Singhal (Hindi: सिंघल, or Singal/Sinhal/Singla) is an Indian surname that has origins in the Sanskrit word simha, meaning leonine. The first use of the name came about during the rule of Emperor Agrasen and his wife Queen Madhavi (3200 B.C). Agrasen established 18 Gotras (or clans) for each of his 18 sons based on the names of their Guru and divided his empire among them. Collectively these 18 Gotras are called Agrawal, one of the most important trading communities in India.