Thai Names

[Braveheart]

Thai names follow the Western pattern in which the family name follows a first or given name. In this they differ from the family-name-first pattern of Chinese tradition.

 

Last names only became legally required of Thais in 1920; before then, most Thais used only a first or individual name. The names generally convey positive attributes.

 

The prefix "Na-" is added to geographical names to create a last name indicative of membership within the nobility. Official Thai names are often long, particularly among Thais of Chinese descent, whose lengthy names stem from an attempt to translate Chinese names into Thai equivalents.

 

Last names first appeared among sons of Thai royalty; the present king, Bhumibol, bears the last name "Adulyadej."

 

In formal situations, however, Thais will address each other by first name, not by last. Nonetheless, among friends and family, Thai nicknames are almost invariably used. Often first given by friends or an older family member, these nicknames are typically one syllable (or worn down from two syllables to one). They may often be nonsense words or humorous; furthermore, they quite frequently have no relation to the Thai

[jharrison]

Nok, Na, Som, Lek

 

All nicknames.

 

All the best,

 

jH

[wsoulja]

Almost all the Thais I know have nicknames - some of them are really funny too, like dam (black) or uan (fat). Theyre really blunt.

[spyridon]

xeeeex one week in pattaya and i learn a little bit of thai !!!!its no do dificult language as the chinese!!!!

[rsoult3]

I could never remember the girls names unless they wrote them down. They all start to sound the same after awhile.

[lizzy]

Does anybody know the most used girl-name in Japan?

[Calibl]

Does anybody know the most used girl-name in Japan?

 

Isn't that Miko?

[Unicentro]

nice post thank yoU!

[Chadrick]

I would say the most used one would be Gey(ke) or Noi

[jimshim]

i met a taxi driver called tosser porn,the name superporn is very common,how apt for a bar girl

[jjbertramiv]

I have met at least 50 Ann's in Thailand over the years, it appears to be a very common name and easy to remember

[deevo]

It's not unknown for Thai to change their christian names. There is a belief that a change of Christian name will change their fortune.

[MikeB]

Stayed at a hotel in Bangkok doormans name badge read Mr B Bandit I hadnt the guts to ask his first name

[sandokan2010]

It's not unknown for Thai to change their christian names. There is a belief that a change of Christian name will change their fortune.

changing their names to cristian names or changing their names in general?

never heard of that before...

[mbrunner]

changing their names to cristian names or changing their names in general?

never heard of that before...

 

 

I met about 10 Nok's one week.

 

A lot of nok nok jokes going around.....

[hungryandy]

changing their names to cristian names or changing their names in general?

never heard of that before...

 

They can change both First and family names as well as nik name.

IT is unusual to change the family name.

 

They go to teh local government office where ID cards are issued, change their name, and then get a new ID card.

 

I have 1 staffer whos done it twice and a relative who has done it.

 

Married Thai women can now change their suffix from teh equivalent of MRs. to Miss, and can also choose to use their Maiden name. This is quite a big deal as thei can present for various jobs as single, and can get bank paperwork done with out having to have their husbands permission etc.