Singh
A South Asian surname and title meaning “lion,” widely used among Sikhs and other communities.
The #260 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,645 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Singh comes from Sanskrit siṃha, meaning “lion.” In later Indo-Aryan usage, especially in North India, the form Singh became a common personal and family name, carrying the sense of courage, strength, or noble bearing. The name is especially associated with Sikh naming practice, where it is used as a masculine middle or last name.
History
Historical references show Singh as a familiar name among Hindu and Sikh chiefs, and 19th-century writers regularly explain it as the South Asian equivalent of “lion.” In Sikh tradition it became especially prominent after being adopted as a standard male surname/title. Today it is one of the most common surnames in the world and is very widely represented in the Indian diaspora.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In many Sikh naming traditions, Singh is paired with Kaur for women, creating a shared family-name style rather than a strict hereditary surname system.
From the historical record
“Tissington. A loc. n., Derbysh. Titchen. G. Titsche; Dch. Tit- singh ; p.n. Dim. of Tide, Tidy Titchmarsh. A loc. n., North- ants”
— British Family Names: their origin and meaning (2nd ed.)