Singh

Singh /ˈsɪŋ/ is a title, middle name or surname, which originated in India. Derived from the Sanskrit word for lion, it was adopted as a title by certain warrior castes in India. It was mandated by Guru Gobind Singh for all Sikhs. It was later adopted by several castes and communities. As a surname or a middle name, it is now found throughout the Indian subcontinent and among the Indian diaspora, cutting across communities and religious groups, becoming more of a title than a surname.

The word "Singh" is derived from the Sanskrit word for lion (सिंह siṃha). Several variants of the word are found in other languages:

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 Rudraraman in the second century CE. The first ruler of the Chalukya clan bore the title Simha ruled around 500 CE. The 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 "Varman". Among the Rajputs, the use of the word Simha 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.

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