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.
Page Contents
- A Quick History Of Names In Thai
- What Are The Thai Nicknames?
- Honorifics For Thai Names
- What Are The Common Thai Names For Males?
- What Are The Most Common Thai Names For Females?
- Popular Baby Names In Thai
- Learn More Thai With Ling
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).

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.

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
English | Thai | Pronunciation Guide |
grape | องุ่น [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]องุ่น[/Speechword] | A-ngun |
pretty angel | อัจฉรา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อัจฉรา[/Speechword] | Atchara |
beatiful | อรจิรา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรจิรา[/Speechword] | Ornchira |
sky | อัมพร [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อัมพร[/Speechword] | Amporn |
greeting | อัญชลี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อัญชลี[/Speechword] | Anchali |
5th girl | เบญจกัลยาณี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เบญจกัลยาณี[/Speechword] | Benjakalayani |
flower | บุปผา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]บุปผา[/Speechword] | Buppha |
floral/flower | บุษบา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]บุษบา[/Speechword] | Busaba |
star | ดาว [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดาว[/Speechword] | Dao |
star | ดารา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดารา[/Speechword] | Dara |
flower | ดาหลา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดาหลา[/Speechword] | Darha |
compliments | ดุษฎี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ดุษฎี[/Speechword] | Dussadi |
sky | ฟ้า [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ฟ้า[/Speechword] | Fah |
dream | ฝัน [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ฝัน[/Speechword] | Fan |
rain | ฝน [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ฝน[/Speechword] | Fon |
glass | แก้ว[Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]แก้ว[/Speechword] | Kaew |
good lady | กัลญา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กัลญา[/Speechword] | Kanlaya |
of the heart | กมลา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กมลา[/Speechword] | Kamala |
gold | กาญจณา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กาญจณา[/Speechword] | Kanchana |
flower | กัณณิกา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กัณณิกา[/Speechword] | Kannika |
design | กนก [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กนก[/Speechword] | Kanok |
girl | กัญญา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กัญญา[/Speechword] | Kanya |
beautiful girl | กานติมา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]กานติมา[/Speechword] | Kantima |
good thing | เกตุ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เกตุ[/Speechword] | Kate |
glorious | ลัดดาวรรณ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ลัดดาวรรณ[/Speechword] | Laddawan |
jasmin | มะลิ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]มะลิ[/Speechword] | Mali |
flower | มาลี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]มาลี[/Speechword] | Malee |
spell caster | มนตรา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]มนตรา[/Speechword] | Montra |
good heart | งามจิตร [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]งามจิตร[/Speechword] | Ngam-Chit |
sapphire | นิล [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]นิล[/Speechword] | Nin |
a young lady | นงค์เยาว์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]นงค์เยาว์[/Speechword] | Nong Yao |
nectar | น้ำทิพย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]น้ำทิพย์[/Speechword] | Nam thip |
beautiful lady | อรอนงค์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรอนงค์[/Speechword] | Orn-a-nong |
delicate | อรชร [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรชร[/Speechword] | Orachon |
intelligent lady | อรญา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรญา[/Speechword] | Orraya |
beautiful like the moon | อรอินท์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]อรอินท์[/Speechword] | On-in |
full moon | เพ็ญ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เพ็ญ[/Speechword] | Pen-Chan |
the beauty of the moon | เพ็ญศรี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]เพ็ญศรี[/Speechword] | Pensri |
diamond | พัชรี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]พัชรี[/Speechword] | Patcharee |
sapphire | ไพลิน [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ไพลิน[/Speechword] | Phailin |
mystery | ปริศนา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ปริศนา[/Speechword] | Prisana |
crystal | รัตนา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]รัตนา[/Speechword] | Ratana |
rainbow | รุ้ง [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]รุ้ง[/Speechword] | Rung |
sky | รุ่งนภา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]รุ่งนภา[/Speechword] | Rungnapa |
starlight | แสงดาว [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]แสงดาว[/Speechword] | Saengdao |
beautiful girl | สุภาวดี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุภาวดี[/Speechword] | Suphawadee |
scholar | สิริณัฏฐ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สิริณัฏฐ์[/Speechword] | Sirinat |
goodness | สุจิรา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุจิรา[/Speechword] | Sujira |
orange (the fruit) | ส้ม [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ส้ม[/Speechword] | Som |
daughter or girl | สุดา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุดา[/Speechword] | Suda |
good lady | สุกัญญา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุกัญญา[/Speechword] | Suganya |
good thing | สุณี [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]สุณี[/Speechword] | Sunee |
treasure | ทรัพย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทรัพย์[/Speechword] | Sup |
melon | แตง [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]แตง[/Speechword] | Taeng |
full of gem | ตวงรัตน์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ตวงรัตน์[/Speechword] | Tuangrat |
beloved one | ทยิดา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทยิดา[/Speechword] | Tayida |
beautiful heart | ทิพย์กมล [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทิพย์กมล[/Speechword] | Tipkamol |
Perfect girl | ทิพย์ประภา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทิพย์ประภา[/Speechword] | Tipprapha |
clever girl | ทักษอร [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทักษอร[/Speechword] | Taksa-orn |
beautiful view | ทัศนีย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ทัศนีย์[/Speechword] | Tassanee |
think of | ธยาดา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ธยาดา[/Speechword] | Tayada |
scholar | ธีรตา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ธีรตา[/Speechword] | Teerata |
intelligent daugther | ญาธิดา [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]ญาธิดา[/Speechword] | Yathida |
beautiful | หยาดทิพย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]หยาดทิพย์[/Speechword] | Yadthip |
woman | หญิง [Speechword voice=”Thai Female” isinline]หญิง[/Speechword] | Ying |
Popular Baby Boy Names In Thai + Their Meanings
English | Thai | Pronunciation Guide |
weapon | อาวุธ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อาวุธ[/Speechword] | A-wut |
prosperous | อนันดา [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อนันดา[/Speechword] | Ananda |
the sun | อาทิตย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อาทิตย์[/Speechword] | Athit |
The greatest one | อธิชาติ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อธิชาติ[/Speechword] | A-thichart |
successor | อิทธิพงศ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]อิทธิพงศ[/Speechword] | It-thipong |
The greatest one | ไอศูรย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไอศูรย์[/Speechword] | Aisoon |
complete | บริบูรณ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]บริบูรณ์[/Speechword] | Boribun |
king | บดินทร์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]บดินทร์[/Speechword] | Badin |
successor | บวรสิทธิ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]บวรสิทธิ[/Speechword] | Borwornsit |
triumphant | ชัยเจริญ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ชัยเจริญ[/Speechword] | Chaicharoen |
victory | ไชยา [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไชยา[/Speechword] | Chaiya |
great fighter | ชยพล [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ชยพล[/Speechword] | Chayaphon |
the great and prosperous one | ไชยเชษฐ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไชยเชษฐ์[/Speechword] | Chaiyachet |
happiness | เกษม[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เกษม[/Speechword] | Kasaem |
victorious celebration | เกษมชัย [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เกษมชัย[/Speechword] | Kasaemchai |
famous victory | กิตติชัย [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กิตติชัย[/Speechword] | Kittichai |
famous clan | กิตติชาติ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กิตติชาติ[/Speechword] | Kittichat |
honorable clan | กิตติพงศ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กิตติพงศ์[/Speechword] | Kittipong |
brave | กล้า [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กล้า[/Speechword] | Kla |
very brave | กล้าหาญ[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กล้าหาญ[/Speechword] | Klaharn |
famous one | ก้องภพ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ก้องภพ[/Speechword] | Kongphop |
gracious scholar | กันต์ธีร์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]กันต์ธีร์[/Speechword] | Kantee |
small | เล็ก [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เล็ก[/Speechword] | Lek |
great clan | เลิศพงศ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เลิศพงศ์[/Speechword] | Lertpong |
silver | เงิน [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เงิน[/Speechword] | Ngoen |
eternal | นิรันด์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]นิรันด์[/Speechword] | Niran |
moonstone | ไพทูล / ไพทูรย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไพทูล[/Speechword] | Paitoon |
to prosper | ไพบูลย์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ไพบูลย์[/Speechword] | Phaibun |
sun | ภาณุมาศ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ภาณุมาศ[/Speechword] | Phanumas |
sun | ภาสกร [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ภาสกร[/Speechword] | Phassakorn |
diamond | เพชร [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เพชร[/Speechword] | Phet |
triumphant | พิชัย[Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]พิชัย[/Speechword] | Phichai |
to fight | ประยุทร [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ประยุทร[/Speechword] | Prayut |
wisdom | ปัญญา [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ปัญญา[/Speechword] | Panya |
beloved one | ปิยพนธ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ปิยพนธ์[/Speechword] | Piyapon |
prosperous | ปิยวัฒน์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ปิยวัฒน์[/Speechword] | Piyawat |
mighty | เรืองฤทธิ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เรืองฤทธิ์[/Speechword] | Ruangrit |
mighty; powerful | เรืองศักดิ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]เรืองศักดิ์[/Speechword] | Ruangsak |
great happiness | รัชชนันท์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]รัชชนันท์[/Speechword] | Ratchanan |
wealthy | รัชธนน [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]รัชธนน[/Speechword] | Ratthanon |
clan of the sun | รพีพงศ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]รพีพงศ์[/Speechword] | Rapeepong |
truth | สัจจะ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]สัจจะ[/Speechword] | Satja |
power | ศักดิ์ดา [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศักดิ์ดา[/Speechword] | Sakda |
sacred | ศีกดิ์สิทธิ์ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศีกดิ์สิทธิ์[/Speechword] | Saksit |
famous one | ศรุต [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศรุต[/Speechword] | Sarut |
gracious scholar | ศุภณัฐ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศุภณัฐ[/Speechword] | Suppanat |
powerful | ศุภเดช [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ศุภเดช[/Speechword] | Suppadet |
wealthy family | ธนชาติ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ธนชาติ[/Speechword] | Thanachart |
innocent | ธาวิน [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ธาวิน[/Speechword] | Tawin |
smart | ธีรภพ [Speechword voice=”Thai Male” isinline]ธีรภพ[/Speechword] | Theeraphop |

Learn More Thai With Ling
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!