Punjabi names are influenced by Sikh, Hindu, and Islamic traditions, reflecting spiritual values, virtues, and family heritage. Names like Gurpreet (love of the Guru) and Amrit (immortal) symbolize faith, blessings, and cultural pride. These names celebrate the rich history and identity of Punjab.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Komaljit | Komaljit: Punjabi unisex name meaning "gentle victory" or "soft triumph." | Punjabi | Unisex | |
| Kuldip Kaur | Kuldip Kaur means "lamp of the family" in Punjabi culture. | Punjabi | Girl | |
| Kuldip Singh | Kuldip Singh: Punjabi name meaning "lamp of the family." | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Kuldip Singh Kaur | Kuldip Singh Kaur signifies family light, rooted in Sikh culture. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Kuldipjit Singh | Kuldipjit Singh: Punjabi name meaning "victorious light of family." | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Kuldipsingh | Kuldipsingh means "lamp of the family" in Punjabi culture. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Kuljot | Kuljot means "light of family," is a unisex Punjabi name. | Punjabi | Unisex | |
| Kulture | Kulture signifies shared beliefs; originates from Latin "cultura" meaning cultivation. | American, Arabic, Armenian, Australian, Bengali, Canadian, Celtic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese | Either | |
| Kulwinder | Kulwinder means "bringer of light," originating from Punjabi culture. | Punjabi | Unisex | |
| Kunalpreet | Kunalpreet means "love for the universe," reflecting compassion and connection. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Laddi | Laddi: Punjabi name meaning "beloved," popular among male infants. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Lelé | Lelé means "to be joyful"; originates from African cultures. | American, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, Cherokee, Chinese, Dakota, Hawaiian, Indian, Japanese, Maori, Persian, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu, Vietnamese | Either | |
| Manavjeet | Manavjeet means "victory of humanity," reflecting strength and significance. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manavjot | Manavjot: Punjabi name meaning "light of humanity," primarily male. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Mandeepkaur | Mandeepkaur: Punjabi name meaning intellect, light, and royal heritage. | Punjabi | Girl | |
| Mandeepp | Mandeepp: Punjabi name meaning "enlightened," associated with males, unique. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manjapreet | Manjapreet: Punjabi name meaning "beloved of the mind," culturally significant. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manjeet Kaur | Manjeet Kaur symbolizes strength, victory, and cultural heritage in Punjabi. | Punjabi | Girl | |
| Manjeet Singh | Manjeet Singh means victorious; it's a culturally significant Punjabi name. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manjeetdeep | Manjeetdeep means "victorious light," reflecting Punjabi cultural significance. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manjeetinder | Manjeetinder: Punjabi name meaning "one who conquers mind and soul." | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manjeetpal | Manjeetpal means "victorious protector" and reflects Punjabi cultural heritage. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manjeetpreet | Manjeetpreet: Punjabi name meaning "conqueror of the mind" and love. | Punjabi | Unisex | |
| Manjinder | Manjinder: Punjabi name meaning "winning the heart," gaining popularity globally. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manoharpreet | Manoharpreet: Punjabi name meaning "charming love," unique and meaningful. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Manpreet | Manpreet: Punjabi unisex name meaning "beloved of the heart." | Punjabi | Unisex | |
| Mansukhdeep | Mansukhdeep means "lamp of peace," symbolizing inner tranquility and enlightenment. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Mansukhpreet | Mansukhpreet means "beloved of peaceful mind" in Punjabi culture. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Mohitpreet | Mohitpreet means 'captivated by love' in Punjabi, male name. | Punjabi | Boy | |
| Muma | Muma means "mother" in various languages; origin varies culturally. | American, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, Cherokee, Christian, Cree, Dakota, Hebrew, Indian, Irish, Japanese, Maori, Native American, Persian, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Swahili, Tamil, Yoruba | Unisex |
The name 'Punjabi' originates from the Persian words 'Panj' and 'Ab', which mean 'five' and 'water' respectively. The region is named after the five rivers that flow through Punjab: the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. These rivers are tributaries of the Indus River, which has historically been the cradle of civilization in the area.
'Punjabi' signifies both a language and a culture associated with the Punjab region of South Asia. The Punjabi language is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the inhabitants of Punjab. Punjabi culture encompasses the traditions, music, dance, cuisine, and heritage of the Punjabi people.
'Punjabi' is not associated with a particular religion; it refers to the linguistic and cultural identity of the people from the Punjab region. The region is home to people of various faiths, including Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. The Punjabi identity is thus inclusive of diverse religious backgrounds.
The partition of India in 1947 led to the division of Punjab between India and Pakistan. This event caused significant migration and reshaped the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region. The Punjabi identity today transcends international borders, with vibrant communities in both countries.
The Punjabi diaspora refers to Punjabi people who have emigrated from the region and established communities abroad. This diaspora has played a significant role in spreading Punjabi culture and language globally. Punjabi communities can be found in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
The Punjabi language is written in the Gurmukhi script in India and in the Shahmukhi script in Pakistan. Gurmukhi is associated with Sikhism, while Shahmukhi is a Perso-Arabic script used by Punjabi Muslims. Both scripts represent the sounds of the Punjabi language but differ in their visual representation.
Key features of Punjabi culture include its folk dances like Bhangra and Giddha, its rich cuisine with dishes like butter chicken and makki di roti, and its vibrant music. Punjabi culture is also known for its colorful festivals such as Vaisakhi and Lohri. The culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality and community.
Agriculture plays a central role in Punjabi identity, as the region is often referred to as the 'breadbasket of India'. The fertile land of Punjab, nourished by its rivers, is ideal for growing wheat, rice, and other crops. This agricultural abundance has shaped the Punjabi way of life and cultural practices.
Punjabi music has significantly influenced global music genres, particularly through the popularity of Bhangra. Bhangra music has been incorporated into hip-hop, reggae, and pop music worldwide. Punjabi artists and music producers have collaborated with international artists, bringing Punjabi beats to a global audience.
The Punjab region has a rich historical significance, having been the site of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization. It has witnessed the rise and fall of empires and has been a crossroads for various cultures and religions. Punjab's history has deeply influenced its language, culture, and the identity of its people.