Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Sikh baby names hold profound significance since they are rooted in the sacred teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, reflecting the rich history of their heritage. These names exemplify a beautiful fusion of spirituality and valor, offering parents a treasure trove of linguistic gems to bestow upon their newborns. As part of the Sikh traditions, after two weeks after the birth of the baby, a special naming ceremony, also known as the ‘naam karan ceremony,’ is held at the Gurudwara. Here, the parents of the child and the guests make an offering to the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs. They either offer a donation or make a sanctified form of food, also known as ‘Karah Parshad.’ After this, the baby is given a holy mixture of sugar and water to mark the initiation of the ceremony. The Guru Granth Sahib is the primary source of picking names for Sikh babies. The reader of the Holy Book (Granthi) opens the book at random at the command (Hukam) of God. The first letter of the first word from the page picked for the initial of the child’s name. The parents choose the name for their little one with that letter and share it with the congregation by the granthi. People of the Sikh faith are often referred to as Khalsa, a community. The male members are assigned the title Singh (lion), while the female members are assigned Kaur (princess) (1). Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and the last human Sikh Guru, had instructed all to practice this belief to remind them of the popular Sikh faith, which is ‘the oneness of humanity.’ The tradition reduces caste-based prejudices and displays equality between men and women. Now that we acquainted you with the customs and traditions, it’s time to check out some insightful names. The following Sikh/Punjabi baby names with meanings have been obtained from reliable sources. Browse, shortlist, and pick the best of all.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hervise |  |  Boy | A new name |
| Hervy | | Boy | Battle worthy |
| Herward | | Boy | Army Guard |
| Heryeth | |  Girl | A British female name |
| Herz | | Boy | Heart |
| Hesam | | Boy | A sharp sword |
| Hesekiel | | Boy | God strengthens; God will strengthen |
| Hesh | | Boy | Loving |
| Hesham | | Boy | generous |
| Heshini | | Boy | Indian Tamil name |
| Hespera | | Girl | Daughter of Cebren; Evening star |
| Himaayat | | Boy | Help; Support |
| Hobson | | Boy | Robert's son |
| Humfry | | Boy | friendly soldier |
| Humility | | Boy | Someone who feels less important and proud |
| Hummer | | Boy | high strength multipurpose automobile |
| Humphrie | | Boy | Person wo loves to be calm |
| Hurlburt | | Boy | The strength of an entire army |
| Hurriya | | Girl | A feeling of liberation and freedom |
| Hurriyat | | Boy | A free and independent person |
| Hurst | | Boy | A man from the wooded hill |
| Hurste | | Boy | He who lives in the forest |
| Husaam | | Boy | A man who is good with a sword |
| Husaam udeen | | Boy | Faith's sword |
| Husaamudeen | | Boy | The sword of faith |
| Husaina | | Girl | A beautiful woman |
| Husanah | | Girl | A very beautiful, gorgeous girl |
| Husayn | | Boy | A pretty and handsome man |
| Husayni | | Boy | A relation through the ancestry of Husayn |
| Husein | | Boy | A good and handsome person |
| Husewyf | | Girl | The wife of a householder |
| Husewyua | | Girl | One who looks after the household chores |
| Hushaima | | Girl | A modest woman |
| Husian | | Boy | A small, short good-looking man |
| Husn | | Girl | A beauty; Grace |
| Husna | | Girl | The most beautiful girl |
| Husnan | | Boy | A Muslim male name |
| Husnara | | Girl | The grooming beauty of a woman |
| Husnia | | Girl | A girl who is beautiful |
| Ilea | |  Unisex | To ascend |
| Ilena | | Girl | Bright; Shining one |
| Inderjit | | Unisex | God's victorious warrior |
| Inderpreet | | Unisex | God's love |
| Ink | | Unisex | Colored fluid used for writing, drawing, or printing |
| Jackquelin | | Girl | May God protect her |
| Jaganmohini | | Girl | The name of Goddess Durga |
| Jakara | | Unisex | Grateful |
| Jakhia | | Unisex | Unique and charismatic |
| Jamar | | Boy | A beautiful man |
| Jamareon | | Boy | One who has strong will |
| Jamari | | Boy | A good-looking man |
| Jambert | | Boy | Variation of Lambert; A bright place |
| Janaia | | Girl | God has heard |
| Janaka | | Boy | A father |
| Janakiram | | Boy | God's name, name of Janki's husband |
| Janakiraman | | Boy | Name of Lord Rama |
| Janakpreet | | Boy | Fatherly love |
| JanakrIndian | | Boy | Son of Janaki |
| Janal | | Boy | He who is cute and sweet |
| Janalee | | Girl | God is gracious |
| Janaliz | | Girl | A wood used for making bows |
| Janana | | Boy | An ancestor |
| Janavika | | Girl | One who gathers knowledge |
| Janaye | | Girl | God has heard and gave an answer |
| Janberk | | Girl | One who likes to explore; Creative and full of youth |
| Jancey | | Girl | One from the glen |
| Jancis | | Boy | One who is from France |
| Janda | | Boy | A flag |
| Jandro | | Boy | To defend |
| Janea | | Girl | God is gracious |
| Janeah | | Girl | God is merciful |
| Janean | | Girl | God is gracious |
| Janeane | | Girl | God is gracious |
| Janee | | Girl | God has shown favor |
| Janeesa | | Girl | God is merciful |
| Japji | | Unisex | Meditative prayer or song |
| Jarn | | Girl | An Indian female name |
| Jarnail | | Boy | The Commanding Officer; General of an Army; A derivative of the name Janeil |
| Jasbir | | Boy | Victorious hero; Triumphant warrior |
| Jashandeep | | Unisex | Victorious light |
| Jashanpreet | | Unisex | Celebration and love |
| Jasleen | | Boy | Absorbed in Singing God's Praises; Immersed in adoring God; Engrossed in singing God's charm |
| Jaslin | | Unisex | Beautiful; Sweet; Kind |
| Jasman | | Unisex | Unique; Surprise; Gift from God |
| Jasmeet | | Unisex | Victorious union |
| Jasminder | | Boy | Lord of Glory; God of Splendidness; Magnificent God |
| Jasreet | | Unisex | Victory; Triumph |
| Jatindranath | | Boy | Name of Lord Shiva |
| Jazleen | | Girl | Absorbed; Engrossed in God |
| Jeffie | | Girl | The one who is fair minded and charming |
| Jefford | | Boy | Jeff's ford |
| Jeffree | | Boy | The absence of mental stress or anxiety |
| Jeffries | | Boy | Life without troubles and temptations |
| Jenava | | Girl | Of the female race |
| Jenaya | | Girl | God is gracious |
| Jenea | | Girl | God's grace endures forever |
| Jenean | | Girl | God's mercy is eternal |
| Jenee | | Girl | God endows his mercy upon mankind |
| Jeneefer | | Girl | White-colored girl |
| Jeneen | | Girl | God bestows his grace upon me |
Sikh and Punjabi baby names beautifully embody the region's culture, spirituality, and history. With profound meanings and diverse linguistic origins, these timeless names inspire and resonate with parents worldwide, connecting newborns to a cherished identity and a multi-generational legacy. The selection of a name is a momentous and joyous event, celebrated by loved ones, reflecting the essence of Sikh and Punjabi culture.
Infographic: Enchanting Sikh/Punjabi Boy and Girl Names
Sikh baby names embody a captivating historical narrative. From valorous warriors to profound philosophers and poets, these names testify to Punjab's storied heritage. If you're seeking an alluring name for your little one, this infographic will assist you in finding your pick. Explore these lovely names and discover the perfect choice.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any restrictions on Sikh baby names?
Sikh baby names are chosen through a naming ceremony or 'Naamkaran.' Most Sikh names are taken from the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. After the name is chosen, 'Kaur,' meaning princess, is added to the names of baby girls, and 'Singh,' meaning lion, is added to the names of baby boys (1). If the family has an ancestral surname, then 'Kaur' and 'Singh' are the middle names. However, Sikh naming practices may vary according to personal preferences, family culture, and traditions
2. Can Sikh baby names be gender-neutral?
Yes, most Sikh baby names are gender-neutral, although some are more often used with one gender than another.
3. What is the significance of Sikh baby names?
Sikh baby names hold a lot of significance as these names are derived from the Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib, which emphasizes spirituality and commitment towards God. The virtues of truth, compassion, contentment, calmness, humility, and love serve as sources of inspiration for many Sikh names.
4. Can Sikh baby names be in any language?
Yes, there is no official language of Sikhs, due to which there are no language restrictions. Hence, baby names can be in any language (2).
5. How do I ensure that the Sikh baby name I choose is not offensive or disrespectful?
To ensure the Sikh baby name you chose is not disrespectful, you may do thorough research on the name, including its meaning, background, and history, how the name sounds, and whether or not the name has any social implications.
References
- Sikh Names and Surnames - Principles and Practices - A Viewpoint
https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smsarticles/advisorypanel/gurindersinghsacha/sikhnamesandsurnames/ - Sikh naming conventions
https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh_naming_convention
