130 Engrossing Thai Baby Names With Meanings

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Thailand, a country of sandy beaches, spicy cuisines, and tropical islands, has a heritage that is a fusion of hospitality, generosity, and spirituality. The same can be said about Thai baby names. These reflect the nobility, region, or religion the child belongs to. Thai parents give informal names or nicknames to their children, which they continue to use until the formal registration of the given name. In Thailand, it's customary for individuals to receive a short and endearing nickname during infancy or early years, often comprised of just one or two syllables. When someone presents their nickname, it's customary to use that name for addressing them, unlike in Western tradition, where titles and surnames are commonly employed. Thai culture emphasizes addressing individuals by their personal names, showing a distinct cultural approach to identification. In Thailand, the notion of a 'middle name' doesn't hold sway, and the choice of a family name can sometimes be influenced by religious or personal beliefs (1). For the surname, the people of Thailand follow a Western-European pattern in which a given name is followed by the family name. You’ll notice a wide range of diversity in Thai family names, as they are required to be unique. The noble descendants take the name of their ancestors as their surname. While not widespread, the practice of adopting a new family name exists. Also, there are quite a number of Thai people who change their names frequently, either because of superstition, separation, or divorce. The last names are changed less often because they need the permission of the head of the family. Seeking counsel from monks, fortune tellers, or esteemed community figures is customary for parents aiming to select an auspicious name with positive connotations that embodies their hopes for their child. The common practice of using 'Khun' followed by the personal name, such as 'Khun Somchai,' serves as a gender-neutral honorific, akin to Mr/Mrs/Miss (2). This honorific finds its place in formal settings and when addressing unfamiliar individuals. So whether you have Thai ancestors or you happen to like Thai cuisine, if you want a Thai name for your baby, take a look at our collection below. We’ve covered everything for you.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Pravat	Boy	A historic person
Preed	Boy	A joyful individual
Prija	Girl	Intelligence; An intelligent and smart woman
Ratanaporn	Girl	Crystal blessing
Ritthirong	Boy	Good in fighting
Rochana	Girl	Sweet words; One who is very sweet with the words
Saengdao	Girl	Starlight
Sakda	Boy	Power; A powerful person
Samorn	Girl	A woman who is beautiful and beloved
Sanoh	Girl	Something that sounds pleasant

Sanouk	Girl	An enjoyable festival
Sarawut	Boy	An unknown name
Siam	Boy	Thailand, ancient kingdom
Sirichai	Boy	Glorious victory; Man
Sirikit	Girl	A woman with the qualities of a Queen
Siriporn	Girl	Glory; Splendour; Blessing
Somchair	Boy	One who is macho and manly
Songkarn	Boy	One born at the Thai New Year's festival
Sopa	Girl	An incredibly pretty girl
Sud	Boy	Tiger

Suda	Girl	She who is a daughter
Sunisa	Boy	Beautiful sunrise, radiant joy
Sunstra	Girl	A woman with beautiful eyes
Tanawat	Boy	Knowledge
Tansanee	Girl	Beautiful view
Tasanee	Girl	A beautiful view
Thai	Unisex	Free; Brave; Bold
Thia	Unisex	Divine and goddess-like
Tida	Girl	Daughter
Wihan	Unisex	Holy place; Sanctuary

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Amidst the lively and varied canvas of Thai culture, names carry deep importance, reflecting a family's legacy, principles, and dreams. Through a collaborative process involving families, elders, and spiritual leaders, the selected name for the baby echoes parental ambitions while staying in harmony with Thai customs and societal standards. As you approach the end of this collection of Thai baby names, we trust that your discovery of each name's significance and origin has brought both motivation and delight.

Infographic: Sweet Thai Names For Your Son And Daughter

Numerous Thai names exude positivity, embodying concepts such as happiness, strength, and beauty. Choosing such a name can instill a lasting sense of confidence and optimism in your child. Additionally, certain Thai names are deeply intertwined with Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. Explore our captivating infographic featuring exquisite Thai names for your cherished little one.

Sweet And Impressive Thai Names For Your Little One (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some popular Thai baby names for twins?

Some feminine Thai names for twins can be Achara meaning 'pretty angel,' and Anong, meaning 'beautiful woman.' Another pair of names is Kamon, and Kanda, meaning 'heart' and 'beloved,' respectively. Some masculine names include Prasert and Preecha, which means 'excellent' and 'intelligence,' respectively. Somchai and Somsak mean 'worthy man' and 'power,' respectively.

2. What are some common characteristics of Thai baby names?

Thai names are usually used for official records or record-keeping purposes. However, nicknames given at birth are generally used to refer to them daily. In some cases, nicknames are preferred over the official given name. Thai names can be changed frequently compared to their surnames, and they usually carry a positive connotation (1).

3. Can Thai baby names be based on astrology or horoscopes?

Astrology has been an essential part of the Thai naming conventions. It has been used since ancient times. It uses the birthday to construct a name based on an individual's eight unique attributes, which can impact the person's livelihood and fortune (2).

4. How do Thai baby names reflect the culture and traditions of the country?

Thai names are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. They depict a mix of religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Animism. Thai names are usually derived from Sanskrit or Pali language and carry strong virtues in their meanings.

5. What are the laws or regulations regarding Thai baby names in Thailand?

Thai names are usually arranged in the order of a given name, followed by a family name in capital letters, for example, Parfun Vaiyasingha. Thai names follow a patrilineal system, and women will take on their husband's surnames after marriage. Middle names are usually non-existent in Thailand; people can change them often (3).

References

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