Thai names. Male Thai Names and Meanings - Choosing the Best Name for a Boy Oriental Thai Japanese Nicknames

Following the Western European and Indian tradition, modern Thai names are built on the principle that the surname follows the given name. In this they differ from the traditional East Asian pattern, where the given name, on the contrary, follows the surname.

The names and surnames of Thais are often very long and amazingly varied. This diversity is explained by the fact that the existence of surnames is a relatively recent innovation, designed to emphasize the uniqueness of each family. Further, Thais sometimes change surnames several times during their lives (whereas in many other countries the practice of changing surnames outside of marriage is actually not common).

For the first time, the need to have surnames was spelled out in law in 1913, at that time, most Thai citizens used only the names given to them at birth, or everyday (home) names. In general, surnames were supposed to convey positive qualities. According to Thai law, the same surname could only be used by members of the same family, thus all namesakes were at first related to each other.

Thai surnames are often long, especially among upper class families and among Thais of Chinese descent. For example, the family of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is of Chinese descent, adopted the surname Shinawatra (which can be translated as "doers of good every day") in 1938.

According to the current Human Name Law (BE 2505, issued in 1962), a newly created Thai surname must not be longer than ten Thai letters, excluding vowels and diacritics.

As a sample of the diversity of Thai names of the time, in a sample of 45665 full names, 81% of the surnames of only 35% of the names were unique: thus, people with the same surnames are highly likely to be related, and the names are often repeated and their diversity is very arbitrary.

Royal and feudal names

East Asian monarchs often took royal names for themselves upon ascension to the throne, as was the case in Thailand until the end of the Rattanakosin (Siam) kingdom. In addition, not only titles, but also names can be granted to the subjects of the monarch on his behalf. As, for example, in the case of Chancellor Singh Singhaseni (Singh Singhaseni), who in 1826, the current king Rama III presented the ducal title Chao Phraya (Chao Phraya), and in addition to it - the name Bodindecha (Bodindecha), which was part of the full name the king himself.

Kings Rama I and Rama II were given noble titles and names before they ascended the throne and assumed their royal names, which in turn were changed by subsequent kings. Due to the fact that neither noble titles nor names are either unique or permanent, when writing a full name, it is customary to indicate first the highest titles and bestowed names, then the former names and titles, and already at the end (often in parentheses) the real name and surname received at birth.

noble names

It is customary for descendants of Thai noble families (both hereditary and non-hereditary) to take the name of their noble ancestor as their own surname. For example, Hugo Chakrabongse (British singer and composer of Thai origin - translator's note) is a descendant of the Siamese prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath (Chakrabongse Bhuvanath).

Some (usually distant) descendants of royal families add the preposition "on" (na) to place names to create a surname in this way, similar to how members of German aristocratic families use the prefix "von" in surnames. So, for example, Mongkol Na Songkhla (Mongkol Na Songkhlaim), Minister of Health in the government of Chulanont Surayud (Ch. Surayud, now Privy Councilor of the current King of Thailand - approx. Transl.), bears a name that indicates that he is a distant descendant of the royal family from the eponymous province of Songkhla. In the same way, the surname “Na Chiangmai” may testify to the noble origin of its bearer from the descendants of the rulers of Chiang Mai, who was his vassal fiefdom in the days of Siam.

The name of another minister, Kasim Sanitwong Na Ayutthaya, also testifies to his kinship with the royal family, since the added "Na Ayutthaya" is a manifestation of the same tradition of indicating distant relatives of kings, a kind of noble prefix to the surname. Sanitwong is the family name of Kashima, which was the name of the consort of King Rama V, whose name was subsequently used as a surname by her descendants.

Official names - surnames

Surnames, as such, the Thais appeared only in the 20th century. This innovation was introduced by the then king Vajiravudh (Vajiravudh), or Rama VI (reigned 1910-1925), who was educated at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst (Great Britain). The entire Council of Royal Pundits (later renamed the Royal Institute of Thailand) was busy inventing surnames for the citizens. The creation of surnames was based on the individual merits of individual members of the family. So, for example, the family name of the ancestors of Prime Minister Abhisita Vetchachiva was created during that period. Since the founder of the clan was the first Minister of Health in the history of Thailand and the founder of several large hospitals, the surname " Vetchachiva", which was given to him, is translated as "belonging to the medical profession."

Polite Addresses

In polite conversation, Thais refer to those present and to each other by their first name, which is preceded by the kind prefix " khun" ( khun), especially in relation to people of higher status or social position. Thus, for example, the ministers whose names are mentioned above would be correctly addressed as "Khun Mongkol" and "Khun Qasim". It is important to pronounce " Khun" softly, not to be confused with the rising intonation of another " Khun", which in such an articulation would mean an outdated feudal title. Women can be addressed using the prefix " khuning» ( Khunying), which is, although a little old-fashioned, but extremely polite treatment, the equivalent of the word "lady" in Western culture. Friends and close people can use the prefix "pi" when communicating. For example, "pi chart"

Informal names (nicknames)

Almost all Thais in everyday life use nicknames or "nickname" instead of official names, which they acquire, as a rule, already from birth. Nicknames (they can also be called "home" names) are so common in the daily life of Thais that sometimes no one around knows the real name of a person recorded in documents. The Thais themselves call the informal names chue-len (chue-len) - "name-game", "name-joke".

Given by relatives or friends in early childhood, the joke name is usually very short, often consisting of one syllable. Or from several, which eventually faded to one. They may or may not have a humorous meaning at all, with the exception of rare direct abbreviations of the full name to a diminutive form. Like for example Nok ("bird"), formed from Noknoy ("little bird").

All Thais have such names and they are used in everyday life, no matter how childish they may seem to foreigners. Even His Majesty has a nickname - "Ong Lek" (Ong Lek). Ong is a collective noun for kings, princes, princesses, priests, Buddha images, gods, angels, palaces, pagodas. "Lek" means "younger" in relation to younger siblings. The nickname of former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra is Meow.

Some got nicknames from colleagues or friends back in school and adolescence. Often, nicknames can reflect a particular behavior or appearance and change over time. An example of how the nickname stuck as an official name is the Thai dictator Plaek Phibunsongkhram. The name "Plec" was actually the nickname "strange" that stuck with him in childhood, which he received for his unusual appearance as a child. Later, he adopted the academic title Phibunsongkhram, bestowed on him for his achievements, as his surname, and went down in history under the nickname Phibun, which is an abbreviation of this adopted surname to two syllables.

The first female prime minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, had the nickname Pu - "crab" as a child.

Very often, throughout life, a person lives under his informal nickname, and another may never know his official name. Once introduced under the "home" name, the Thais continue to use it.

According to the Name Act BE 2505 (§ 8 as amended in 2008), a Thai surname cannot be:

• The same or similar to the name of a king, queen or any royal title;
• The same or similar to any title, except in cases where the title belongs to this person, relatives or his descendants;
• Changes to any surname granted by the king or already registered; ( it is possible to change the surname)
• The surname cannot consist of any impolite word or meaning;
• A Thai surname cannot be more than ten consonants, except when the title is used as a surname.

When divorced, the spouse must take his former surname. If the marriage is dissolved as a result of the death of one of the spouses, the other spouse has the right to keep the surname of the deceased spouse. But if the widow marries again, then she is obliged to give up the name of the deceased spouse. (§ 13, BE 2505)

Thais are very superstitious and often, in case of troubles in life, they turn to local mediums who recommend changing their official name and surname. New name - new life. Such a case happened recently with our Thai friend, who changed her first and last name, but at the same time left her former nickname.

• Tours to Thailand from all possible first-hand tour operators Pegas, Tez Tour, Coral Travel, Anex, etc.
• Search and compare prices for individual resorts and hotels.
• Hot tours first hand. Real-time information update, instant notification when a new hot offer appears.
• Booking and payment by credit card.
• Use the same ordering tools as travel agencies, eliminate the extra link!

www.. All rights reserved. Illegal copying is prosecuted.

• 1 The meaning of names and surnames
• 2 Surnames
• 3 Literature
• 4 Links
• 5 Notes

The meaning of names and surnames

Thai names are as much a manifestation of the desire for individuality and beauty, like everything else in Thai culture. Looking through a list of hundreds of names and surnames in Russian, you can certainly find several Ivanovs, Petrovs and Sidorovs, two dozen Alexandrovs, a dozen Vladimirs, a dozen Nadezhds, Marin, Nataly, etc. a similar list of Thai names will not repeat a single surname, nor one name!

It is noteworthy that for a long time, the Thais did not have surnames at all. Surnames were officially introduced by King Vachiravut by a special decree in 1913. The monarch personally came up with thousands of beautiful surnames for his subjects. For example, the surname Wongrat means "family of precious stones", Rakponmuang - "care for citizens", Hongsawan - "heavenly swan", etc. All Thais have two names: real and domestic. The first, for the most part, come from Pali and Sanskrit roots and, as a rule, are polysyllabic. Both male and female names have a beautiful poetic meaning. For a Thai family, this is the first and most important principle that guides when choosing a name for a child. Many parents consult monks or astrologers on this important issue beforehand.

Male names denote the inherent virtues, moral qualities and virtues of the stronger sex: Somchai - "masculinity", Taksin - "source of happiness", Thirasak - "authority, power", Vinay - "discipline", Tassna - "observation", Praset - "superiority ”, Viriya - “persistence”, Sombun - “perfection”, Kiantisak - “glory, honor”, ​​Phakphum - “pride”, Sakda - “strength, energy”. The meaning of the name can refer to important historical events, for example, the name Wanchai means "Victory Day". The sun is traditionally considered a male symbol, therefore the appearance of the name Athit - “sun” is also natural.

Thai female names are associated with poetic images, beauty and harmony: Somying - "femininity", Siriphon - "blessing", Radi - "pleasure". They praise female beauty in the names Saowapha - "the most beautiful of women", Nari - "beautiful woman", Phonpan - "maiden in beautiful robes and jewels". Women's names reflect the respect with which Thai society treats the fair sex: Bunsi - "highly revered beauty", Thepkhi - "queen", Suda - "lady".

The official name is recorded in a person's passport, driver's license, bank credit cards, insurance policy and university diploma, documents and business papers are signed with this name. However, in everyday life and informal communication between friends and colleagues, the real name is not often used. During friendly communication, when addressing each other, Thais use special short pet names. In English translation, they are called nicknames, so sometimes in Russian-language reference books and guides they are unfairly called “nicknames” or “nicknames”, due to incorrect translation from English. in Thai, such short names are called "name-game". unlike Russian short names, Thai friendly-home names are not a simple abbreviation of the full name. These are short one-syllable names, many of which have a funny meaning: Kai - "chicken", Nok - "bird", Lek - "baby / baby". Short names can denote a character trait, for example: Narak - "sweetheart." Other names notice the features of appearance: Deng - "red", Det - "tan". The short female name Apple is considered beautiful, because in the view of the Thais, an apple is a beautiful and expensive foreign fruit. Popular male name Pepsi, denoting a delicious drink.

Surnames

Surnames were introduced by law among the Thais in 1920; Until that time, the vast majority of the population bore only personal names or nicknames.

Surnames first appeared among the children of the Thai aristocracy. For example, the current King Bhumibol has the surname "Mahidol".

As well as among other peoples, many family names came from nicknames, names of parents, etc.

Literature

Mishukova D. D. Kingdom of Thailand: national symbols, system of values ​​and philosophy of life of modern Thais // Notes of the Society for the Study of the Amur Region. Anniversary issue. Volume XXXVII, Vladivostok, 2009 - p. 140-147, illustrations.

Links

• Mishukova Daria MYSTERY OF THE NAME: THE MEANING OF THAI NAMES AND SURNAMES.

Notes

thai names, thai cat names

Beauty and uniqueness are the two key values ​​on which the entire culture of Thailand is built. These categories have become fundamental for local traditions as well. Over eighty percent of modern male and female Thai names are absolutely unique. If in England you can meet thousands of girls called Olivia or Emma, ​​then in Thailand it is extremely difficult to find even two namesakes.

However, uniqueness is far from the only characteristic feature of modern Thai names for girls and boys. No less remarkable is their structure. Names in Thailand are very long. Because of this, they are quite difficult to remember. In fairness, it is worth noting that this circumstance is in communication. Indeed, in everyday life, abbreviated versions of female and male Thai names or simply nicknames are most often used.

The meaning of modern male and female Thai names

The key criterion that is customary to focus on when choosing beautiful Thai names for girls and boys is their meaning. It should be bright, poetic and original. Sons are taken to denote the virtues inherent in the stronger sex - courage, strength, perseverance, pride, etc. The meaning of modern female Thai names is most often associated with harmony and beauty. It fully reflects the respect with which the people of Thailand treat the fair sex.

The meaning of Thai names and surnames can also be associated with various natural phenomena, birds, flowers, etc. In many cases, it refers to celestial bodies, jewels, and all sorts of abstract categories.

List of popular Thai boy names

1. Viriya. Interpreted as "persistent"
2. Kiantisak. Translated into Russian means "honor"
3. Klahan. Thai male name meaning "manly"
4. Puentai. From Thai "gun"
5. Somchair. Interpreted as "brave"
6. Tinnakorn. Translated into Russian means "sun"
7. Thirasak. Thai boy name. Meaning = "dominant"
8. Hemhaeng. Interpreted as "strong"
9. Hongsavan. Meaning "heavenly swan"
10. Channarong. Thai male given name meaning "experienced warrior"

Top Beautiful Thai Names for Girls

1. A-gun. Translated into Russian means "vine"
2. Butrakham. Thai female name meaning "yellow sapphire"
3. Caravec. Interpreted as "bird"
4. Kuantai. Translated into Russian means "beloved"
5. Ngam-Chit. Thai girl name which means = "kind heart"
6. Rattana. From Thai "jewel"
7. Sirirat. Translated into Russian means "glory of the state"
8. Thapthim. Thai female given name meaning "ruby"
9. Chimlin. Interpreted as "pretty"
10. Chuenchai. Translated into Russian means "refreshing"

Features of choosing a Thai name for a boy and a girl

When choosing a modern Thai names for boys and girls, most parents seek the help of monks who act as astrologers. They make up the child's personal horoscope. In accordance with it, the monks determine the most appropriate name according to the sign of the zodiac. Most often they name only one or a few letters. The rest of the name the parents come up with on their own.

Thai names are the same manifestation of the desire for individuality and beauty. like everything else in Thai culture. Looking through a list of hundreds of names and surnames in Russian, one can certainly find several Ivanovs and Petrovs, two dozen Alexandrovs, a dozen Sergeyevs, and so on. In a similar list of Thai names, it is extremely difficult to find at least one case of a coincidence of names, and even more so - surnames. But in communication with each other, diminutive “home names” are often used, which, on the contrary, are repeated very often. However, first things first…

Thai surnames

It is noteworthy that for a long time, the Thais did not have surnames at all. They were officially introduced by King Rama VI by a special decree of 1913. The monarch personally came up with thousands of beautiful surnames for his subjects. For example, the surname Charyeongwong means “family of prosperity”, Hongsaván means “heavenly swan”, etc.

Thai names

Names, for the most part, are polysyllabic. The words that make up names and surnames are usually borrowed from Khmer, Pali or Sanskrit. Both male and female names have a beautiful poetic meaning. In a Thai family, this is the first and most important principle that guides when choosing a name for a child.

Many parents when choosing a name for a child first consult with monks or astrologers. Often there are also cases when, in order to bring good luck into your life or in order to change the unfavorable location of the planets and their impact on fate, an adult can change his name. And the Thai authorities are quite supportive and sympathetic to such requests from citizens.

Male names usually denote the virtues inherent in the stronger sex., moral qualities, virtues, symbols: Thaksun - "skillful, skilful", Phonchai - "blessing with victory", Vinai - "discipline", Kyaatisak - "glory, honor", Wanchai - "victory day", Athut - "sun".

Thai female names are associated with poetic images, beauty and harmony: Siriphon - "blessed beauty", Rattana - "jewel", Thevu - "goddess", Suda - "lady".

Thai "house names"

The official name of a Thai is recorded in his passport, driver's license, bank credit cards, insurance policy and university diploma, documents and business papers are signed with the same name. However, in everyday life and informal communication between friends and colleagues, the real name is used infrequently! During friendly communication, when referring to each other, Thais use special short diminutive pet names. In English translation, they are called nicknames, so sometimes in Russian-language reference books and guides they are incorrectly called “nicknames” or “nicknames” due to incorrect translation from English. In Thai, they are called "chi len", which can roughly be translated as "a pleasant name", "a name for pleasure."

Each Thai may have not one, but several "chilen" - for different areas of communication and for different people. One short name for parents, one for spouse, one for colleagues, one for friends, one for mistress...

Unlike Russian short names, Thai friendly-home names are usually not a simple abbreviation of the full name (abbreviations occur only in rare cases). These are short one-syllable names, many of which have a funny meaning.: Meu - "cat", Nok - "bird", Noi - "baby / baby". Short names can denote a character trait, for example: Narak - "sweet", Om - "gentle, soft." Other names notice features of appearance: Deng - "red", Lek - "small / small". They can indicate the “serial” number of the child in the family, his seniority or a good number for this person: Nyng - “first”, Tet - “seventh”.

Popular, especially in recent decades, English words used as a "home" name, and in English the word can mean a concept that is completely incompatible with a human name! For example, there are such household names as Epyon - "apple" (English Apple), Fim - "film; film” (Film), Búa – “beer” (Beer), Pankhek – “pancake” (Pancake)… by its euphony or "pleasantness" of its meaning.

It is not uncommon for young children to be given ugly, ridiculous temporary "home names", so that evil spirits do not pay attention to them: Puk - “wet”, Mu - “pig”, Kung - “shrimp”, Nui - “donut; fat girl." Sometimes these "home names" are preserved for life - so, for good luck, so that troubles (and evil spirits) do not bother.

Based on the materials of the magazine "Asia"

Thai names follow the Western model. The surname is followed by a pre- or pseudonym. There they differ from the naming pattern of the common East Asian tradition. Thai names are often long and there are many of them very. Due to the diversity of surnames, they must be unique within the family. In addition, some Thais change their name relatively often. However, the surname rarely changes. For a reason, since the permission of the head of the family is required. In the case of children, setting up the father and mother. This practice is virtually unknown in most other countries. In addition to the typical reasons, such as separation and divorce, many name changes are implemented to facilitate the carrier field. Thais believe it is avoidable that losing is caused by an evil spirit.

Because when are there family names in Thailand?

In 1913 it is required by law that every Thai must have a family name. Prior to this, most Thais only had a pre- or pseudonym. Names give mostly positive signs. According to Thai law, any given name can only be used within the family. Familienmtglieder must be used with the same name in relationships.

Construction of a Thai surname

Under the current legislation of the year 1962, the new Thai family name must be no longer than 10 Thai letters. Vowels and diacritics are excluded. Thai surnames are often quite long, especially if they are of Chinese origin.

How do you get a new surname in Thailand?

The rules for registering a new surname are:
The applicant submits five name alternatives on one of the officials. Each name has a maximum of 10 Thai characters. The officer looks up identical last names in the database. The law allows identical surnames for existing ones. One of the 5 alternatives must be total unique and can then be used promisingly. After about a month you will pay again for the official one. Specified not to duplicate Nachnames, you can use the new name of the last query.

Name use in everyday life

In daily life, he is always attracted to Thailand with a given name. Even foreigners are usually treated with a given name. The lists are sorted alphabetically by the given name in the phone book. Commonly used in speech is also work titles. Also combined with the polite "Khun" before, Khun MZ as a doctor then.

Some Thai surnames

Anand
Anatapong
Buengmoom
Boonjaeng
Chaipatana
Chaiyasanu
Chumtong
Chanthaphasouk
Darawan
Glomgool
Inchareon
Janniyome
Kantawong
Klinpraneet
Angi
Lansang
Luamthonglang
Meephuk
Muangyai
Nitpattanasai
Groove
Parnthep
Praves
Pasokpuckdee
Ratana
Samenem
Rattanakul
Sutthitanakul
Sriwongklang
sapp
Thabchumpon
Thanom
Thongkhoune
Uttanun
Veerapol
Wongrutiyan
Yao Yun