Why do many Sikhs use the last names Singh or Kaur?

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The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, features gold-covered domes and ornate architecture, surrounded by a large reflective pool with visitors gathered at the entrance. — Sikhism Site of Operation Blue Star, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab state, India.

Many Sikhs use the last names Singh or Kaur as a way to reject the caste system and promote equality. These names were instituted by Guru Gobind Singh when he founded the Khalsa in 1699. "Singh," meaning "lion," was given to Sikh men, and "Kaur," meaning "princess," was given to Sikh women. This practice aimed to create a casteless community where all members were considered equal, regardless of their social standing. The Singh Sabha movement in the 19th century further reinforced these names as a distinct marker of Sikh identity, separate from Hindu traditions.123