64 Charming Cambodian Girl Names

The Southeast Asian nation's names exude vibrant spirit in every way.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA

Edited by Vidya Tadapatri, MSc (Biotechnology)

Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd

Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Cambodian baby girl names are often easy to identify because of the distinctive meanings they possess in comparison to male names. Cambodian names are also known as Khmer names. These are derived from Khmer, Sanskrit, Pali, and Chinese. Usually, females are given names related to the attributes of beauty or associated with gentle connotations, while males are given names of virtue. However, Cambodian names are not gender-specific and possess poetic meanings. Cambodia is considered a homogenous country, with 97.6% of Cambodians identifying as ethnically Khmer and 96.9% of the population identifying as Buddhists. Therefore, the meanings of Cambodian names are heavily infused with certain Buddhist principles like calmness, tolerance, and responsibility for one’s actions (1). The majority of Cambodian people prefer to stick to the Cambodian naming traditions, however, there are a few who may change the arrangement of their names according to Western conventions. Chinese and Vietnamese Cambodians follow their specific naming customs. The names in Cambodia often begin with a surname and followed by the given name. The given or personal name of the individual will serve as the personal identifier. Surnames are passed on from the parents and shared with immediate family members. They are usually derived from the father, similar to the English Western naming practices. Alternatively, some Cambodian surnames have a patronymic root, meaning the surname that is given to the child is taken from the father’s personal name. The concept of a middle name is considered to be rare in Cambodia. Illustrating more on Cambodians who wish to change the arrangement of their names according to the English Western tradition, this is usually followed by Cambodians living abroad or in Englishspeaking contexts to fit the Western naming conventions. They would simply place their last name before their surname (1). We have compiled a list of feminine names that highlight the culture and language of Cambodia. Have a look.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Chenda	Girl	Thought; Intellect
Socheata	Girl	Well-born; Well-grown
Kaliyanei	Girl	Beautiful and lovely woman
Mach	Unisex	Melody
Bopha	Girl	Flowers
Soraiya	Girl	Sun; The Pleiades; Sky; Light
Mliss	Girl	Resembling a flower
Channary	Girl	Moon-faced girl
Charaya	Girl	The one who is blue and pink in color
Panha	Girl	A sage-like, innocent, and important person

Shannary	Girl	Like a full Moon in the sky
Sovannah	Girl	He who is made of gold
Tevy	Girl	Angel; Divine
Achariya	Girl	One who is wonderful and marvelous
Arunny	Girl	The morning sun
Botum	Girl	A princess
Boupha	Girl	Like a flower
Champei	Girl	Frangipani flowers.
Chanlina	Girl	Moonlight
Chanmony	Girl	One who shines like the Moon

Chanthavy	Girl	A girl as beautiful as the Moon
Sopheary	Girl	One who is attractive and beautiful
Chhean	Girl	Meditation
Chhorvin	Girl	A glamorous woman
Chivy	Girl	Life
Chouma	Girl	A woman who is refreshingly beautiful
Daevy	Girl	Angel
Darareaksmey	Girl	A bright star
Jorani	Girl	Radiant jewel
Kanleakhana	Girl	A woman of character

Kannareth	Girl	A beautiful quality
Kannitha	Girl	Angels
Kesor	Girl	A heavenly woman
Kolab	Girl	A pretty rose flower
Kolthida	Girl	A noble-born woman
Kunthea	Girl	Sweet smelling or beautiful fragrance.
Leakena	Girl	Characteristic; Quality
Malis	Girl	Name of southeast Asian jasmine
Mealea	Girl	Flower garland
Nakry	Girl	Night-blooming flower

Nearidei	Girl	White four-leafed flower
Neary	Girl	A gentle girl
Nuon	Girl	Soft and tender
Peou	Girl	The youngest daughter in the family
Pheakkley	Girl	To have faith
Phhoung	Girl	Wreath
Ponnleu	Girl	Light or illumination
Punthea	Girl	A gentle spirit
Putrea	Girl	Cambodian word for plum
Rachany	Girl	Night

Rangsei	Girl	Ray of light
Reaksmey	Girl	Shining and sparkling
Rotha	Girl	A beautiful country
Roumduol	Girl	A type of flower
Roumjong	Girl	A water plant with a bluish flower
Savady	Girl	Thai greeting
Sawatdee	Girl	Thai greeting
Sokhanya	Girl	A peaceful woman
Sonisay	Girl	One who creates a good first impression
Ingeborg	Girl	Of the goddess Frøy

Kongkea	Girl	Big Water
Leakhena	Girl	An attribute; Characteristic; Quality
Theavy	Girl	Angelic
Sreyleak	Girl	Perfect girl

If you want exotic and unique names for your little princess, this list of Cambodian baby girl names might be your solution. We have included a variety of names with beautiful and delicate meanings derived from Khmer, Chinese, Sanskrit, and Pali. These names have a poetic ring because of their meanings associated with the moon, flowers, and celestial beings. Cambodian names can be used whether you are of Cambodian origin or someone who wishes to exhibit the beauty of this nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Cambodian naming conventions for baby girls?

Cambodian baby girl names are usually derived from Khmer and consist of a surname and a first name. Except for the Hmong tribes, who write their name in the first name-surname format, Cambodians write their surname followed by their first name. The surname is usually the family's surname or the father's name (2).

2. How have Cambodian baby girl names evolved?

Several historical events have had an immense impact on Cambodian names. In the earliest period (5000 BCE-800 CE), the country saw an incursion of Indian culture. During the later period (800 CE-1450 CE), the Khmer Empire was established, and Buddhism was introduced. From 1450 CE-1863 CE, outside pressures increased. Meanwhile, there was a mass conversion to Buddhism around that time. In the colonial period (1863-1953), the French introduced new names to the people (3). All these events have influenced baby names in Cambodia.

3. Are there any unique or unusual Cambodian baby girl names?

Cambodian baby girl names like Sokha (health), Botum (lotus), and Kolab (rose) are unusual and rarely used.

4. How do Cambodian baby girl names reflect the country's history and culture?

Cambodian baby girl names may be derived from Hindu epics and Buddhist texts. Names like Sita (furrow) and Makara (January) are connected to Cambodia's religious history. Moreover, names like Sisowath, Norodom, and Monineath are famous women who have left a mark on Cambodian history. Jayarajadevi and Indradevi are royal names connected to Cambodia's royal culture.

5. How are Cambodian baby girl names typically chosen?

Cambodian baby girl names usually have a poetic connotation or a positive virtue. Though many Cambodian names are not gender-specific, baby girl names tend to have feminine or gentle meanings.

Infographic: Dazzling Cambodian Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Cambodian baby names are derived from various languages such as Khmer, Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese. These names contain poetic meanings and are associated with gentle qualities, making them an ideal choice for your little girl. The infographic below displays Cambodian baby names for girls. Check them out and bestow the best one on your little queen.

captivating cambodian names for your daughter (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Cambodian Culture.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/cambodian-culture/cambodian-culture-religion#cambodian-culture-religion
Naming systems of the world; https://web.archive.org/web/20080423002014/http://homepages.newnet.co.uk/dance/webpjd/intro/worldnamexa-g.htm
Cambodian History;
https://cambodiatribunal.org/history/cambodian-history/

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Author Editor Fact Checker

N Pravenchandra SinghMA

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

Read full bio of N Pravenchandra Singh

Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

Read full bio of Vidya Tadapatri

Trisha ChakrabortyMA, BEd

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

Read full bio of Trisha Chakraborty