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Singh
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Singh (IPA: ) 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, 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 and to emulate Rajput naming conventions. 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.

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IPA transcription
sɪŋɡʱ
Soundex
S520
Cologne phonetics
864
Caverphone
SN1111
native label
سنگھ
Commons category
Singh (surname)
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7 sections
Contents
  • Etymology and variations
  • History
  • Usage
  • Nepal
  • Outside South Asia
  • See also
  • References

Singh (IPA: ) 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, 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 and to emulate Rajput naming conventions. 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.

== Etymology and variations == The word Singh is derived from the Sanskrit word (IAST: ) meaning 'lion', and is used to convey 'hero' or 'eminent person'.

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