What is the origin of the last name Bahl?

The last name "Bahl" is of Punjabi origin and is commonly found among the Sikh community in India and Pakistan. It is derived from the Punjabi word "bahal" which means strong or powerful, suggesting that the original bearer of the name may have been someone who was known for their strength or power.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bahl

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Bahl

When considering the data on ethnic identity from the Decennial U.S. Census, it is evident that the ethnicity distribution for the surname Bahl shifted between 2000 and 2010. The percentage of individuals identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander rose significantly from 20.37% to 26.72%, a change of 31.17%. Those reporting two or more ethnicities also saw an increase from 1.71% in 2000 to 2.24% in 2010. On the other hand, the proportion of individuals identifying as White decreased from 76.28% to 68.52%. There was also a notable increase in those identifying as Hispanic, up from 1.01% to 1.92%. However, the percentages of those identifying as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native fell to zero in 2010.

20002010Change
White76.28%68.52%-10.17%
Asian/Pacific Islander20.37%26.72%31.17%
Two or More Races1.71%2.24%30.99%
Hispanic1.01%1.92%90.1%
Black0.32%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.32%0%0%

The meaning and origin of the last name Bahl

The surname Bahl is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "bal" meaning "ball" or "rounded object". It is believed to have originally been used as a nickname for a person who was round or plump in appearance. Over time, the surname may have been adopted by individuals from various regions of Germany and used as a hereditary family name. The variations of the surname Bahl can be found in different spellings such as Bahle, Bahlmann, and Bahler, among others. Today, individuals with the surname Bahl can be found in various parts of the world, especially in countries with German influence or migration history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bahl

The last name Bahl is of German origin and is primarily found in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Lower Saxony in Germany. It is also present in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. In addition to Germany, the surname Bahl can be found in India, particularly in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. This distribution is likely due to historical migration patterns and the movement of people for various reasons such as work, education, or marriage. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Bahl suggests a connection to both Germany and India, with concentrations in specific regions within these countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bahl

Some variations and spellings of the last name Bahl include Bahle, Bael, Baal, Bahal, Baahl, and Bhal. These variations may be influenced by regional accents, dialects, or transliterations. In some cases, individuals may choose to alter the spelling of their last name for personal or cultural reasons. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the last name Bahl likely has its origins in a particular language or culture, which may impact how it is written or pronounced in different contexts.

Famous people with the last name Bahl

Some of the most famous individuals with the last name Bahl include film director and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, known for successful Bollywood films such as "Singh is Kinng" and "Namastey London." Another notable figure is Rajendra Singh Bahl, an influential Indian journalist and media personality. In the field of science, Raghbir Singh Bahl gained recognition for his contributions to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Additionally, Indian author and journalist Madhu Bahl is known for her literary works focusing on social issues and Indian culture. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have achieved a level of fame and recognition for their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Bahl

The last name Bahl has its origins in the German and Jewish communities. It is believed to be a variant of the surname Bael, which was used to denote someone who lived near a grove of trees. The Bahl family may have descended from a common ancestor who adopted the name based on their geographical location or profession. Genealogical research on the Bahl surname suggests that the name has spread to various regions around the world due to migration and immigration patterns. Individuals with the last name Bahl can be found in countries such as Germany, India, and the United States, among others. Further research into specific family lineages and historical records may provide more insight into the origins and branches of the Bahl surname.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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