Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
While most parents are opting for energetic, preppy, and rough and tough names, others are still drawn to names with spiritual connections. And what is better than Buddhist baby names dwelling in Buddhism when looking for a spiritual option? Buddhism, encompassing a variety of beliefs, traditions, and spiritual practices, is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. In China and Japan, certain Buddhist communities follow a unique cultural practice wherein they refrain from giving a formal name to a baby before birth. Instead, they opt for a temporary or ‘milk’ name, a term with negative or unpleasant connotations, such as ‘mud face.’ This interesting tradition is believed to serve a protective purpose: to make evil spirits uneasy or ‘sick,’ thereby safeguarding the baby from malevolent influences. As the child grows, these ‘milk’ names may transform into endearing nicknames, adding a touch of familiarity and affection (1). Buddhist baby names create a positive first impression on people new to them. The peaceful and enlightened sound of these names makes the bearers seemingly amiable, relaxed, and approachable. These names aren’t entirely traditional, they offer cues to the virtues and goals that the bearer and their parents aspire. In this exploration of Buddhist baby names, we invite you to delve into the profound meanings and symbolism behind these appellations. Discover the beauty of names that not only echo the essence of Buddhism but also encapsulate a timeless connection to the teachings of peace, mindfulness, and the boundless potential for enlightenment. We have gathered a comprehensive list of Buddhist baby names with their meanings for you to find the best one for your munchkin.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sreyleak |  |  Girl | Perfect girl |
| Stokes | |  Unisex | Surname; A place name or geographical feature |
| Styles | | Unisex | Design; Manner of doing things |
| Sud | |  Boy | Tiger |
| Suda | | Girl | She who is a daughter |
| Sujin | | Unisex | Pure or one who has good virtue |
| Sukhbataar | | Boy | Hero of the axe; Axe hero |
| Sunako | | Girl | The sand child or the dark side |
| Sundae | | Unisex | Sweet and delightful chocolaty treat |
| Sunisa | | Boy | Beautiful sunrise, radiant joy |
| Sunstra | | Girl | A woman with beautiful eyes |
| Suong | | Girl | She is like a fog |
| Super | | Unisex | Extremely good; Great; Large; Above and beyond |
| Susu | | Unisex | A very slight sound; A quiet person |
| Syaoran | | Boy | He who is a little wolf |
| Syn | | Unisex | Refusal; Denial |
| Ta | | Unisex | Gift or talent |
| Taban | | Unisex | Splendid or glittering |
| Tadaaki | | Boy | Faithful light |
| Tadashi | | Boy | Good; Virtous; Loyalty; Devotion |
| Tae | | Boy | Great; Honor; Brave |
| Taemin | | Boy | Bright or shining spirit |
| Taeo | | Unisex | Innovative; Ambitious |
| Tai | | Unisex | Peaceful or great |
| Taichi | | Boy | Means a thick or big one |
| Taiga | | Boy | Big; Bud; Gracious |
| Taigan | | Unisex | Wild mountain |
| Taigen | | Unisex | Strong, fearless, warrior |
| Taiki | | Boy | Big, great tree; Full of brightness |
| Taison | | Boy | Warrior, strong, victorious |
| Taiwan | | Unisex | terraced bay |
| Taji | | Boy | The yellow and silver color |
| Taka | | Girl | Tall; Honorable peregrine |
| Takahiro | | Boy | Abundantly respectful and loving |
| Takai | | Boy | The next world |
| Takako | | Girl | Child who is an aristocrat |
| Takara | | Girl | Beloved jewel; Treasure |
| Takarra | | Girl | Precious item; Precious one |
| Takashi | | Boy | Prosperous; Noble |
| Takato | | Boy | Precious measure of exaltation |
| Takaya | | Boy | One who has much respect for someone |
| Takeo | | Boy | Warrior; One who fights for his kingdom |
| Taki | | Girl | Plunging waterfall |
| Taku | | Boy | Young; Living just for a little time yet |
| Takuma | | Boy | An open truth |
| Talis | | Unisex | Guardian; Protector |
| Tamlyn | | Unisex | Combination of the names Tamara, meaning "palm tree," and Lynn, meaning "lake" |
| Tamron | | Unisex | Enchanting; Strong; Unique |
| Tanawat | | Boy | Knowledge |
| Tango | | Unisex | Touch |
| Tansanee | | Girl | Beautiful view |
| Tao | | Unisex | Large waves |
| Tarkhan | | Boy | He who is skillful |
| Taru | | Unisex | A vast and huge sea of water |
| Tasanee | | Girl | A beautiful view |
| Temple | | Unisex | A place of worship or religious ritual activities |
| Temujin | | Boy | Of iron |
| Tenpa | | Boy | Buddhist doctrine |
| Tensley | | Unisex | Determination; Strength |
| Tenzin | | Girl | Protector of Dharma |
| Terbish | | Unisex | Not that one |
| Tevy | | Girl | An angel |
| Tha | | Unisex | Strong; Powerful |
| Thagyamin | | Boy | Change or transfer |
| Thai | | Unisex | Free; Brave; Bold |
| Tham | | Girl | She who has discreet grace |
| Than | | Girl | A million |
| Thandar | | Girl | Coral |
| Thang | | Girl | Victorious one |
| Thanh | | Girl | Sound; Voice; Green; Young |
| Thant | | Unisex | Clean |
| Thao | | Girl | Courteous; Respectful of parents |
| Tharen | | Unisex | Leader; Courageous |
| Thaung | | Boy | Burmese word for ten thousand |
| Thawda | | Girl | Moon |
| Thawka | | Girl | Amherstia flower |
| Theavy | | Girl | Angelic |
| Thein | | Unisex | A hundred thousand |
| Theingi | | Unisex | Gold |
| Therein | | Unisex | The sun |
| Thet | | Boy | He who is calm |
| Thi | | Girl | A single woman |
| Thia | | Unisex | Divine and goddess-like |
| Thida | | Girl | Goddess Sita |
| Thien | | Boy | He who is smooth |
| Thiha | | Boy | Lion |
| Thirdy | | Unisex | A third child; Third generation |
| Thiri | | Girl | Splendor; Good looking |
| Tho | | Girl | She who has a long life |
| Thuan | | Boy | He who is tamed |
| Thuc | | Boy | He who is aware |
| Thuong | | Unisex | One who loves tenderly |
| Thura | | Unisex | The Sun |
| Thuta | | Boy | Knowledge |
| Thuy | | Boy | A friendly man |
| Thuya | | Unisex | The sun |
| Thuyet | | Boy | A theory |
| Thuza | | Unisex | Angel, angelic |
| Thuzar | | Girl | Angel; A girl as beautiful and virtuous as an angel |
| Ti | | Girl | From the land of Eoghan |
Buddhist baby names offer a spiritual and meaningful choices. Rooted in the teachings of Lord Buddha, these names reflect enlightenment and inner peace. They create a positive impression, projecting serenity and approachability. Our treasure trove of appellations have been well-researched, honoring tradition and carrying timeless significance and aspirations for a harmonious and enlightened life. You may take the help of your family in picking the most appropriate name for your little one.
Infographic: Enchanting Buddhist Baby Names With Meanings
Embrace the spiritual depth of Buddhism baby names, drawing inspiration from ancient wisdom. These names reflect virtues such as compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment, infusing your child's life with profound meaning and a sense of peace. From historical figures to sacred texts, the infographic below presents names that carry a unique significance. Check out!
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Buddhist names mean peace?
The Buddhist name for peace is 'Shanti' or 'Shanthi.' It represents a deep sense of calmness, contentment, and freedom from suffering. Names like Bodhi and Zen represent peace in Buddhism.
2. What are some gender-neutral Buddhist baby names that can be used for baby girls?
Jaya (meaning victory in Sanskrit), Metta (kindness and compassion in Thai), and Virya (persistence and vigor in Sanskrit) are some gender-neutral Buddhist baby names that can be used for baby girls.
3. What are some Buddhist baby names associated with specific Buddhist figures or deities?
Bodhi (enlightened or awakened intellect of a Buddha), Avalokitesvara (principal attendant of Amitabha Buddha), Vajrapani (protector and guide of Gautama Buddha), Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), Yamantaka (deity of Vajrayana Buddhism), and Tara (mother of liberation) are some baby names associated with specific Buddhist figures or deities.
References
- Japanese Buddhist Rituals for Babies and Children.
https://enkyojibuddhistnetwork.org/about-2/services/baby-rituals/
