Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Pannu

Pannu is a Jat clan primarily found in the region of present-day and , but also in other parts of northern such as , , [Uttar Pradesh](/page/Uttar Pradesh), and [Madhya Pradesh](/page/Madhya Pradesh), as well as among the global , often associated with Sikh communities and claiming descent from Solar ancestry through the legendary figure Diram. The clan's historical pedigree traces from ancient figures like and to Punnun, the eponymous ancestor, with early settlements in areas such as Arab Kot in and the founding of villages like Bairi Punnun. Distributed across several districts including , , (where they own five villages), , , , Ferozepore, and Shujabad tahsil in , the Pannu are noted as immigrants from the south in some accounts and maintain a presence as both Hindu and Muslim . Their traditions include worshipping , founder of the Ramraiyas sect, and distinctive wedding customs such as the bridegroom's uncle cutting a janāi twig during ceremonies in , which is then planted and tended at the couple's home for up to a year. Rituals following the birth of also involve offering the first milk and from the cow or to a Sikh in the name of at Kiratpur on the tenth day. As a within the broader Jat community, Pannu exemplifies the and agrarian of Punjab's tribal structures, with members historically involved in landownership and local . The clan's name persists as a common Sikh surname today, reflecting its enduring cultural significance in the region.

Origins and History

Etymology

The surname originates as a clan name, primarily associated with Sikh communities in the region of and , where it functions as a marker of sub-caste identity within the broader Jat nomenclature. It derives from the eponymous ancestor Punnun, as documented in ethnological surveys of and surrounding areas. Pannu is documented as a distinct Jat in ethnological surveys of and surrounding areas, emphasizing its role as a or identifier among agricultural and communities. This usage aligns with traditional Jat , where such names denote and community affiliation without implying rigid hierarchies. Variations of the name include Pannam and Punnu, which some traditions link to Surajbansi () origins, though these distinctions highlight regional phonetic evolutions rather than separate etymological roots.

Historical Background

The Pannu clan traces its origins to Solar Rajput ancestry through the legendary figure Raja Diram, with a pedigree documented as: → Jasrat → Rim Chandar → Lahu → Parichhat → Talochar → → Achraj → Dhanioh → Punnun. This connection highlights the Pannu's role in pre-medieval tribal structures in the region, linking them to broader Jat narratives of ancient . The clan is described as akin to the Jat tribe, sharing the Suryavanshi up to the common ancestor Dhanioh. Over time, the Pannu evolved as a prominent Jat in , integral to the where they managed land cultivation and rural economies, forming the backbone of agricultural productivity in the fertile and regions. Following Nanak's founding of in the 15th century, the Pannu embraced the faith, integrating their identity with Sikh principles of and . By the 19th century, under British colonial administration, the was formalized as a hereditary family name during classifications, standardizing Pannu as a among Sikh in .

Geographic Distribution

In South Asia

The Pannu clan has a long history in the Punjab region, with traditional settlements documented in districts such as , , (where they owned five villages pre-partition), , , Ferozepore, and Shujabad tahsil in , as well as areas like Arab Kot. These historical distributions reflect the clan's presence among both Hindu and Muslim Jat communities, with some accounts describing them as immigrants from the south. In modern times, the Pannu surname is most prevalent in , where it is borne by approximately 2,300 individuals, representing about 60% of the roughly 3,800 bearers across the country according to estimates as of the . This concentration is particularly notable in districts such as and , areas within the , , and regions that have historically anchored the clan's presence among Jat communities. In Pakistan's Punjab province, the surname occurs among around 223 people as of recent estimates, a distribution tied to partition-era migrations in and the enduring shared Jat between the two Punjabs, where cross-border clan ties persist through cultural and familial links. Overall, Punjab in accounts for the majority of South Asian occurrences of the surname, exceeding 90% when focusing on Indo-Pakistani Jat populations excluding outliers like . Pannu families, as part of Sikh and Hindu Jat groups, hold prominent cultural roles in , especially in , where they form the backbone of Punjab's farming economy through landownership and crop cultivation practices central to the region's identity. They also contribute to community leadership in village and social structures, often guiding local and . Participation in regional festivals, such as the harvest celebration of Baisakhi and traditional events like , underscores their involvement in preserving customs, , and communal rituals that blend agrarian life with spiritual observance.

In the Global Diaspora

The , originating from , has spread significantly outside through modern migration patterns driven by economic opportunities and . In , where it ranks as the 4,227th most common surname with an incidence of 1,130, the name is particularly prevalent among Sikh communities in and . These provinces host the largest Sikh populations in the country, with Ontario at 300,435 and British Columbia at 290,870 as of 2021, reflecting the surname's ties to Punjabi Jat clans. The arrival of Pannu families aligns with major Sikh waves in the 1970s and 1980s, following Canada's 1967 points-based reforms that eased entry for skilled workers and families from . In the , approximately 455 individuals bear the Pannu surname, primarily in where it ranks 12,342nd in frequency. Concentrations are notable in Punjabi enclaves like in , a hub for post-1950s South Asian migration that evolved into one of Europe's largest communities outside . Similarly, in the United States, the surname appears 807 times, ranking 38,490th, with presence in established Punjabi communities in —such as the Central Valley agricultural regions—and , where urban Sikh networks have grown since the late . These distributions draw from genealogical databases like , which track surname migrations through and immigration records. Pannu diaspora members have adapted to host societies by entering professional fields like and , often supported by tight-knit networks that provide mentorship and economic linkages back to . Post-2000 growth trends show expansion in these populations, with Canada's Sikh community reaching 771,790 by 2021 due to ongoing , paralleling increases for surnames like Pannu. Naturalization has facilitated deeper integration, granting citizenship and stability, while rising intermarriage rates—now over 20% for second-generation in —have influenced surname retention, with many offspring adopting hyphenated or paternal forms to preserve cultural ties.

Notable People

In Arts and Entertainment

, born on August 1, 1987, in , , is an actress prominently working in and . She began her film career with the Telugu movie in 2010 before transitioning to Hindi films, where she gained recognition for her roles in socially relevant narratives. In the 2016 courtroom drama Pink, Pannu portrayed Meenal Saxena, a young woman entangled in a legal battle over consent and justice, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced performance that highlighted themes of . Her work in Pink contributed to her receiving the Critics Award for Best Actress, among other honors. Pannu further solidified her reputation with the 2020 film , where she played Amrita Sandhu, a homemaker challenging after a single slap from her husband, a role that underscored women's agency in marriage. For Thappad, she won the in a Leading Role at the in 2021. Tegi Pannu, an Indian-Australian rapper and singer born in 1996 in , , and raised in , , after his family relocated there, blends folk elements with in his . He emerged in the Punjabi music scene through collaborations with producer under Collab Creations. His breakthrough came with the single "Into You," released on July 1, 2021, which fused rhythmic Punjabi beats with contemporary flows and garnered widespread attention for its catchy fusion style. The track marked Pannu's rise as a artist, drawing from his immigrant experiences in to create that resonates with global audiences. Subsequent releases like "" and "Fully Loaded" in 2021 built on this momentum, establishing his signature sound in the evolving Punjabi hip-hop genre. Sartaj Singh Pannu is an Indian filmmaker recognized for his work in , particularly in depicting Sikh historical and spiritual narratives. He directed the 2015 biographical epic , a Punjabi-language chronicling the life of , the founder of , spanning 70 years and emphasizing themes of peace, equality, and devotion. The faced initial controversies over its portrayal of religious figures but was released worldwide in April 2016 after revisions. received multiple accolades at the in 2016, including the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration for promoting harmony, as well as Silver Lotus Awards for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. These honors highlighted Pannu's contribution to authentic representations of Sikh heritage through cinema.

In Politics and Activism

, born in February 1967 in , is an American lawyer and prominent Sikh activist who co-founded (SFJ) in 2007 to seek accountability for the and advocate for the Khalistan independence movement. After studying law at in the early 1990s, he immigrated to the in the 1990s, initially working as a on before establishing his legal practice in , where he serves as SFJ's and spokesperson. Pannun has organized global referendums on Khalistan since 2021 and pursued lawsuits against Indian officials under the U.S. , leading to designate him a terrorist in 2020 and ban SFJ in 2019. In 2023, the U.S. Justice Department charged an Indian government employee, Vikash , and co-conspirator Nikhil with plotting Pannun's in for $100,000, a scheme initiated in May 2023 and foiled by undercover agents; Yadav remains at large, while Gupta was extradited and pleaded not guilty. Raj Pannu (1934–2025), a Punjabi-Canadian educator and politician, immigrated to Canada in 1962 and became a trailblazing advocate for immigrant rights and social equity in Alberta. Born on January 12, 1934, in Punjab, India, he taught high school in Whitecourt, Alberta, from 1962 to 1964, earned a PhD in sociology from the University of Alberta in 1973, and served as a professor there from 1969 to 1996, focusing on education and public policy. Elected as the New Democratic Party (NDP) MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona in 1997, he held the seat until 2008 and led the Alberta NDP from 2000 to 2004, becoming the first South Asian Canadian to head a major provincial party and championing policies for vulnerable workers, immigrants, and public education reform. Pannu died on January 30, 2025, in Edmonton at age 91, remembered for advancing diversity in Canadian politics and supporting immigrant integration through his academic and legislative work. Jatinder Pannu is an journalist and social activist based in , known for his work on and rural social issues through his role at Nawan Zamana newspaper. As editor of Nawan Zamana, a publication addressing political and social concerns, and formerly assistant editor, Pannu has reported extensively on the impacts of militancy and state responses in during the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting abuses by both terrorists and security forces. His , rooted in involvement with the Kisan Sabha , emphasizes rights and community welfare, and he has represented at the in , authoring books like Sikh Dharam de Smajik Sarokar on Sikh social issues. With over 40 years in journalism, including hosting commentary programs on Jalandhar, Pannu continues to address ongoing challenges in , such as farmer protests and regional inequities.

In Sports

Kiranpal Pannu (born January 7, 1997) is a professional player from who competes on the . He achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 437 on October 28, 2024, and as of November 2025, his ranking is No. 956. He has represented in ties, holding a 0–1 record in singles matches. Pannu made his debut at the in , where he lost in straight sets to in the first round. A notable highlight came at the , where he qualified for the main draw by defeating world No. 161 in the first round of qualifying (4–6, 6–3, 6–4) before falling to in the second round. During his junior career, Pannu reached a high national ranking in , contributing to his development into the country's top-ranked male player. Rajpaul Pannu (born February 22, 1991) is an American distance runner specializing in track, cross country, and events. During his collegiate career at , he earned First Team All-West Coast Conference honors in cross country in 2012 and set personal bests of 3:56.97 in the 1500 meters and 14:33.59 in the 5000 meters. Transitioning to longer distances, Pannu debuted in the marathon with a time of 2:17:06 at the 2019 , finishing in the top 20. He has represented the internationally, including at the 2022 IAU 100 km World Championships as part of Team USA. In 2025, Pannu won the USATF 100 Mile Championships at the Jackpot 100, though his victory was later disqualified due to non-compliant footwear exceeding stack height limits.

In Other Fields

Camille Pannu is an American environmental lawyer and associate of at , where she has served since 2022. Her practice emphasizes community lawyering, employing transactional tools and policy advocacy to secure environmentally just outcomes for low-income communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and . Pannu founded and directs Columbia's Environmental and Climate Justice Clinic, which addresses structural inequities such as and in environmental regulation, particularly aiding workers and communities of color affected by hazardous exposures and water contamination. Previously, as a clinical professor at , she established the Aoki Water Justice Clinic to support rural, low-income areas in facing drinking water crises, partnering with local governments and utilities to implement sustainable solutions. Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu is a San Jose-based dentist and founder of the Pannu Dental Group, which has provided advanced dental care in the for over 23 years. A practicing dentist since 1995, Pannu opened his first clinic in in 1996 before establishing his U.S. practice, focusing on innovative implant procedures to enhance patient outcomes through precision and minimally invasive techniques. Since the , the Pannu Dental Group has pioneered advancements in , including the adoption of the robotic system—the world's first FDA-cleared device for dental surgery—which enables haptic-guided planning and placement for greater accuracy and reduced recovery time. As the first practice in San Jose to implement , Pannu's team has integrated this to perform flapless surgeries, minimizing patient discomfort and improving long-term implant success rates.

References

  1. [1]
    [PDF] A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North-West ...
    ... rose in rebellion, and still boast that they received Ks. 5 for every ... Panni. Pathdns : it has two sub-divisions, the Balilzai, with several sections ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Meaning of the name Pannu
    Aug 20, 2025 · The surname 'Pannu' is commonly found among people of the Sikh faith, originating from the Punjab region of India. It is a Jat clan name.
  3. [3]
    Pannu Surname Meaning & Pannu Family History at Ancestry.com®
    Pannu Surname Meaning. Indian (Punjab): Sikh name based on the name of a Jat clan from the ancient Pannam dynasty.Missing: Punnu etymology
  4. [4]
    Last name PANNU: origin and meaning - Geneanet
    Etymology. Pannu : Indian (Punjab): Sikh name based on the name of a Jat clan from the ancient Pannam dynasty. Origin: Asia. Share : Facebook · X. Information ...
  5. [5]
    A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North-West ...
    Jul 15, 2008 · A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North-West frontier province. by: Rose, H. A. (Horace Arthur), 1867-1933; Ibbetson ...Missing: Pannu | Show results with:Pannu
  6. [6]
    Pannu - Jatland Wiki
    Apr 25, 2025 · Pannam (पन्नम) were the rulers of ancient Pravartaka (प्रवर्तक) ganarajya. ; Punnu (Surajbansi) origin is claimed by the Dudhrai, Poti, Gil, Thuthal ...Genealogy · Origin · History · Distribution in Haryana
  7. [7]
    Jats, the Ancient Rulers: A Clan Study - Google Books
    Title, Jats, the Ancient Rulers: A Clan Study ; Author, Bhim Singh Dahiya ; Publisher, Sterling, 1980 ; Original from, the University of Michigan ; Digitized, Aug 1 ...
  8. [8]
    Glossary Of The Tribes And Castes Of The Punjab And North-west ...
    Jan 23, 2017 · Glossary Of The Tribes And Castes Of The Punjab And North-west Frontier Province Vol.1. by: Rose, H.a.. Publication date: 1919. Topics: IGNCA.Missing: Pannu | Show results with:Pannu
  9. [9]
    Pannu Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History - Forebears
    The surname Pannu is most frequently occurring in India, where it is held by 3,836 people, or 1 in 199,965. In India Pannu is primarily concentrated in: Punjab, ...
  10. [10]
    Life, culture and traditions of Jat people - Jatland Wiki
    Oct 30, 2023 · The life and culture of Jats is full of diversity and approaches most closely to that ascribed to the ancient Aryans of India.
  11. [11]
    Identity and Modernity Among Jat Sikhs - ResearchGate
    Renowned as the predominant farmers and landlords of Punjab, and long possessed of an autocthonous agricultural identity, Jat Sikhs today often live urban ...
  12. [12]
    Sikh strong - Statistics Canada
    Apr 2, 2024 · Ontario (300,435) had the largest Sikh community in Canada in 2021, followed closely by British Columbia (290,870). Alberta (103,600) had the ...
  13. [13]
    Why Do Sikhs Have So Much Clout In Canada? An Explainer - NDTV
    Sep 22, 2023 · But in the last 20 years, the population of Sikhs in Canada has doubled. Most of them have migrated from Punjab for higher studies and jobs. How ...
  14. [14]
    How London's Southall became 'Little Punjab' | Cities - The Guardian
    Apr 4, 2018 · A new project explores the largest Punjabi community outside India – from possibly Britain's first Indian shop to race riots and the fight for rights.
  15. [15]
    Heritage of Punjab & Sindh - Facebook
    Feb 19, 2021 · Some historians consider the Pannu Jats to be from the Aulakh community. Dhanich was the ancestor of both Aulakhs and Pannu. Aulakhs, like Pannu ...
  16. [16]
    Generation, education, and intermarriage of Asian Americans - PMC
    Apr 2, 2019 · We examine generational differences in intergenerational marriage and interracial marriage with whites among Asian Americans.
  17. [17]
    Taapsee Pannu - IMDb
    Her dedication to her craft earned her a National Film Award for Best Actress, among other accolades throughout her career.
  18. [18]
    5 best performances of birthday girl Taapsee Pannu | Filmfare.com
    Aug 2, 2020 · Taapsee Pannu picked a hard-hitting film Pink in 2016, where she ... (Critics) award (along with Bhumi) for her solid performance. This ...
  19. [19]
    Awards - Taapsee Pannu - IMDb
    Bollywood Film Journalist Awards · Taapsee Pannu in Rashmi Rocket (2021). 2022 Nominee Popular Award · Taapsee Pannu in Thappad (2020). 2021 Winner Popular Award.
  20. [20]
    Filmfare Awards 2021: "<i>Thappad</i> Keeps Leaving Memories ...
    Mar 28, 2021 · Filmfare Awards 2021: Taapsee Pannu won the award in the Best Actor In The Leading Role category for her role in Thappad.
  21. [21]
    Filmfare Awards 2021: Irrfan Khan Wins Posthumous Award - NDTV
    Mar 28, 2021 · Filmfare Awards 2021: Taapsee Pannu won the Best Actress Award for Thappad, which also bagged the Best Film, Best Story and Best Editing ...
  22. [22]
    Tegi Pannu Height, Age, Family, Biography - StarsUnfolded
    Birth Name, Tegbir Singh Pannu. Profession(s), Rapper, Songwriter ... After Tegi completed his diploma degree, his family shifted to Sydney, Australia.
  23. [23]
    Tegi Pannu: Rising Punjabi star is living the dream with UK tour - BBC
    Oct 27, 2024 · In his first ever public interview, the singer speaks about his journey from an immigrant to selling out arenas.Missing: born biography credible
  24. [24]
    When did Tegi Pannu & Manni Sandhu release “Into You”? - Genius
    Tegi Pannu & Manni Sandhu released “Into You” on July 1, 2021.
  25. [25]
    63rd National Film Awards 2015 - GKToday
    Mar 28, 2016 · Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: Nanak Shah Fakir (Punjabi) directed by Sartaj Singh Pannu. About National Film ...
  26. [26]
    Nanak Shah Fakir (2015) - Awards - IMDb
    Arif Zakaria in Nanak Shah Fakir (2015). 2016 Winner Silver Lotus Award. Best Feature Film on National Integration · 2016 Winner Silver Lotus Award. Best Costume ...Missing: Sartaj Pannu
  27. [27]
    Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: The Sikh separatist at the centre of US ...
    Dec 21, 2023 · The target was identified as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen. The New York-based lawyer, believed to be in his early 50s, is ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  28. [28]
    Gurpatwant Singh Pannun | Online tiger - The Hindu
    Dec 3, 2023 · Mr. Pannun had founded Sikhs for Justice in 2007 in memory of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in Delhi and other parts of India in ...
  29. [29]
    Justice Department Announces Charges Against Indian Government ...
    Oct 17, 2024 · Vikash Yadav Directed Plot to Murder U.S.-Based Leader of Sikh Separatist Movement ... In or about June 2023, in furtherance of the assassination ...
  30. [30]
    Raj Pannu, trailblazing Punjabi-Canadian politician, passes away at ...
    Feb 4, 2025 · Raj Pannu, a renowned Punjabi-Canadian educator, politician, and community leader, passed away on January 30, in Edmonton, Alberta, ...
  31. [31]
    Former Alberta NDP leader Dr. Raj Pannu dies at 91
    Jan 31, 2025 · Raj Pannu is known to all who met him as a trailblazer and a tireless advocate for a better Alberta. He led with integrity, always putting people first.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  32. [32]
    Magazine section - Saturday Extra - The Tribune
    Jun 20, 2009 · Jatinder Pannu's worldview has been shaped by real-life experiences as Kisan Sabha activist and journalist. It takes guts to speak out when ...
  33. [33]
    The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Punjab
    Sep 21, 2002 · ... Editor of Chardhi Kala, Mr Jatinder Pannu, Assistant Editor of Nawan Zamana and Mr Shital Vij. Implement 85th Amendment: BSP Our ...<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    Kiranpal Pannu | Overview | ATP Tour | Tennis
    Personal details ; CountryNew Zealand ; BirthplaceWellington ; PlaysRight-Handed, Two-Handed Backhand ; CoachVivek Gurudutt, Jeri Stewart ...
  35. [35]
    KP Pannu back in true fighting form - Tennis NZ
    Jul 31, 2023 · In a major upset, KP came back from a set down to beat world number 161 Denis Kudla from the United States (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) in the first round of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Tennis NZ - Kiranpal Pannu will potentially make his debut...
    Aug 3, 2022 · Kiranpal Pannu will potentially make his debut for New Zealand ... junior ranking here at home. Congratulations to our players who took ...
  37. [37]
    Rajpaul Pannu Bio - SMC California Athletics - SMCGaels.com
    Sep 8, 2011 · 2012 First Team All-WCC XC******2012 USTFCCCA XC All-West Region***Collegiate Career Bests:1500 meters: 4:06.685000 meters: 14:48.458000 ...
  38. [38]
    Rajpaul Pannu – Track and Field Results & Statistics - TFRRS
    College Bests ; 2014 West Coast Last Chance May 10, 2014. 5000, 14:33.59, 3rd (F) ; Brutus Hamilton Challenge Apr 26, 2014. 1500, 3:56.97, 18th (F) ; 2014 Brutus ...Missing: athlete | Show results with:athlete
  39. [39]
    Rajpaul Pannu's journey from overweight, sedentary teen to top runner
    Dec 6, 2020 · Rajpaul Pannu first gained attention when he debuted at the marathon distance with a top 20 finish in 2:17:06 at the California ...Missing: field | Show results with:field
  40. [40]
    Former Gael Representing Team USA in World Championships
    Aug 26, 2022 · Former Saint Mary's Track & Field star Rajpaul Pannu announced on his Instagram that he'll be representing Team USA this weekend at the 100k ...Missing: international | Show results with:international
  41. [41]
    He Was Disqualified for Wearing “Illegal” Running Shoes. But Did ...
    Feb 21, 2025 · Rajpaul Pannu mistakenly wore a training shoe that was too tall at the USATF 100 Mile Championships in Henderson, Nevada.
  42. [42]
    Camille Pannu | Columbia Law School
    Camille Pannu's practice draws on principles of community lawyering and uses transactional law tools to achieve environmentally just outcomes for low-income ...
  43. [43]
    About Pannu Dental Group | San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale ...
    Founded by Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu, Pannu Dental Group has been a reference of dental excellence in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 23 years.
  44. [44]
    Dr Pannu - Pannu Dental Group
    Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  45. [45]
    Dental Implants Using the Robot Yomi
    YOMI is the world's first and only FDA-cleared robotic device for dental surgery. Yomi assists the surgeon in the planning and placement of the implants, ...
  46. [46]
    San Jose dentist uses new robotic technology - Yomi By Neocis
    Dalvir S. Pannu, owner of Pannu Dental Group, is the first dentist in San Jose to offer robot-guided dental implant placement. The Yomi platform helps his team ...