Dictionary of Sikh Names

Sikh presence in Europe, North America and other continents has become increasingly visible during the last century, and many of them the world over have occupied coveted positions because of their dedication, hard work and entrepreneurship. More and more non-Sikhs around the world want to know about the Sikh culture, religion and traditions. Sikhs are identified by their unique names but unlike Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu names, there is no comprehensive publication or source of Sikh names. The Dictionary of Sikh Names is an exhaustive reference source that has been compiled to cater to the need of Sikh families around the world and help them select the traditional names in Sikh religion for their offspring. The dictionary is also intended to meet the need of those who want to find out the meanings of Sikh names. This reference book would be a useful source of information for the people living in different parts of the globe, particularly in western countries where, because of limited choice, it is still a problem to select meaningful and suitable names.

Preface

The Sikhs who profess Sikh religion, constitute a unique community in the world. Sikh presence in Europe, North America and other continents has become increasingly visible during the last century, and many of them the world over have occupied coveted positions because of their dedication, hard work and entrepreneurship. More and more non-Sikhs around the world want to know about the Sikh culture, religion and traditions. Sikhs are identified by their unique names but unlike Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu names, there is no comprehensive publication or source of Sikh names. The Dictionary of Sikh Names is an exhaustive reference source that has been compiled to cater to the need of Sikh families around the world and help them select the traditional names in Sikh religion for their offspring. The dictionary is also intended to meet the need of those who want to find out the meanings of Sikh names. My professional colleagues friends and several library patrons always suggested and encouraged me to compile a dictionary of Sikh names.

This compilation is the product of several years of research in different libraries in India, Canada, United States and England. Various Internets resources and CD ROM databases were also consulted to make this work exhaustive.

This work is definitive and in-depth study in the Field of Sikh names and is unique in the sense that it has been compiled in the Roman script. All first names are arranged alphabetically, and have been given their meanings in English. This dictionary is intended to meet the need of people who want to name their babies and others who want to find out the meanings of Sikh names. This reference book may prove a useful source for the people living in different parts of the globe, particularly in Western Countries where, because of limited choice, it is still a problem to select meaningful and suitable names.

For the convenience of readers, this research study is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter is an introduction about the importance of names in various cultures and religious groups. The second chapter is on the naming ceremony, while around five thousand historical, modern and spiritual first names with their meanings are listed in the third chapter. Common suffixes, often used by Sikh families, are presented in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter includes a comprehensive listing of last names. The sixth and seventh chapters have description of honorific titles and popular nicknames respectively. Some useful printed and internet resources on Sikhs and Sikhism are appended in this book as well. Listings of names with their meanings will definitely be useful their children according to Guru Granth Saheb. I am sure that this dictionary will prove to be an informative tool for parents, teachers, librarians, researchers, genealogists, family historians and all other reader who are interested in Sikhism.

Although I am not an expert, I have made a humble attempt to put together names and their meanings in this compilation. It is practically impossible to include every Sikh name in this volume. Thus this is just a sample of the great variety of names and an interpretation of their meanings. It is sincerely hoped that variations in spellings and interpretation will not offend anyone. In compilation of this book, I might have missed some names, and it there are any significant omissions and errors, I shall be pleased to be informed of the same, and will be glad to incorporate the changes in the second revised edition. I shall welcome honest and critical suggestions for the improvement and enlargement of this research work.

A great many people have provided valuable help in the compilation of this work, and I must recognize my indebtedness to them. Firstly, I must be highly grateful to the Almighty who gave me the inspiration to work on this project. It is with His kind blessings that I have succeeded in this venture. I wish to express my deepest appreciation to the knowledgeable and supportive staff of the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Library, British Columbia and Vancouver Public for their constant encouragement. Their cooperation has been gracious and wholehearted. Grateful thanks are due to the authors and scholars whose works were consulted for the completion of this book. They include Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, professor Harbans Singh, Puran Singh Gill, Sangat Singh and Mandeep Kaur Dimpy.

Thanks are also due to my friends, professional colleagues and relatives for sharing their knowledge and invaluable suggestions for the improvement of this work. I feel indebted to my daughter Parmit Kaur who constantly assisted me for three years in the compilation of this dictionary. I wish to extend my gratitude to my wife, Amrit kaur who always inspired, encouraged and supported me for this research study. Last but not the least, my thanks are due to my son, Jasmit Singh, for his computer expertise.

About the Author

Dr. Rajwant Singh Chilana is a Librarian at the Asian Library, University of British Columbia and Vancouver. He has over 25 years of professional experience of information management and teaching in different institution including the University of Delhi, Vancouver Public Library, and Surrey Public Library. Dr. chilana also worked as Library Manager and Adult Services Librarian at the Fraser Valley Regional Library in British Columbia, Canada. He has contributed several research articles and book reviews in professional journals. His previously published book include University Library Buildings in India (1984); handbook of Libraries, Archives and information Centres in India; and The Sikhs: Their Literature on Culture, history, Philosophy, Politics, Religion and Traditions.

Pramit Kaur Chilana is a recipient of Governor General of Canada Medal for Academic Excellence. She has won several other awards and distinctions. Currently she is enrolled as a student at the Simon Fraser University, Canada.