Thai names are often difficult for the Western tongue to pronounce. As a result, many Thai people living in English-speaking countries use their nicknames or choose a Western name that is easier for those around them to pronounce.
Alternatively, parents might choose names with fewer syllables like Chaiya, meaning “victory,” or Mali, meaning “flowering plant” as options for girls. A boy might have a short name like Kamon, meaning “from the heart” which could also work as a gender-neutral name.
Thai naming conventions are similar to those in the Western world in that each person has a first name and surname/family name. One major difference, however, is that nicknames are often given at birth. First names are generally used in more formal settings while the nickname is what most people know.
Unlike Western nicknames that are shortened versions based on the person’s first name, Thai nicknames are separate from the first name and are often based on the child’s appearance or character. Thai nicknames might include names like Achara for a girl, meaning “pretty angel,” or Klahan for a boy, meaning “courageous.”
Achara
Meaning: Goddess or angel
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Anong
Meaning: Gorgeous woman
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Aom
Meaning: To embrace
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Aran
Meaning: Forest
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Aranya
Meaning: Bountiful forest
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Aroon
Meaning: Dawn
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Arpa
Meaning: Unbounded
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Atid
Meaning: Sun
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Beam
Meaning: Ray of light
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Busaba
Meaning: Floral
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Busarakham
Meaning: Yellow sapphire
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Chaem Choi
Meaning: Gracefulness
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Chailai
Meaning: Pretty
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Chalermwan
Meaning: Celebrated beauty
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Chantana
Meaning: Affection
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Chariya
Meaning: Good manners
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Chet
Meaning: Elder brother
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Decha
Meaning: Power
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Duangkamol
Meaning: From the heart
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Gamon
Meaning: From the heart
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Hansa
Meaning: Swan
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Hathai
Meaning: Heart
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Hom
Meaning: Sweet smell
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Ireshi
Meaning: Queen
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Junta
Meaning: Star
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Kaeo
Meaning: Victorious
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Kamlai
Meaning: A jewelry bracelet
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Kanda
Meaning: Darling
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Karnchana
Meaning: A beautiful and lovely girl
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Kasem
Meaning: Well-being
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Kiet
Meaning: Honor
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Komen
Meaning: Precious stone
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Kovit
Meaning: Expert
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Lamai
Meaning: Gentle and caring
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Lek
Meaning: Small
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Nan
Meaning: Grace and poise
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Niran
Meaning: Eternal
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Phawta
Meaning: Someone pleasing to the eyes
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Preeda
Meaning: Full of joy
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Pricha
Meaning: Clever
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Rungrot
Meaning: Prosperous
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Sakda
Meaning: Power
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Samorn
Meaning: A darling and gorgeous woman
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Sarai
Meaning: My princess
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Som
Meaning: Appropriate
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Sukhorn
Meaning: Pleasing fragrance
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Thanomwang
Meaning: Hopeful
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Thong
Meaning: Gold
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
Virote
Meaning: Brilliant
Origin: Thai
Gender: Boy
Waan
Meaning: Sweet
Origin: Thai
Gender: Girl
