Origin & Meaning of the Singh Surname
What does the last name Singh mean?
The surname Singh carries the meaning "Lion." It is derived from the Sanskrit language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 116,749 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Singh ranks as the #260 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Singh come from?
The Singh surname has its roots in Indian (Sikh/Rajput) heritage. Names of Indian (Sikh/Rajput) origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Singh name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Singh trace back to Sanskrit. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Singh |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Lion |
| Origin | Indian (Sikh/Rajput) |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| US Rank (2010) | #260 |
| US Count (2010) | 116,749 |
| Per 100K People | 39.58 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Singh
According to the US Census, the Singh surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 116,749 Americans with the Singh last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.29% |
| Black | 4.48% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 82.77% |
| Native American | 1.15% |
| Two or More Races | 4.81% |
Popularity of Singh Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Singh surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Singh surname increased by 44,107 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Singh
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