179 Prominent Cambodian Baby Names With Meanings

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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
Rachany	Girl	Night
Rainsey	Boy	Rays of the sun
Raksmei	Boy	Ray of light
Rangsei	Girl	Ray of light
Rangsey	Boy	Seven colors
Rathana	Boy	Precious stones; Jewels
Rathanak	Boy	Precious stones; Jewels
Reach	Girl	A beautiful woman
Reaksmey	Girl	Shining and sparkling
Reasmey	Unisex	Sunshine

Rith	Boy	Strength and courage
Rithipol	Boy	Mystical powers
Rithisak	Boy	Powerful
Rithy	Boy	Powerful strength
Rotha	Girl	A beautiful country
Rothanak	Boy	Precious stones; Jewels
Roumduol	Girl	A type of flower
Roumjong	Girl	A water plant with a bluish flower
Sakngea	Boy	Greatness
Samang	Boy	Lucky; Fortunate

Sambath	Boy	Great wealth or fortune
Samlain	Boy	Friend
Samnang	Boy	Good fortune
Samphy	Unisex	Hardworking; Busy
Sangha	Boy	Handsome
Sann	Boy	Quiet; Comfortable
Sathea	Boy	Compassion
Savady	Girl	Thai greeting
Sawatdee	Girl	Thai greeting
Sela	Girl	Short form of Selena; Rock; Moon

Shannary	Girl	Like a full Moon in the sky
Socheata	Girl	Well-born; Well-grown
Sokha	Unisex	One who is peaceful and content with his or her life
Sokhanya	Girl	A peaceful woman
Sokhem	Boy	Hope
Sokhom	Boy	A variant of Sokhem; Hope
Sokun	Boy	Good smelling
Somnang	Boy	Lucky; Fortunate
Sonisay	Girl	One who creates a good first impression
Sonith	Boy	One who has good conduct or manners

Sopath	Boy	One with a soft and gentle demeanor
Sophaep	Boy	Intelligence or wisdom
Sophea	Girl	She who is a clever and wise one
Sopheak	Boy	Gentle face
Sopheaktra	Boy	One with a gentle face
Sopheap	Unisex	One who is proper and gentle
Sopheara	Boy	A man who is handsome and attractive
Sopheary	Girl	One who is attractive and beautiful
Sorya	Boy	Sun
Sothea	Boy	Compassion and purity

Sothy	Boy	A scholar or an intelligent person
Sourkeat	Boy	Heaven
Sov	Boy	A child born on Saturday
Sovann	Unisex	He who is golden
Sovanna	Unisex	Golden, radiant, beautiful
Sovannah	Girl	He who is made of gold
Sovannar	Boy	One who is like gold
Sovannarith	Boy	A golden boy
Sovay	Boy	He is like a gold
Sreyleak	Girl	Perfect girl

Sros	Boy	He who is charmingly beautiful
Tevy	Girl	An angel
Theavy	Girl	Angelic
Vanna	Boy	Golden
Vannak	Boy	He who has a class
Veasna	Boy	One who is lucky and fortunate
Veha	Boy	Sky
Vibol	Boy	In abundance
Vichear	Boy	Knowledge; Education
Virak	Unisex	Exceptional; Excellent

Vireak	Boy	The absence of desire
Vireakboth	Boy	A brave and noble son
Visal	Boy	Large or big
Viseth	Boy	Superb or excellent
Visna	Boy	Faith or destiny
Visoth	Boy	Heavenly and pure
Visothirith	Boy	Heavenly and pure
Vithara	Boy	Something that is spacious and expansive
Vithu	Boy	A wise and intelligent man

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This list of Cambodian baby names with meanings is packed with culturally significant names. You will find that these names signify everything from nature to good virtues and traits. Every name has its unique past and history. So study the options you shortlist thoroughly to make sure they have no negative associations. Speak them aloud and find out if you like the sound and feel of them. The name you finally select will indeed be a cherished one, always adored by your child.

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.

classy cambodian names for your bundle of joy (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Cambodian names reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country?

Cambodian or Khmer names play a significant role in protecting the country's rich cultural heritage. Cambodian names are deeply rooted in their history, language, religion, and traditional beliefs. For instance, owing to their dominant Buddhist population, the use of Sanskrit and Indic words as names continues with names like Vanna, Vibhol, Chan, and Dara.

2. What are the unique qualities and characteristics associated with Cambodian names?

The Khmers historically lived in close-knit kinship, and ancestry was not established by surname. The surname was restricted to legal and administrative affairs, imposed during the French colonial era in 1910. The meanings of Khmer names are typically reasonably straightforward, linked to positive traits, and primarily drawn from Sanskrit. Women continue to use their maiden names after marriage, and surnames can occasionally be identical to Chinese and Vietnamese surnames.

References

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