179 Cambodian Baby Names With Meanings

Finding a baby name these days is such a dizzying task, especially for new parents. Apart from the numerous new responsibilities, such as purchasing baby gear and outfits, and taking repeated turns to hospitals, selecting a name that will be a crucial part of the child's identity can certainly seem overwhelming. However, you can rest easy as you read through this post about Cambodian baby names with meanings. The culture of Cambodia is heavily inspired by India. It was in the 1st century A.D. Cambodia adopted the culture from India and that was when the Funan Kingdom was founded. Today, 90% of Cambodians are Buddhist, and the religion is a source of names as well (1). The words representing the qualities that are regarded high in Buddhism like good conduct and the early epithets of Buddha are incorporated into Cambodian baby names. Elements of nature can also be seen in Cambodian baby names. Cambodian babies are usually given first names and last names. The middle names are reserved for aristocratic and elite people. Another point to note is that the Cambodians use their paternal grandfather’s first name as their surname, which explains the different surnames in one family. Cambodians usually have their surnames followed by their given names. The given name or personal name functions as a personal identifier and is given to the child when they are born. Today, most Cambodians give their babies the same last name as their fathers, quite similar to Western naming practices. But some Cambodians may have a traditional ‘patronymic’ as their last name, wherein babies get their father’s first name at birth. Exploring Cambodian baby names is a great way to uncover the place's culture, traditions, and history. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of Cambodian baby names with meanings. Have a look!

Name		Gender	Meaning
Dara		Boy	Wealthy; Possessor of good; Oak; Wise
Sopheak		Boy	Gentle face
Sela		Girl	Short form of Selena; Rock; Moon
Sambath		Boy	Great wealth or fortune
Sokhom		Boy	A variant of Sokhem; Hope
Sothea		Boy	Compassion and purity
Rathanak		Boy	Precious stones; Jewels
Vanna		Boy	Golden
Kiry		Boy	Mountain
Chea		Boy	To be well and healthy
Somnang		Boy	Lucky; Fortunate
Narith		Boy	Masculine
Vannak		Boy	He who has a class
Nemo		Boy	Nobody
Chenda		Girl	Thought; Intellect
Boran		Boy	Thunderstorm
Kyen		Unisex	Mysterious; Unique
Rathana		Boy	Precious stones; Jewels
Socheata		Girl	Well-born; Well-grown
Rithy		Boy	Powerful strength
Chan		Boy	Moon
Veasna		Boy	One who is lucky and fortunate
Kaliyanei		Girl	Beautiful and lovely woman
Samnang		Boy	Good fortune
Bopha		Girl	Flowers
Sophea		Girl	She who is a clever and wise one
Sovanna		Unisex	Golden, radiant, beautiful
Maly		Girl	Blossom
Mliss		Girl	Resembling a flower
Channary		Girl	Face resembling the Moon
Chantrea		Girl	Moon; filled with light
Charaya		Girl	The one who is blue and pink in color
Panha		Girl	A sage-like, innocent, and important person
Rangsey		Boy	Seven colors
Shannary		Girl	Like a full Moon in the sky
Sovann		Unisex	He who is golden
Sovannah		Girl	He who is made of gold
Sovay		Boy	He is like a gold
Tevy		Girl	An angel
Achariya		Girl	One who is wonderful and marvelous
Anchaly		Boy	Cambodian word for hand
Arunny		Girl	The morning sun
Atith		Boy	Sunny day; Sunday
Borey		Boy	Country or great city
Botum		Girl	A princess
Boupha		Girl	Like a flower
Bourey		Boy	Country or great city; A variant of the name Borey
Bunroeun		Boy	Country
Champei		Girl	Frangipani flowers.
Chamroeun		Unisex	Prosperity and success
Chankrisna		Unisex	A sweet-smelling tree
Chanlina		Girl	Moonlight
Chanmony		Girl	One who shines like the Moon
Chanthavy		Girl	A girl as beautiful as the Moon
Chanthou		Unisex	A flower found in Cambodia
Sopheary		Girl	One who is attractive and beautiful
Chanvatey		Unisex	A scholar or an educated person
Charya		Boy	A man of good character
Chhay		Boy	An attractive and charming man
Chhean		Girl	Meditation
Chhorvin		Girl	A glamorous woman
Chivy		Girl	Life
Chouma		Girl	A woman who is refreshingly beautiful
Daevy		Girl	Angel
Darany		Boy	Star
Darareaksmey		Girl	A bright star
Davuth		Boy	Money
Jorani		Girl	Radiant jewel
Kanleakhana		Girl	A woman of character
Kannareth		Girl	A beautiful quality
Kannitha		Girl	Angels
Kesor		Girl	A heavenly woman
Khean		Boy	A type of flute; Panpipe
Khemera		Boy	One from Cambodia
Kolab		Girl	A pretty rose flower
Kolthida		Girl	A noble-born woman
Kong-Kea		Boy	Big water
Kosal		Boy	Clever or magical.
Kravann		Unisex	A tiny golden brown flower.
Kunthea		Girl	Sweet smelling or beautiful fragrance.
Leakena		Girl	Characteristic; Quality
Leap		Boy	Good fortune; Success
Malis		Girl	Name of southeast Asian jasmine
Meaker		Boy	Greatest
Mealea		Girl	Flower garland
Mittapheap		Boy	Friendship between the nations
Montha		Boy	A charming man
Mony		Girl	A precious stone; Gem.
Munny		Boy	A smart man
Nakry		Girl	Night-blooming flower
Nearidei		Girl	White four-leafed flower
Neary		Girl	A gentle girl
Nhean		Boy	Instinctive
Nimith		Boy	Transformation
Nimol		Boy	Flawless
Nisay		Boy	Loved from afar
Noreaksey		Boy	Great power
Nuon		Girl	Soft and tender
Oudom		Boy	Supreme or magnificent
Peou		Girl	The youngest daughter in the family

Infographic: Elegant Cambodian Names For Babies

The land of Cambodia is known for its verdant forests and historical structures. The names from the country have a sweet sound, making them unique. Inspired by nature and celestial bodies, these names will undoubtedly make you smile. Take a look at the following infographic and pick the one that you sense goes best for your baby.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team