150+ Popular Names In Thai You Need To Know

Here is a bit of an interesting topic: how do names work in Thai? As odd as this may seem, Thai naming conventions actually have a pretty unique and interesting history. Beyond that, the idea of nicknames also offers a different perspective on Thai culture.

To learn Thai, having some idea of how names in Thai work can help understand how communication works and how to address people correctly. We have talked previously about how to be polite in Thai, and this topic can play a part in that. So, for today, let’s have a glimpse at names in Thai.

Popular Names In Thai

Page Contents

What Is The History Of Names In Thai

As you would expect, people have been given names pretty much since we have been able to talk. The same is true in Thailand, as people have had names for most, if not all, of its history. However, the idea of surnames or family names in Thai is relatively new in the kingdom. Only since the 20th century have Thai people used surnames for themselves. 

Previously, Thai people were referred to by their first name, given name, or possibly some information such as where they are from. Middle names were not and are still not used. It wasn’t until around 1913 that the King declared that surnames be given and recorded across the kingdom for the purposes of a new registration system. Interestingly, this followed the Western name convention, where the first name is written before the surname. This differs from some neighboring countries like China, where the surname comes first.

The introduction of these naming conventions led to some interesting situations. As people were not supposed to share a surname if they were not related, people had to go to great lengths (literally) to make sure their surname was unique. This meant that surnames were made to be longer and more complex, closer to phrases than words. Ultimately, this ensured that no two names were the same. This is how nicknames became common for referring to people, as it is much easier.

About Thai Nicknames

Due to the nature and length of Thai names, it is not uncommon for people to have their own nicknames. Thai nicknames are shorter names for people used more often than their real names. You may even find that people don’t know their friends’ or coworkers’ ‘real’ names.

Nicknames are given at birth by the parents. They may not necessarily relate to their real name in any way, instead of relating to their physical features, behavior, or desirable things. Sometimes, they can be completely random choices but have a particular symbolism, like wealth or knowledge. For this reason, you may find people with interesting nicknames that are not traditionally used as names. 

Also, when speaking with foreigners, Thai people may choose an alternative English name to save the difficulty of pronunciation with their Thai name. However, Thai nicknames are often English or Thai words that are short enough and easy to pronounce.

What Are The Honorifics For Thai Names

Honorifics refer to the titles placed before a person’s name and generally denote the relationship with the person. In English, we use mister (Mr) and miss (Ms), for example. These also exist in Thai, though they behave slightly differently. An equivalent for mister or miss would be khun’ (คุณ). This is often used for official purposes and for politeness.

Thai honorifics can be quite complex, especially when it comes to pronouns. These are affected by things such as age, gender, relationship, politeness, and more. This, of course, makes choosing the right word difficult. However, kinship terms are slightly easier to understand.

Kinship terms are words used to show your relationship with another person. They go before the person’s name. These include words like older brother/sister, known as ‘pii’ (พี่) in Thai. It doesn’t necessarily have to be used in a literal sense, as people also use these words for people they are close with.

Some other titles are placed before a person’s first name/nickname when you talk to them. These include things like a teacher, known as ‘kruu’ (ครู), or doctor, known as ‘mor’ (หมอ).

Thai names male

What Are The Most Common Thai Names For Males? 

Do you have a Thai male friend? You might be surprised that many Thai people share common nicknames with others. But of course, there are very special nicknames that only their family has coined. Starting with male names in Thai, a few are pretty popular.

Somchai (สมชาย)

[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]สมชาย[/Speechword] – Real Man Or Man Of Worth

If you look up any list of common Thai names for males, you will come across this one. That is because this is by far one of the most famous names for males in Thailand. You can see the prefix ‘som’ (สม) that we mentioned earlier here – in this case, together with the word ‘chai’ (ชาย) meaning male.

Somsak (สมศักดิ์)

[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]สมศักดิ์[/Speechword] – Worthy Of Honor

The name Somsak is another of the more popular Thai names for males. As you can probably see, it is very similar to the name above. It once again reflects that the bearer of the name is worthy of something – honor or prestige.

Arthit (อาทิตย์)

[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อาทิตย์[/Speechword] – Sun

Those of you who are familiar with the names of the planets in Thai will know that Arthit means Sun (yes, I realize that the Sun is not a planet). While that would be a deep enough meaning alone, the Sun’s name in Thai is derived from the name of a Hindu god (and the word for Sunday).

Kittisak (กิตติศักดิ์)

[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กิตติศักดิ์[/Speechword] – Renowned, Powerful

As with most Thai names, this one shows that you have high hopes for your child. The two parts of the name together mean something like renowned power, meaning they are particularly strong. I imagine many guys would like this to be their name.

names in Thai female

What Are The Most Common Thai Names For Females?

Just as there are many common Thai names for males, there are many common names specifically for females too.

Malee (มะลิ)

[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]มะลิ[/Speechword] – Flower/Jasmine

Flowers and beauty are concepts often associated with femininity, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the word for flower is a common Thai name for girls. Specifically, it refers to Jasmine, grown throughout Thailand for tea and rice.

Anong (อนงค์)

[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อนงค์[/Speechword] – Beautiful

This is a nice name as it means beautiful. They say that children grow into their names to reflect their meaning and the supposed traits it conveys, so choosing a name with this meaning should be easy to understand. It is used as a female name due to some connotations for the meaning.

Pornthip (พรทิพย์)

[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]พรทิพย์[/Speechword] – Divine Blessing

If it wasn’t obvious yet, the meaning of this common Thai name should make it so. Thai names often have really intense meanings. This one is even a bit religious. But yes, this is where the porn prefix comes into play. Together with the word ‘thip’ (ทิพย์), which means divine or divinity, you get a really beautiful name.

Praew (แพรว) – Shining

[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]แพรว[/Speechword]

The name Praew is another that is meant to convey beauty. It can be understood as shining or gleaming, which I believe to be a sign of beauty. The pronunciation is a bit unique in that English speakers may not be able to say it correctly immediately, but you will get used to it over time. 

What Are The Most Popular Baby Names In Thai?

Popular Thai Names For Baby Girls With Meanings

EnglishThaiPronunciation Guide
grapeองุ่น
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]องุ่น[/Speechword]
A-ngun
pretty angelอัจฉรา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อัจฉรา[/Speechword]
Atchara
beatifulอรจิรา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรจิรา[/Speechword]
Ornchira
skyอัมพร
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อัมพร[/Speechword]
Amporn
greetingอัญชลี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อัญชลี[/Speechword]
Anchali
5th girlเบญจกัลยาณี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เบญจกัลยาณี[/Speechword]
Benjakalayani
flowerบุปผา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]บุปผา[/Speechword]
Buppha
floral/flowerบุษบา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]บุษบา[/Speechword]
Busaba
starดาว
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดาว[/Speechword]
Dao
starดารา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดารา[/Speechword]
Dara
flowerดาหลา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดาหลา[/Speechword]
Darha
complimentsดุษฎี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดุษฎี[/Speechword]
Dussadi
skyฟ้า
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ฟ้า[/Speechword]
Fah
dreamฝัน
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ฝัน[/Speechword]
Fan
rainฝน
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ฝน[/Speechword]
Fon
glassแก้ว[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]แก้ว[/Speechword]Kaew
good ladyกัลญา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กัลญา[/Speechword]
Kanlaya
of the heartกมลา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กมลา[/Speechword]
Kamala
goldกาญจณา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กาญจณา[/Speechword]
Kanchana
flowerกัณณิกา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กัณณิกา[/Speechword]
Kannika
designกนก
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กนก[/Speechword]
Kanok
girlกัญญา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กัญญา[/Speechword]
Kanya
beautiful girlกานติมา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กานติมา[/Speechword]
Kantima
good thingเกตุ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เกตุ[/Speechword]
Kate
gloriousลัดดาวรรณ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ลัดดาวรรณ[/Speechword]
Laddawan
jasminมะลิ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]มะลิ[/Speechword]
Mali
flowerมาลี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]มาลี[/Speechword]
Malee
spell casterมนตรา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]มนตรา[/Speechword]
Montra
good heartงามจิตร
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]งามจิตร[/Speechword]
Ngam-Chit
sapphireนิล
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]นิล[/Speechword]
Nin
a young ladyนงค์เยาว์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]นงค์เยาว์[/Speechword]
Nong Yao
nectarน้ำทิพย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]น้ำทิพย์[/Speechword]
Nam thip
beautiful ladyอรอนงค์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรอนงค์[/Speechword]
Orn-a-nong
delicateอรชร
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรชร[/Speechword]
Orachon
intelligent ladyอรญา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรญา[/Speechword]
Orraya
beautiful like the moonอรอินท์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรอินท์[/Speechword]
On-in
full moonเพ็ญ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เพ็ญ[/Speechword]
Pen-Chan
the beauty of the moonเพ็ญศรี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เพ็ญศรี[/Speechword]
Pensri
diamondพัชรี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]พัชรี[/Speechword]
Patcharee
sapphireไพลิน
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ไพลิน[/Speechword]
Phailin
mysteryปริศนา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ปริศนา[/Speechword]
Prisana
crystalรัตนา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]รัตนา[/Speechword]
Ratana
rainbowรุ้ง
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]รุ้ง[/Speechword]
Rung
skyรุ่งนภา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]รุ่งนภา[/Speechword]
Rungnapa
starlightแสงดาว
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]แสงดาว[/Speechword]
Saengdao
beautiful girlสุภาวดี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุภาวดี[/Speechword]
Suphawadee
scholarสิริณัฏฐ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สิริณัฏฐ์[/Speechword]
Sirinat
goodnessสุจิรา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุจิรา[/Speechword]
Sujira
orange (the fruit)ส้ม
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ส้ม[/Speechword]
Som
daughter or girlสุดา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุดา[/Speechword]
Suda
good ladyสุกัญญา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุกัญญา[/Speechword]
Suganya
good thingสุณี
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุณี[/Speechword]
Sunee
treasureทรัพย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทรัพย์[/Speechword]
Sup
melonแตง
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]แตง[/Speechword]
Taeng
full of gemตวงรัตน์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ตวงรัตน์[/Speechword]
Tuangrat
beloved oneทยิดา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทยิดา[/Speechword]
Tayida
beautiful heartทิพย์กมล
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทิพย์กมล[/Speechword]
Tipkamol
Perfect girlทิพย์ประภา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทิพย์ประภา[/Speechword]
Tipprapha
clever girlทักษอร
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทักษอร[/Speechword]
Taksa-orn
beautiful viewทัศนีย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทัศนีย์[/Speechword]
Tassanee
think ofธยาดา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ธยาดา[/Speechword]
Tayada
scholarธีรตา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ธีรตา[/Speechword]
Teerata
intelligent daugtherญาธิดา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ญาธิดา[/Speechword]
Yathida
beautifulหยาดทิพย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]หยาดทิพย์[/Speechword]
Yadthip
womanหญิง
[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]หญิง[/Speechword]
Ying

Popular Baby Boy Names In Thai + Their Meanings

EnglishThaiPronunciation Guide
weaponอาวุธ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อาวุธ[/Speechword]
A-wut
prosperousอนันดา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อนันดา[/Speechword]
Ananda
the sunอาทิตย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อาทิตย์[/Speechword]
Athit
The greatest oneอธิชาติ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อธิชาติ[/Speechword]
A-thichart
successorอิทธิพงศ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อิทธิพงศ[/Speechword]
It-thipong
The greatest oneไอศูรย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไอศูรย์[/Speechword]
Aisoon
completeบริบูรณ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]บริบูรณ์[/Speechword]
Boribun
kingบดินทร์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]บดินทร์[/Speechword]
Badin
successorบวรสิทธิ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]บวรสิทธิ[/Speechword]
Borwornsit
triumphantชัยเจริญ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ชัยเจริญ[/Speechword]
Chaicharoen
victoryไชยา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไชยา[/Speechword]
Chaiya
great fighterชยพล
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ชยพล[/Speechword]
Chayaphon
the great and prosperous oneไชยเชษฐ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไชยเชษฐ์[/Speechword]
Chaiyachet
happinessเกษม[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เกษม[/Speechword]Kasaem
victorious celebrationเกษมชัย
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เกษมชัย[/Speechword]
Kasaemchai
famous victoryกิตติชัย
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กิตติชัย[/Speechword]
Kittichai
famous clanกิตติชาติ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กิตติชาติ[/Speechword]
Kittichat
honorable clanกิตติพงศ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กิตติพงศ์[/Speechword]
Kittipong
braveกล้า
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กล้า[/Speechword]
Kla
very braveกล้าหาญ[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กล้าหาญ[/Speechword]Klaharn
famous oneก้องภพ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ก้องภพ[/Speechword]
Kongphop
gracious scholarกันต์ธีร์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กันต์ธีร์[/Speechword]
Kantee
smallเล็ก
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เล็ก[/Speechword]
Lek
great clanเลิศพงศ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เลิศพงศ์[/Speechword]
Lertpong
silverเงิน
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เงิน[/Speechword]
Ngoen
eternalนิรันด์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]นิรันด์[/Speechword]
Niran
moonstoneไพทูล / ไพทูรย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไพทูล[/Speechword]
Paitoon
to prosperไพบูลย์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไพบูลย์[/Speechword]
Phaibun
sunภาณุมาศ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ภาณุมาศ[/Speechword]
Phanumas
sunภาสกร
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ภาสกร[/Speechword]
Phassakorn
diamondเพชร
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เพชร[/Speechword]
Phet
triumphantพิชัย[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]พิชัย[/Speechword]Phichai
to fightประยุทร
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ประยุทร[/Speechword]
Prayut
wisdomปัญญา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ปัญญา[/Speechword]
Panya
beloved oneปิยพนธ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ปิยพนธ์[/Speechword]
Piyapon
prosperousปิยวัฒน์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ปิยวัฒน์[/Speechword]
Piyawat
mightyเรืองฤทธิ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เรืองฤทธิ์[/Speechword]
Ruangrit
mighty; powerfulเรืองศักดิ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เรืองศักดิ์[/Speechword]
Ruangsak
great happinessรัชชนันท์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]รัชชนันท์[/Speechword]
Ratchanan
wealthyรัชธนน
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]รัชธนน[/Speechword]
Ratthanon
clan of the sunรพีพงศ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]รพีพงศ์[/Speechword]
Rapeepong
truthสัจจะ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]สัจจะ[/Speechword]
Satja
powerศักดิ์ดา
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศักดิ์ดา[/Speechword]
Sakda
sacredศีกดิ์สิทธิ์
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศีกดิ์สิทธิ์[/Speechword]
Saksit
famous oneศรุต
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศรุต[/Speechword]
Sarut
gracious scholarศุภณัฐ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศุภณัฐ[/Speechword]
Suppanat
powerfulศุภเดช
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศุภเดช[/Speechword]
Suppadet
wealthy familyธนชาติ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ธนชาติ[/Speechword]
Thanachart
innocentธาวิน
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ธาวิน[/Speechword]
Tawin
smartธีรภพ
[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ธีรภพ[/Speechword]
Theeraphop
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So, while this seems like a pretty long topic, it is useful and ultimately important for learning Thai. There are several things to be mindful of when speaking and addressing other people, such as honorifics. Altogether, it makes for an interesting glimpse into the culture of Thailand, its history, and how people communicate. It is better to start learning Thai now so you are ready to talk with others.

Learn many more topics relating to Thai with the Ling app. Make language learning enjoyable by taking on challenges and tests to help you improve your skills. Download the Ling app on your iOS or Android phone and take that first step in learning Thai today!

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