Sikh baby names have spiritual meanings and are suitable for either boys or girls. Sikh names are bestowed upon newborns shortly after birth. Spiritual Sikh names may also be given at the time of marriage, or at the time of initiation (baptism), and may taken on by any individual who wishes to have a spiritual name at any time.
What You Need To Know Before You Select a Sikh Baby or Spiritual Name
Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]
Sikh names are usually selected by reading a hukam or random verse of Sikh scripture after prayer is said. The first letter of the verse determines the name to be chosen. First names are interchangeable for boys and girls.
All About Janam Naam Sanskar (Sikh Baby Naming Ceremony)
Photo © [S Khalsa]
A newborn is given a spiritual Sikh name when the infant is formally presented by the family to Guru Granth Sahib for the naming ceremony, Janam Naam Sanskar. A kirtan program is helf featuring hymns sung on behalf of the newborn.
Sikhism Hymns of Hope and Blessings For a Child
Taking a Sikh Name Upon Intiation
Photo © [Ravitej Singh Khalsa / Eugene, Oregon / USA]
Initiates into the the Khalsa order may be given a new Sikh spiritual name by the Panj Pyare. The name is decided upon after reading a random verse fo scripture. All initiates also take the name of either Singh or Kaur depending on gender.
Taking a Name Upon Marriage
Photo © [Courtesy Guru Khalsa]
Upon marriage a bride's in-laws may give her a new spiritual name. The groom may wish to take a spiritual name. A couple may decide to share a name followed by Singh or Kaur respective of gender.
Sikh Spiritual Names and Meanings
Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]
Sikh names selected from Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture have spiritual meanings. Many Punjabi baby names also have Sikhism origins. The original spelling of Sikh names are Gurmukhi script or Punjabi alphabet and in the West are spelled phonetically with corresponding Roman letters:
Glossary of Sikh Baby Names and Spiritual Names
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Name secondary names of devout Sikhs:
