Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is one of the greatest leaders in Indian history. Many students know him as Babasaheb Ambedkar. But do you know Ambedkar real name?
Let us understand clearly in simple language.
What Was Ambedkar’s Real Name?
The real name of Dr. Ambedkar was:
👉 Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal
This was his name at birth.
He was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh.
Why Was His Surname Sakpal?
Dr. Ambedkar was born into a Mahar family. His father’s name was Ramji Maloji Sakpal.
At that time, children usually used their father’s surname. So his original surname was “Sakpal.”
That is why his full birth name was Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal.
How Did He Get the Name “Ambedkar”?
This is an interesting part of his life.
When Bhimrao was studying in school, one of his teachers liked him very much. The teacher’s surname was “Ambedkar.”
Some reports say that this teacher changed Bhimrao’s surname from “Sakpal” to “Ambedkar” in school records.
After that, Bhimrao started using the surname “Ambedkar.”
This name remained with him for life.
What Does the Name Ambedkar Mean?
The name “Ambedkar” is linked to his family’s ancestral village, Ambadawe in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.
In earlier times, some surnames were connected to villages.
So the name “Ambedkar” became part of his identity.
Was His Name Changed Officially?
Yes, over time he officially used the name Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
When he completed his higher education and became a lawyer and scholar, he used the surname Ambedkar in all official records.
That is the name by which the world knows him today.
Why Is His Real Name Important for Students?
Many school and competitive exams ask questions like:
- What was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s real name?
- What was Ambedkar’s original surname?
- Why was his surname changed?
The correct answer is:
👉 His real name was Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal.
👉 Later, he became known as Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
Knowing this helps students in exams and general knowledge.
What Can We Learn From His Name Change?
His name change shows something important.
Even though society treated him unfairly, he built a new identity through education and hard work.
Today, the name “Ambedkar” stands for:
- Equality
- Justice
- Education
- Human rights
It shows that a person’s actions make their name great.
Quick Facts
- Real Name: Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal
- Later Name: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
- Born: 14 April 1891
- Birthplace: Mhow, Madhya Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Dr. Ambedkar’s real name?
His real name was Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal.
2. Why did his surname change to Ambedkar?
One of his school teachers changed his surname in school records.
3. What was his full name after the change?
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
4. Is Sakpal his original surname?
Yes, Sakpal was his birth surname.
Conclusion
The real name of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal. Later, he became known as Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
Today, the name “Ambedkar” is respected across India and the world. It reminds us that education and determination can make a person truly great.





