Simha
/ˈsɪm.hə/noun
A Sanskrit term meaning “lion,” used in Hindu astrology for the zodiac sign Leo.
Did you know?The South Asian surname Singh, meaning “lion,” comes from the same Sanskrit word siṃha and was adopted as a title of courage and sovereignty.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
siṃha (सिंह)
“Lion; a powerful or royal beast”
Early Middle Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
siṃha / siha
“Lion, with consonants simplified in spoken forms”
Classical Buddhist usage
Pali
sīha
“Lion; also a metaphor for a fearless teacher or speaker”
Medieval South Asia
Sanskrit astrology
Siṃha
“The lion sign corresponding to Leo in the zodiac”
Medieval to Early Modern India
Punjabi and related languages
Siṅgh / Singh
“Lion; an honorific or personal name expressing bravery”
Modern English
English
Simha
“A transliterated Sanskrit term, especially used for Leo in Hindu astrology”
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