames]]
+[[Category:Surnames of Indian origin]]
 [[Category:Pakistani names]]
 [[Category:Titles in India]]
 [[Category:Sikh names]]
 [[Category:Punjabi-language surnames]]
+[[Category:Meitei culture]]