Top Indian Surnames are the Most Popular Choice for New Zealand’s Newborns
The demographics of New Zealand are changing, as seen in the decline of the once predominant surname Smith to third place.
Back in 2014, Smith was the top surname for newborns in New Zealand. Fast forward a decade, and Singh and Kaur have taken over, showcasing the evolving society of the country.
Recent data shows that Singh now tops the list with 680 newborns carrying the name, followed closely by Kaur with 630. Smith, on the other hand, is now in third place with 300 instances.
Both Singh and Kaur are common names in India and Nepal, notably among Sikhs. These names have Sanskrit origins, with Singh meaning “lion” and Kaur meaning “princess.”
The naming convention established by Sikh Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 aimed to promote equality by removing caste-based distinctions. Unlike other traditions, Sikh women typically retain the surname Kaur even after marriage.
‘A Diverse Country’: Minister Responds to Name Trends
New Zealand’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, expressed appreciation for the diverse name data of 2024.
“New Zealand is a diverse country, and it’s great to see that reflected in our family name data for 2024,” she said.
“Family names are a real gift for all children, as they reflect the rich history of each family and their origins,” she added.
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The influence of the Indian community is particularly noticeable in the North Island, where Singh, Kaur, and Patel are the most common surnames. In the South Island, Kaur, Singh, and Smith take the lead.
The 2023 census revealed that there are around 292,092 people of Indian descent in New Zealand, marking a 22% increase since 2018.
In the year leading up to July 2024, 36,972 Indian citizens migrated to New Zealand, a slight rise from the 33,692 recorded in 2023.
In 2019, the number of Indian immigrants stood at only 8,199.
Currently, New Zealand is home to at least 20 Sikh gurdwaras, which offer community services like food distribution, support during emergencies such as COVID-19 lockdowns, and essential services for those in need through initiatives like the “Langar,” a communal kitchen open to all.
