83 Cambodian Baby Girl Names With Meanings

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

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• Oct 30, 2023

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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.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Bopha	Girl	Flowers
Chantrea	Girl	Moon; filled with light
Chenda	Girl	Thought; Intellect
Kongkea	Girl	Big Water
Kunthea	Girl	Sweet smelling or beautiful fragrance.
Leakhena	Girl	An attribute; Characteristic; Quality
Panha	Girl	A sage-like, innocent, and important person
Sela	Girl	Short form of Selena; Rock; Moon
Socheata	Girl	Well-born; Well-grown
Sreyleak	Girl	Perfect girl

Theavy	Girl	Angelic
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.
Chamroeun	Unisex	Prosperity and success
Chankrisna	Unisex	A sweet-smelling tree
Chanlina	Girl	Moonlight
Chanmony	Girl	One who shines like the Moon

Channary	Girl	Face resembling the Moon
Chanthavy	Girl	A girl as beautiful as the Moon
Chanthou	Unisex	A flower found in Cambodia
Chanvatey	Unisex	A scholar or an educated person
Charaya	Girl	The one who is blue and pink in color
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
Kaliyanei	Girl	Beautiful and lovely woman
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
Kravann	Unisex	A tiny golden brown flower.

Kyen	Unisex	Mysterious; Unique
Leakena	Girl	Characteristic; Quality
Malis	Girl	Name of southeast Asian jasmine
Maly	Girl	Blossom
Mealea	Girl	Flower garland
Mliss	Girl	Resembling a flower
Mony	Girl	A precious stone; Gem.
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
Pheakdei	Unisex	Loyalty and honesty
Pheakkley	Girl	To have faith
Phhoung	Girl	Wreath
Pich	Unisex	Diamond
Ponlok	Unisex	Darling or dear
Ponnleu	Girl	Light or illumination
Punthea	Girl	A gentle spirit
Putrea	Girl	Cambodian word for plum

Rachany	Girl	Night
Rangsei	Girl	Ray of light
Reach	Girl	A beautiful woman
Reaksmey	Girl	Shining and sparkling
Reasmey	Unisex	Sunshine
Rotha	Girl	A beautiful country
Roumduol	Girl	A type of flower
Roumjong	Girl	A water plant with a bluish flower
Samphy	Unisex	Hardworking; Busy
Savady	Girl	Thai greeting

Sawatdee	Girl	Thai greeting
Shannary	Girl	Like a full Moon in the sky
Sokha	Unisex	One who is peaceful and content with his or her life
Sokhanya	Girl	A peaceful woman
Sonisay	Girl	One who creates a good first impression
Sophea	Girl	She who is a clever and wise one
Sopheap	Unisex	One who is proper and gentle
Sopheary	Girl	One who is attractive and beautiful
Sovann	Unisex	He who is golden
Sovanna	Unisex	Golden, radiant, beautiful

Sovannah	Girl	He who is made of gold
Tevy	Girl	An angel
Virak	Unisex	Exceptional; Excellent

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.

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)

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.

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/

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.