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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nyjah |  |  Unisex | Purpose |
| Paramjit | |  Boy | Heroic; Ultimate Victory; Supreme Success; Highest triumph |
| Parampreet | | Boy | One who is in the love of God |
| Parminder | | Boy | One who is the God of the gods |
| Pavneet | | Unisex | Beloved; Cherished |
| Perfect | | Unisex | Flawless; Ideal; Exceptional |
| Pistol | | Unisex | A handheld device for shooting bullets, used for self-defense, hunting, or sport |
| Prabhjot | |  Girl | The light Of God; Brilliance, radiance, and brightness of the light of God |
| Preet | | Girl | Love; Affection; Compassion |
| Radvin | | Unisex | Joyful; Happy |
| Ramandeep | | Boy | Absorbed in the light of the Lord's love; Engrossed in the brilliance and radiance of Lord Rama |
| Ramnik | | Girl | She who is beautiful |
| Ranbir | | Boy | A brave warrior |
| Ranveer | | Boy | A winner |
| Rehat | | Girl | Discipline; Religious practice |
| Rickson | | Boy | Strong ruler; Powerful king |
| Riff | | Unisex | Short musical phrase or chord progression |
| Rix | | Unisex | Ruler; Powerful leader |
| Roczen | | Unisex | Yearling |
| Romik | | Boy | Strong, intelligent, and determined |
| Ruki | | Unisex | Bright blue |
| Ryson | | Boy | Powerful; Determined; Leader |
| Ryssa | | Unisex | Noble; Noble rose |
| Ryze | | Unisex | Strong; Powerful; Dynamic |
| Sabo | | Unisex | Maker of sabots |
| Sagen | | Unisex | Descendant of the wise |
| Sager | | Boy | Strength and protection |
| Sakia | | Girl | Energetic, independent, intelligent |
| Samarpreet | | Unisex | Devoted servant of God |
| Sammi | | Unisex | God has heard |
| Saren | | Unisex | Strict; Exact |
| Sargun | | Unisex | blessed with attributes or possessing divine qualities |
| Saryan | | Unisex | Refined and noble |
| Saska | | Unisex | Defender of mankind |
| Sassy | | Unisex | Bold; Spirited; Lively; Cheeky |
| Savreen | | Unisex | Radiant; Compassionate; Strong |
| Sedonia | | Unisex | Follower of Saint Sedonius |
| Sehaj | | Unisex | Peaceful, calm, contentment |
| Sehajpreet | | Unisex | Tranquil love |
| Sehej | | Unisex | Peaceful, humble, divine |
| Sekani | | Unisex | Rejoice; Laughter |
| Seve | | Unisex | Energetic; Free-spirited |
| Seyan | | Unisex | Brave; Intuitive; Compassionate |
| Sha | | Unisex | Noble; Princess |
| Shee | | Unisex | Descendant of Séaghdha; Chinese surname |
| Sherleen | | Girl | Gracious; Kind; Nurturing |
| Sherlin | | Unisex | Bright meadow |
| Shian | | Girl | Peaceful spirit |
| Shiyan | | Unisex | Intellect, reflection, mountain |
| Shorn | | Unisex | Cut or trimmed, usually referring to hair or wool from a sheep |
| Shy | | Unisex | Reserved; Introverted; Possibly lacking self-confidence |
| Siahna | | Girl | Unique; Charismatic; Expressive |
| Sihan | | Unisex | Lion; Brave warrior |
| Sika | | Unisex | Golden; Valuable; Promising |
| Sikh | | Unisex | A follower of Sikhism |
| Simardeep | | Boy | One who is like a lamp of remembrance |
| Simarleen | | Girl | One who is completly absorbed in remembrance |
| Simran | | Unisex | One who meditates |
| Simranjit | | Boy | One who is a victor of contemplation |
| Simranpal | | Boy | One who meditates and contemplates |
| Simranpreet | | Boy | One who loves to meditate; One who contemplates lovingly |
| Simrarjit | | Boy | One who meditates in the remembrance of God |
| Simrat | | Girl | One who remembers through meditation |
| Simrin | | Unisex | Remembering; Meditative |
| Sincere | | Boy | Honest and genuine |
| Singh | | Boy | He is like a lion |
| Siriom | | Girl | The sound of the great infinity |
| Ski | | Unisex | Cloud |
| Smrita | | Girl | A woman who meditates |
| Smyan | | Unisex | Uncommon and unique |
| Snoh | | Unisex | Unique; Mysterious; Ethereal |
| Sochai | | Boy | To achieve something by thinking |
| Sodhi | | Boy | To be a friendly person |
| Soor | | Boy | A Boy who is like the Sun |
| Sosi | | Unisex | Joyful; Artistic; Unconventional |
| Sourik | | Unisex | Brave and courageous warrior |
| Stallionjit | | Girl | A victorious wild horse |
| Stryder | | Unisex | A person who walks with long steps |
| Sukhbir | | Boy | One who is a warrior of peace |
| Sukhbirpal | | Boy | One who protects the warrior of peace |
| Sukhchain | | Boy | A peaceful person of a calm nature |
| Sukhcharanjit | | Boy | A peaceful victory |
| Sukhdarshan | | Boy | A happiness that can be seen |
| Sukhdeep | | Girl | A light that the peace brings |
| Sukhindir | | Boy | He who is the God of the peace |
| Sukhjeet | | Boy | One who remains in peace |
| Sukhjeev | | Boy | A person who has a very peaceful nature |
| Sukhjit | | Boy | A victory of happiness and peace |
| Sukhjiwan | | Boy | To lead a happy life |
| Sukhjot | | Girl | The light that the peace gives |
| Sukhleen | | Girl | One who is absorbed in God's love and joy |
| Sukhman | | Unisex | Peaceful soul |
| Sukhmani | | Girl | She who is a peace bringer |
| Sukhminder | | Girl | A peaceful place for prayers; A temple of peace |
| Sukhpreet | | Boy | A person who highly values inner peace and joy |
| Sukhraj | | Boy | One who is of a very peaceful temper |
| Sukhram | | Boy | The peace pervades him |
| Sukhshant | | Boy | A man who is blissful and peaceful |
| Sukhsharan | | Boy | He who finds peace by finding shelter in God |
| Sukhveer | | Boy | He is a soldier of peace |
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
