Uppal (surname)

Uppal (उप्पल) is an Indian and Pakistani surname. It is also found as clan name among the Khatris and Jats.

Etomology
According to BN Puri, Uppal is derived from the Sanskrit term "utpalarana" which means "one who leaps upon their enemies". Puri further mentions it to be a part of the Bunjahi and Sareen subcaste of Khatris.

However, as per R.C. Dogra, Uppal means "stone". Uppals have origins in the districts of Montgomery, Amritsar and Ludhiana.

History
Bibi Nanaki, the sister of Guru Nanak (founder of Sikhism), was married to Jai Ram, a Uppal Khatri. Hari Singh Nalwa, commander-in-chief of the Sikh Empire was born in Gujranwala in an Uppal Khatri family. The bustling city of Haripur Hazara (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) was built by him. Masand and cook of Guru Har Rai, Bhai Pheru was from an Uppal Khatri family. A city in modern-day Pakistan, Bhai Pheru (now known as Phool Nagar), is associated with him. Haqiqat Rai Puri, a martyr, was married to the daughter of Kishan Uppal from a Batala-based Khatri family, Sadda Singh Uppal from a Khatri family was an important soldier in Ranjit Singh's army. He bore allegiance to the Krora Singh misl. Bhai Shihan, an Uppal Khatri, was a prominent Sikh follower during Guru Arjan's life.

When Bhai Mardana was hungry during a travel with Guru Nanak, Nanak directed him to a Uppal Khatri village, telling him that if he went there, all his desires would come true. Bhai Mardana was not only fed but was also given clothes and money as a token of hospitality. This village was highly praised.

Notables

 * Chandeep Uppal, British actress
 * Deana Uppal, winner of Miss India UK 2012
 * Dharam Singh Uppal, Indian international track and field athlete and Superintendent of Punjab Police
 * Hari Uppal, Indian classical dancer
 * Param Uppal, Australian actor
 * Paul Uppal, UK politician
 * Priscila Uppal, Canadian author, poet and playwright
 * Sahil Uppal, Indian actor
 * Shiraz Uppal, Pakistani singer
 * Stephen Uppal, British-Indian actor
 * Tim Uppal, Canadian politician, banker, and radio host
 * Vikas Uppal, India's all time tallest man
 * Vishal Uppal, Indian tennis player
 * Dr Khalid Rasheed Uppal, Pakistani Writer