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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Jenefer | Girl | Bright; Tender; Kind; Gentle | |
Jeneil | Girl | Conqueror of challenges | |
Jenene | Girl | Impartial spirit | |
Jenianna | Girl | Graceful and favorable lady | |
Jenica | Girl | God is kind and compassionate | |
Jenice | Girl | God is mild and gentle | |
Jenicka | Girl | God has shown kindness to me | |
Jenie | Girl | God has shown mercy to me | |
Jeniece | Girl | God's grace is upon me | |
Jenifar | Girl | Fairest of all | |
Jeniffer | Girl | Beautiful and fair girl | |
Jenifry | Girl | Refers to justice of peace | |
Jenil | Boy | Possesses desirable qualities | |
Jenilee | Girl | Blend of Jenny (God is merciful) and Lee (Green field) | |
Jenilyn | Girl | Benevolent and merciful | |
Jenina | Girl | Grace of God | |
Jerri | Unisex | Spear ruler | |
Jheel | Girl | Calm and quiet lake | |
Jhonen | Unisex | Gift of God | |
Johne | Girl | Modern feminine variant of John or Jon; A person having a need to analyze the world | |
Johnelle | Girl | Having a deep desire to express themselves; Feminine variant of John | |
Johnetta | Girl | Having a deep desire to express themselves; Feminine variant of John | |
Johnie | Boy | The most enduring; God is Kind, patient, and gracious | |
Jolinn | Girl | Patient; Independent leaders; Leadership qualities | |
Jollene | Girl | Powerful, wealthy, potential achievers | |
Jomarie | Girl | Radiant, knowledgeable, eager learners | |
Jomei | Boy | Joyful, musical, passionate | |
Jomon | Boy | Natural, mysterious, genuine | |
Jon | Boy | God is gracious | |
Jona | Unisex | Dove | |
Jonah | Boy | Dove | |
Jonakhi | Girl | Honest, knowledge seekers | |
Jonaraja | Unisex | Open, trustworthy | |
Jondalar | Boy | Radiant, adventurous, active | |
Jone | Unisex | God is gracious | |
Jonell | Girl | Rejoicing; Hardworking, goal-oriented | |
Jones | Girl | Son of John | |
Jonesy | Unisex | People with this name are jubilant and are youthful. They focus on their physical appearance and easily forgive others | |
Jonet | Girl | Travel-loving, active | |
Jonette | Girl | Happiness, elegance, natural | |
Joni | Unisex | People with this name are trustworthy friends and love to spend time with friends. They have many impressive qualities and have joyful spirit | |
Jonila | Girl | Rejoicing; Career-prominent, joy-bringers | |
Jonina | Girl | Cheerful, captivating | |
Jonita | Girl | Energetic, joyful | |
Jonix | Girl | Cheerful, adaptable | |
Jonna | Girl | God is gracious; God has given | |
Josan | Unisex | Beautiful | |
Jouko | Boy | Aggressive; Leadership qualities | |
Juliann | Girl | Young or youthful; Lively | |
Jynx | Unisex | Mysterious; Enigmatic; Unpredictable | |
Kabel | Unisex | Strength and connection | |
Kaidee | Girl | Pure, virgin | |
Kaidence | Girl | With musical rhythm | |
Kaidon | Unisex | Strong; Leader; Courageous | |
Kaie | Boy | Pure; Torture | |
Kailah | Boy | Like God | |
Kaim | Unisex | Narrow strip of land | |
Kainen | Unisex | Ocean explorer or sea wanderer | |
Kaisha | Unisex | Healthy; Alive; Living | |
Kaius | Boy | To rejoice | |
Kaivalyan | Boy | Isolation | |
Kajallata | Girl | Iron vessel | |
Kajari | Girl | Bird | |
Kajetan | Boy | From the town of Gaetano | |
Kajjala | Girl | Kohl or Eyeliner | |
Kajjali | Girl | Black Eyeliner | |
Kajla | Girl | Chain; Golden chain | |
Kajol | Girl | Eyeliner | |
Kajus | Boy | To rejoice | |
Kakubha | Boy | One that excels | |
Kakudmi | Boy | Lofty | |
Kakunda | Boy | Peak, symbol of royalty | |
Kal | Boy | The strong one | |
Kal nagini | Boy | Half woman half snake creature | |
Kal purush | Boy | Orion or the Hunter | |
Kala priya | Boy | Lover of art | |
Kaladeep | Boy | Lamp of art | |
Kaladhar | Boy | The one who shows different phases of the Moon | |
Kaladhara | Boy | Bearer of the crescent Moon | |
Kalaghata | Boy | Time slayer | |
Kalai | Girl | Chirping of Birds | |
Kalaimaran | Boy | Skilled in the arts | |
Kamalroop | Boy | Looks like Lotus | |
Kamie | Unisex | Desire or longing | |
Kanshin | Boy | Mind; Open heart | |
Karampreet | Boy | The lover of God's grace; One who loves God's nobility, miracle, dignity and graciousness | |
Karmin | Girl | Song or melody | |
Karnam | Boy | Framed | |
Kasish | Boy | Lord Shiva | |
Kason | Boy | Son of marsh-dwellers | |
Kasper | Boy | A treasured secret | |
Kassi | Girl | Shining upon a man | |
Kathaka | Boy | Narrating; Reciting | |
Kathanika | Girl | Wording | |
Katherine | Girl | Pure | |
Katheryne | Girl | Neat; Simple | |
Kathia | Girl | Pure; Natural | |
Kathian | Girl | True; Plain | |
Kathie | Girl | Pure; Unadulterated | |
Kathika | Girl | Bestower of courage | |
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.
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