Popular Thai Names: Meanings and Trends for Boys, Girls, and Unisex

Names as Blessings

Thai given names are carefully chosen for auspicious meanings—often reflecting virtues, nature, or royal homage. Many people also have a short nickname (chue len) used daily (e.g., "Nok" = bird, "Som" = orange). Here are common formal names.

Male Names (Chai = Victory/Male)

• Aek / Aekkaphon: Strong, powerful voice
• Atit: Sun, light
• Chai / Chaiyut: Victory, triumph
• Chalerm: Prosperity, glory
• Chatchai: Born rich
• Chutawat: Born during a storm
• Day: Moon, night

Female Names (Often floral/beauty)

• Araya: Beautiful, goddess
• Ausanee: Beautiful woman
• Benjamas: Five beauties
• Busabong / Champa: Beautiful flower (jasmine)
• Chanida / Charuwan: Beautiful, attractive / Lovely
• Chantapat: Full moon
• Dao: Star

Unisex / Modern Favorites

• Kitti: Auspicious, good
• Phichet: Diamond, precious
• Phatcharaphon: Lightning
• Pradit: Wise, intelligent
• Prapaporn: First ray of light
• Preecha: Happy, joyful
• Rattanaphon / Rattapol: Jewel / Precious
• Ruchanee: Charming
• Sirikwan: Beautiful lady, goddess

Naming Customs

• Monosyllabic or disyllabic roots + honorific particles.
• Astrology (birth day/time) often guides selection.
• Royal vocabulary (Rachasap) avoided for commoners.
• Surname law (1913) made family names mandatory—unique per family.

Thai names are poems of hope.