Singh
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"Singh", meaning "Lion", is possibly the most common name in India being used by both Hindus and Sikhs as a male name, albeit for different purposes.
Naming in India
Among the Hindu community, the usual practice for first or personal names is to give the name of one of the gods, goddesses, spirits, or sages, or a name derived from the divine virtues and roles. The name Singh is given to represent the virtue of strength. It was quite common among the Rajput caste of Hindus, but it has retained some modern popularity in all regions.
Guru Gobind Singh the tenth Sikh Guru, wished to diminish the power of the caste system. The four-fold varna system of caste, most commonly found in north India, combined with the slow Sanskritisation of names, allowed each individual's caste to be identified with precision. By retaining the family name, the oppression of caste would be perpetuated. The Guru gave Singh as a last name to all the Sikh men so that all in the community would be equals, with no distinction made between different levels of craftsmen and professions. Women had not been treated as equals before the time of the Gurus, and so to ensure equality, the name Kaur was given to all the Sikh women. The Guru said, “You are my beloved princesses, my daughters. You must be respected. How can this world be without you?”
Some Sikhs use Gill, Sandhu, Sidhu, etc. as their last name and show Singh as their middle name. Such Sikhs are refusing to follow the Guru's wise advice and wish to preserve their caste. As to given names, the naming ceremony takes place in a Gurdwara in the presence of relatives and friends. Prayers are offered asking for a special blessing of good health, long life and the Sikh way of life. After reciting Ardas, the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is opened at random. The first letter of the first word of the hymn on the page is selected as the first letter of the child's name. The given name is common for either sex.
The migration of Sikhs to Northern Mexico at the turn of the last century has led to the existence of Roman Catholic Mexicans with Singh as a surname. A variant spelling of 'Sigh' – but pronounced Singh – has also emerged there.