Pal, alternatively spelt Paul, is a common surname found in India and Bangladesh. It is traditionally believed that 'Pal' originated from the Sanskrit pala meaning protector, keeper, guard or herdsman. It is also occasionally found in other countries.

History

The surname Pal (or Paul) is found in Bengal among Bengali Kayasthas. Historian Tej Ram Sharma mentions that the surname is "now confined to Kayasthas of Bengal" while referring to the names of Brahmins ending in such Kayastha surnames in the early inscriptions dating back to the Gupta period. Pal is very frequently used as a surname by the Bengali Hindu potters (Kumbhakars), and other castes like Teli, Tili, Malakar (garland makers), Shankhari (conch shell sellers), Barujibi, Subarnabanik and Sadgop. The saint Gwalipa told Suraj Sen, the ruler of Gwalior, to adopt the surname Pal, which remains prevalent up to eighty-three descendants of Suraj Sen. The Ahirs in Central India use Pal as a surname. One Gopāla founded Pala dynasty in Bengal and Bihar in 8th Century. In imitation of Pal dynasty of Assam, the Chutia (pronounced as Sutia) also took the surname of Pal. Pal was also a popular surname among the Parmar Rajput rulers of the Garhwal. Pal is a surname of the Thakuri people of Nepal. Among Sikhs, Pal is often used as suffix to the given name or a middle name. The rulers of Kullu held the surname Pal up to about the 15th century A.D., which they later changed to Singh.

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