The naming tradition of Sikhi: Singh and Kaur, common descendent, common names

The first names of Sikhs are derived from inspiring words found in the preserved writings of the wise ones (Gurbani), which are at the heart of the Sikhi way of life. The last names are respectively shared: Kaur (princess) by women and Singh (lion) by men. They symbolise that both carry unique characteristics which complement each other. Credits: Maurice Weiss, SikhiCouncil

Introduction to Sikhi

Sikhi – this is the original name for the way of life followed by Sikhs – began to unfold in the 15th century in Panjab. This young world religion is rooted in unique traditions, including a poetic script-language (Gurmukhi), a distinctive naming system, recitation style, and a noble appearance. Sikhi is grounded in timeless wisdom (Gurmat), revealed through more than 30 wise and enlightened ones and preserved in written form (Gurbani). The spiritual wisdom inspires around 25 million Sikhs worldwide. It helps reflecting on early childhood imprints and the alienation from our hearts and from nature, distinguish natural needs from desires, adopt a cyclical worldview, and transcend the diaspora of impermanence. Gurmat thus prepares the ground for a healthy, spiritual, dignified, and ethical life - in harmony with nature and the Divine.

Equality in worth and complementarity

The wisdom of the Sikhi emphasises the shared origin of all existence. From this, the equal worthiness of all sentient beings is derived. To bring this awareness into daily life, various traditions have evolved – including the naming customs of Sikhs. Each first name carries an inspiring meaning and highlights a particular virtue. Alongside individual first names, shared last names express the spirit of community. Since the medieval period, male Sikhs have traditionally carried the family name Singh and female Sikhs the name Kaur. The word Kaur is derived from Kunwar and can be translated as princess. It conveys dignity, loyalty, and devotion. Singh means lion and symbolises independence, strength, and leadership. The different surnames for women and men symbolise that both carry unique characteristics - which complement each other.

Names exert power

Names exert power. Also today.

To better understand the background of the Sikhi naming tradition, it helps to consider the historical context of the region where this way of life originated but also global phenomena related to the perception of names.

In India, surnames often indicate a particular profession or social class (caste). From this a social classification is made that may lead to prejudice and exclusion. Caste-based surnames continue to influence social discrimination in everyday life. A 2021 study by sociologists Deshpande and Weisskopf found that individuals with lower-caste surnames face bias in job recruitment, housing, and social interactions, even when qualifications are equal. Another 2022 report by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) confirmed widespread social prejudice linked to caste-indicative names, affecting access to education and employment opportunities.

In South Korea, research shows that certain names are associated with social stereotypes that can lead to discrimination. A study by Kim and Park (2021) found that individuals with names perceived as lower-status or linked to regional origins face biases in hiring and social acceptance. For example, some common regional surnames are stigmatized, affecting job prospects and social mobility.

In the USA, research by Marianne Bertrand and Sendhil Mullainathan (2004) demonstrated that job applicants with traditionally African American–sounding names receive significantly fewer callbacks than those with Anglo-Saxon names. A 2023 study by economists Martin Abel and Rulof Burger found that participants systematically discriminated against job candidates with names they associated with Black people, especially when under time pressure. The study involved 1,500 participants from all 50 U.S. states and revealed that names like Shanice or Terell elicited negative presumptions about education, productivity, and trustworthiness compared to names like Melanie or Adam. The research also indicated that white participants who opposed affirmative action were more likely to select applicants with white-sounding names over those perceived as Black, regardless of the time allowed for decision-making.

In Latin America, studies such as those by Carlos Rodriguez-Padilla (2016) show that indigenous names often lead to social marginalisation, while Spanish-derived names carry higher social status.

In Africa, colonial-era family names still influence social standing and access to opportunities, as documented in research by Nicoli Nattrass and Jeremy Seekings (2010).

In Germany, individuals with foreign-sounding names face disadvantages in various aspects of life. A 2024 study by the Hertie School of Governance found that emails from applicants with Arabic-sounding names received 14 percentage points fewer positive responses compared to those with German names. Similarly, a 2022 study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) revealed that applicants with Turkish accents were more likely to be informed that a job position had already been filled, indicating bias based on speech characteristics. Conversely, individuals with names perceived as noble or aristocratic like “von der” experience more favorable treatment and can even have beneficial effects on careers as the work of the Expert Council of German Foundations on Integration and Migration (SVR) indicates.

These examples illustrate that names remain a significant factor shaping social inclusion, identity, and opportunity globally. Until today, names can have a similar hierarchical connotation depending on context, comparable to the European estates system. Until about the 12th century, it was common in Europe to have only a first name. From the late Middle Ages, however, people began to be assigned family names passed down through generations. German names like Müller, Fischer, Schneider or Schulz increasingly carried the reputation of their respective professions.

One human family

To dismantle social hierarchies and prejudices and to emphasise the equalit worthyness and shared spiritual origin of all people, Sikhs began adopting identical surnames from the 17th century onward. As with other traditions still upheld today, the shared surnames were introduced by the tenth enlightened one, Gur Gobind Singh. They became established following the initiation of the Five Beloved Ones (Panj Piare) through the Khade Di Pahul ceremony into the Community of the Pure (Khalsa). The Khalsa was created in 1699 by the last of the ten directly successive wise ones. Gur Gobind Singh called upon the Sikhs to abandon socially connoted names such as Bains, Bedi, Brar, Dhillon, Ghotra, Gill, Sidhu or Saini, which point to clan (Ghot) or assumed caste (Jaat), and instead to adopt surnames that express belonging to one human family. Since then, Sikh men who consciously choose the path of Sikhi take on the surname Singh. Sikh women carry the surname Kaur. Any name suffixes that indicate clan or assumed caste are discarded. This also entails consistently avoiding any prefixes such as Sant, Braham Giani, Siriman 108, or Mahapursh. These self-assigned titles aim to elevate one’s own person and stress an alleged holiness and superiority.

Already after the founding of the Khalsa, notable individuals such as the Sahibzade – the four sons of the tenth wise one – took on the surname Singh. So did the tenth wise one himself, who from then on was no longer called Gobind Rai but Gobind Singh. At the same time, the tradition was further established to derive first names from the preserved writings of the enlightened ones (Gurbani).

It is worth noting that the tenth enlightened one, Gur Gobind Singh – who created the Khalsa – consciously avoided adding the word Khalsa to any individual's name. After the establishment of the Khalsa, he never attached the word Khalsa to his own name nor bestowed it upon any other person. The reason for this is that the Khalsa refers to the collective body of those who belong to this community of pure ones – not to any single individual.

How Sikhs choose a name for a newborn baby

For Sikhs, the birth of every child is a precious gift. They avoid determining the gender before birth. Extensive gender-specific considerations for the first name are not necessary for Sikhs, since most first names can be used for both genders. So if, contrary to expectations, a boy is born instead of a girl, it is enough to add Singh to the chosen first name in order to complete the name according to gender.

The first name is chosen with care. It is meant to provide the child with lifelong inspiration for a wisdom-oriented life. To find a suitable name, Sikhs turn to the writings of the enlightened ones (Gurbani). The central scripture for Sikhs, where the writings are preserved, is called Guru Granth Sahib today. It is opened at random. The first letter of the first word on the left-hand page becomes the starting letter for the child’s first name. The parents then choose a word from the writings that begins with that letter. In doing so, they make sure the word recalls a virtue – such as truthfulness, love, or fearlessness. Once the first name has been found, the surname Kaur or Singh is added depending on the child’s gender. If it is not practically possible to determine the name from the Guru Granth Sahib – for example, if the complete scripture is not available at home – a small edition (Gutka) may be used instead, or an online version or app of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Legal challenges with Sikh names: Getting name law and freedom of religion under one turban

Sikhs repeatedly encounter difficulties when it comes to their naming tradition wolrdwide. While authorities in the USA or United Kingdom are very open and flexible, many Sikhs in Germany carry an inappropriate surname because the authorities were unwilling to recognise the naming tradition of Sikhi. Depending on the country, legal problems particularly arise with the naming of newborn Sikh children. Authorities may refuse to accept the given or family name because they are unfamiliar with them and unaware that Sikhi is the fifth largest world religion and follows its own naming tradition. In some cases, these difficulties stem from the fact that parents are unable to sufficiently explain the background of the naming tradition – due to language barriers or other reasons.

German naming law for example stipulates that all children of a married couple must share the same surname. This regulation comes into conflict with the naming tradition of Sikhi. If a Sikh family has two children of different gender, both must, under German law, carry the same family name. So if a boy is born first and receives the traditional surname Singh, the younger sister must legally adopt the same surname. This leads to identity issues among Sikhs. A Sikh girl bearing the surname Singh may be compared to a girl named Adam – or a boy named Eva. In both cases, the name is unsuitable for the respective gender. This constitutes a violation of constitutionally protected dignity and religious freedom.

To grant Sikhs their dignity and the freedom to practise their religion, and to avoid discrimination based on outdated legislation, legal adjustments would be necessary in some countries to reflect the pluralism of today’s societies. As an interim solution, the creation of an exemption clause based on verifiable religious naming traditions could be a practical step – to bring naming law and centuries-old traditions under one turban. One possible solution for Sikhs might be the recognition of “gender-adapted surnames.” The birth name of a minor child could in this case be adjusted to their gender through a formal declaration to the authorities.

As with the first, so with the second child: Alternative solutions for finding a shared surname

As long as the naming issue remains legally unresolved, there is a temporary and already successfully practiced alternative. In this approach, a new shared family name is chosen based on an inspiring word from the scriptures of Sikhi. For example, a family with a daughter and a son could adopt the surname “Daya” (graceful). In this variant, Kaur and Singh become second given names. This step may require a change of both first and last names, with a written justification. Since the legal basis here differs sometimes from the naming at birth, important reasons must be provided. Religious motivations can be recognised. A name change may, depending on the case, cost a substantial amount. The exact amount is determined by the respective authority.

Another problem arises when Sikhs who have immigrated from India hold a passport that includes only one name entry under “first name”, for example Gian Singh. In such cases, the surname field has not been filled in. Others, by contrast, may have a name suffix that indicates belonging to a particular clan or caste. These socially connoted suffixes were usually entered into birth certificates or passports by ancestors out of ignorance. Such practices can be better understood when placed in the context of British colonisation and the accompanying bureaucratisation of India. After the founding of India in 1947, forms were developed that specifically asked for caste or clan affiliation. As a result, even Sikhs began to indicate a supposed clan affiliation that had actually already been overcome. Many Sikhs were not aware of the long-term consequences of such name suffixes in official documents.

Less problematic is answering inquiries from authorities like registry offices about Sikh first names. Usually, the authorities want to confirm whether the name is indeed appropriate. Evidence found online showing that other Sikhs already carry the same first name, excerpts from the writings of the enlightened ones that include the name are usually sufficient.

Hint: The present text may be submitted to relevant authorities if needed.

Practical tips

1. When introducing yourself, pronounce your first and last name as it is originally spoken. There is no reason to pre-emptively adapt your name out of misplaced obedience. Repeat your name slowly if necessary. Do not settle when someone mispronounces your name. Experience shows that those who make a respectful effort are perfectly capable of pronouncing unfamiliar names correctly.

2. If, for any reason, your passport contains a name that contradicts the tradition of Sikhi, you are not obliged to use it as-is in everyday life. For example, if you are a woman and your passport lists Ajit as your first name and Singh as your surname, you can confidently introduce yourself as Ajit Kaur. If your passport says Gurnam Singh Bedi, you can introduce yourself as Gurnam Singh. This does not apply to official and legal matters, of course. At the same time, try to follow one of the legal routes described earlier to obtain a proper passport entry.