Gurmat strictly rejects and condemns any form of caste-based discrimination. If an individual uses their surname to assert caste superiority over others, this is against the principles of Sikhi.

ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Recognize the Lord’s Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter. ||1||Pause||
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – Ang: 349)

Traditionally, Sikhs adopted “Singh” or “Kaur” as their names, symbolizing equality and unity. Historically, well-known Gursikhs have identified themselves with their village or town names rather than caste-based surnames. For example, Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Narangwal, Sant Sunder Singh Bhindranwale, and Bhai Tara Singh Vaan. This practice extended to political figures as well, such as Parkash Singh Badal and Gurcharan Singh Tohra.

In the past, people commonly identified themselves through their father’s name, followed by their village name. For example, a person might introduce themselves as “Sukhbir Singh, son of Parkash Singh, from a specific village.” This system ensured clarity in identification without emphasizing caste.

However, the Western naming system does not follow this structure. As Sikhs migrated to countries like the United States, Canada, and Britain, they adapted by incorporating family names or surnames for easier identification, given the prevalence of similar first names among Punjabis and Sikhs.

While using a surname for identification purposes may be practical, it is important that Sikhs do not emphasize or stress their surnames within the community in a way that reinforces caste divisions. Ideally, avoiding surnames altogether and using “Singh” or “Khalsa” is the best way to uphold Sikh values. If a surname is used purely for identification and not to promote caste superiority, it does not contradict the spirit of Gurmat.