Gill

Derived from Punjabi ਗਿੱਲਾ (gila) meaning "wet, damp, moist".

Gill is an Indian (Punjab): Sikh name, probably from Punjabi gil ‘moisture’, also meaning ‘prosperity’. There is a Jat tribe that bears this name; the Ramgarhia Sikhs also have a clan called Gill. Gills are a large Jat clan from Punjab. They are mainly Sikh.

The Change from Gill to Loi

Centuries ago in Punjab, during Mughal consolidation in the late 16th century, some Punjabi and Sikh groups faced increasing pressure. To protect themselves from Mughal authorities, they decided to change their surnames to names which had no history in Punjab and were highly unheard of to hide their identity.

Some groups such as the Gills adopted the name Loi, integrating it into their identity while maintaining a low profile. Over time, “Loi” replaced “Gill” in official and social contexts. This strategic name change helped the group navigate political challenges and preserve their heritage under a new guise. Today Loi carries a similar background to the name Gill, following the change of name. Some Lois choose to go back to using Gill as their original identity.