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The Tibetan region’s culture extends to China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, India, parts of Pakistan, and certain western countries such as the United States as well. Here, we bring you a curated selection of Tibetan and Sherpa baby names that celebrate your heritage, no matter which part of the world you live in. Tibetan names do not consist of any last names or surnames and are carried solo by the given names. How interesting is that? It means that your child carries only one name that defines their personality and is not overshadowed by any ancestral legacy. So, scroll down and pick your favorite name.
Adorable Tibetan Girl Names
Tibetan girl names often reflect beauty, grace, and cultural significance. Here are some adorable Tibetan names with their meanings and origins to help you pick the best one for your princess.
1. Akar
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Akar means ‘white crystal’ and is of Tibetan origin.
2. Amala
It refers to ‘honored mother’ in Tibetan. It has beautiful meanings in Arabic and Italian that denote ‘bird, hope, love, spotless, or purity.’
3. Amrita
Amrita means ‘everlasting life’ and is a lovely Tibetan name. It also holds several meanings, including ‘beloved, immortality, cute, nectar, divine, or endless.’
4. Boshay
This unique name means ‘Goddess of wealth and success’ and also refers to ‘amber.’
5. Bhasundara
The unique Tibetan girl name is the name for the ‘Goddess of prosperity.’
6. Ceba
The adorable and sweet name Ceba means ‘dear to hold.’
7. Cepla
Cepla is a unique Tibetan baby girl name meaning ‘apricot.’
8. Chesa
The Tibetan name for girls means ‘greatness,’ and is also one of the common Buddhist names for girls. It refers to spiritual greatness.
9. Chime
The meaning of Chime is ‘everlasting or immortal.’
10. Choden
Choden means ‘the devout one or spiritual,’ and has Sherpa and Tibetan origin.
11. Chomden
It means ‘one who overcomes the negative.’ This could be a good pick for your little girl whom you wish to always stay positive.
12. Dalha
Dalha is a common Tibetan name for ‘moon Goddess’ It is a combination of Tibetan words ‘Dawa,’ meaning ‘moon’ and ‘Lhamo,’ meaning ‘Goddess.’
13. Dichen
It means ‘great delight and pleasure’ and is one of the luckiest Tibetan or Sherpa girl names for your baby.
14. Dhargey
Dhargey is a Tibetan name for ‘progress, development, or spreading.’
15. Diki
It means ‘healthy and wealthy.’ This short, popular Sherpa or Tibetan name can be a good choice for your little girl.
16. Dolma
Dolma means ‘motherhood’ and is also a personal name of a female Bodhisattva.
Trivia17. Dronma
The Tibetan baby girl name Dronma refers to ‘lantern or light.’
18. Dorje
It means ‘something indestructible that can cut through anything, equated with thunderbolt or diamond.’
19. Ekadzati
This Tibetan name for girls means ‘Goddess of mystic cults and wisdom.’
20. Ema
Ema refers to ‘exclamation of joy,’ and is a short and sweet name you choose for your girl.
21. Gandhara
It is the name of an ancient Buddhist kingdom that covered northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. Gandhara also refers to beautiful Graeco-Buddhist art.
22. Garma
Garma means ‘Goddess of dance’ and has Burmese and Tibetan origins.
23. Gewa
This short name means ‘virtue or positive karma’ and is of Tibetan and Burmese origin.
24. Hariti
It refers to ‘green, the protectiveness of children,’ and is also the name of a Goddess.
25. Jaya
Jaya means ‘triumph’ or ‘victory’ and is of Sanskrit origin.
26. Jampa
The Tibetan name for the Buddha Maitreya, and it also means ‘loving-kindness.’
27. Jamyang
This Tibetan name for Bodhisattva Manjushri means ‘gentle voice.’
28. Karlha
This popular Tibetan baby girl name means ‘star Goddess.’ It is a combination of Karma and Lhamo.
29. Karma
It refers to ‘act, deed’ and has its origin in Buddhist and Tibetan languages. According to Buddhism, Karma is the belief that your actions in life determine how good or bad your future is.
30. Khadroma
The Tibetan meaning for Khadroma is ‘divine or holy begins.’
31. Lhamo
The name Lhamo is a common Tibetan girl name meaning ‘a Goddess or a fierce Buddha protectress.’
32. Lhatso
It means ‘the heavenly lake,’ Lhatso is a common name among Tibetans.
33. Lolha
Lolha means ‘the good-mind Goddess.’ This is a unique and popular Tibetan girl name.
34. Lumo
It is a Tibetan name for a female Naga, referring to mythical and magical serpent-like beings living under the sea.
35. Maya
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Maya refers to ‘magic and illusion.’ It is the name of Buddha’s mother and could be a good choice for a deeply religious name.
36. Metog
It is a soft and sweet name most Tibetans prefer for the first-born. Metog means ‘blooming flower.’
37. Michewa
It is a variant of Michewah and has its origin in the Tibetan language. The name means ‘sent from heaven.’
38. Ngawang
Having its origin in Tibetan and Bhutanese languages, it means ‘powerful speech.’ It is derived from two Tibetan elements, ‘ngag,’ meaning ‘speech’ and ‘dbang,’ meaning ‘power.’
39. Pema
The gorgeous and unique name Pema means ‘lotus’ and has its origin in Tibetan and Sherpa languages.
40. Rinzen
The name Rinzen means ‘genius or intellect,’ It has Tibetan and Buddhist origins.
41. Ritveja
The Tibetan girl name Ritveja refers to ‘monk.’
42. Samaya
The Tibetan meaning for Samaya is ‘sacred promise.’ Its variant is Sameh.
43. Sangmu
It means ‘kind-hearted one’ in Tibetan and Sherpa languages. According to Buddhism, those with the name ‘Sangmu’ heal the world around them with compassion and a good heart.
44. Sumati
Sumati means ‘wise mind’ or ‘good thoughts’ and has its origin in Tibetan and Sanskrit languages.
45. Tara
It refers to ‘the mother of liberation,’ and is a short form for ‘Ayra Tara.’ Tara is a deity of meditation worshiped by the Tibetans and referred to as the ‘female Buddha.’
46. Yangchen
It means ‘the sacred girl,’ and could be a great choice for parents looking for a divine name.
47. Yara
The name is derived from the name of a mountain, Yara Lhatse, a peak in eastern Tibet.
48. Yutso
It is an alternative name for Yumtso and is a Tibetan name for ‘turquoise lake.’
49. Zaya
Zaya means flourishing in the Tibetan language. It also has an American origin with the meaning ‘the woman who always wins.’
50. Zaypo
The name Zaypo refers to a ‘beautiful woman,’ and has Mongol and Tibetan origins.
Unique Tibetan Boy Names
Tibetan boy names carry deep meanings and reflect the rich spiritual heritage of Tibetan culture. These names also embody the aspirations and values of the Tibetan people. Below are some unique Tibetan boy names you can consider.
51. Aden
Aden means ‘good-looking’ and is commonly used as a nickname in eastern Tibet.
52. Ananda
This Tibetan boy name is derived from Sanskrit and means ‘the one loved by everyone.’ Ananda was Buddha’s cousin and favorite disciple.
53. Apa
Apa is a short and sweet boy name meaning ‘loved by all,’ and has Sherpa origin.
54. Chodak
Chodak refers to ‘spreader of Dharma,’ where Dharma is a fundamental concept of Buddhism and denotes the right way of living.
55. Choejar
The name Choejar is a unique Tibetan name meaning ‘religious wealth.’
56. Cimba
The Tibetan word Cimba means ‘small’ and could be a cute name choice for your little boy.
57. Dampa
Dampa means ‘sacred, real, or genuine.’ It has its origin in Tibetan languages.
58. Dawa
It means ‘moon, month, or Monday’ and is of Tibetan and Sherpa origins. You can give this cute name to your little boy born on Monday.
59. Dote
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The Tibetan baby boy name Dote means ‘thunderbolt’ and has Buddhist origin.
60. Gaden
The Tibetan baby boy name means a ‘place that brings joy,’ and most people like to choose it for their first baby boy.
61. Garab
It is a Tibetan name for ‘adorable, cute, or lovely.’
62. Gyalzen
It refers to the ‘mountain of the spirit, victory, or banner.’ Gyalzen has its origin in Tibetan and Sherpa languages, and the variant form is Gyaltsen.
63. Jalus
The name Jalus means ‘rainbow body,’ and has its origin in Tibet.
64. Jampa
It is a Tibetan name for Buddha Maitreya and means ‘loving-kindness.’ Jampa Kalsang Tamang is a popular Indian actor.
65. Jetsan
Jetsan means ‘king’ in the Tibetan language. It could be a great name idea reflecting responsibilities and courage.
66. Jigme
The Tibetan name Jigme means ‘fearless,’ and Jigme Tenzing is a popular American cinematographer.
67. Kalden
This Tibetan or Sherpa name means ‘of the golden age.’ It is a sweet name you can choose for your little boy.
68. Lobsang
It refers to ‘kind-hearted one,’ and is of Tibetan and Sherpa origin.
69. Mida
The Tibetan name Mida means ‘pistol,’ and a popular namesake is Mida Chu, an American cinematographer.
70. Mingma
Mingma has its origin in the Tibetan and Sherpa languages. It refers to those ‘born on a Tuesday,’ and parents may choose this name for boys born on that day.
71. Nawang
The name refers to the possessive one and is of Tibetan or Sherpa origin.
72. Norbu
It is a Tibetan baby boy name meaning ’jewel, precious, or treasure.’
73. Nima
Nima means ‘sun,’ and has its origin in Tibetan or Sherpa languages.
74. Pabu
This short name for a baby boy means ‘puffball’ in the Tibetan language. It also has its origin in French.
75. Palden
It means ‘spontaneously accomplished.’ Tenzin Palden is the name of the Nepali cinematographer.
76. Pemba
Pemba refers to a boy ‘born on a Saturday’ in the Tibetan language. You may choose this name for your boy who is born on that particular day.
77. Poso
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Poso means ‘glory’ in the Tibetan language, and can be a great choice for your boy.
78. Rabga
It is a Tibetan word for ‘adorable.’ It was also the name of a Tibetan reformer.
79. Raldri
The name Raldri means ‘sword’ and has its origin in Tibetan languages.
80. Sangye
Sangye refers to ‘full purity and virtue’ in the Tibetan language, and is also another name for Buddha. It is one of the most used spiritual boy names in Tibet.
81. Shigara
If you are looking for a strong name for your boy, then go for the name Shigara, meaning ‘strong as a rock.’
82. Tashi
It is derived from the name ‘Tashi Lama,’ a title referring to the Panchen Lama. He is the next important spiritual authority after the Dalai Lama.
83. Tenpa
This is an ideal name for a baby boy of Buddhist origin. It refers to ‘Buddhist philosophy.’
84. Tenzin
The alternative forms are Stanzin and Tenzing, and the name means ‘guardian of Buddha Dharma.’
85. Tobden
It refers to ‘one of unmatched power,’ and can be a good choice for parents who want their children to excel in their career.
86. Torma
Torma is a Tibetan name for ‘magic stone’ and makes for a wonderful name for a boy.
87. Tsering
It is a common Tibetan name for a baby boy, and it means ‘long life.’
88. Tsewang
Tsewang is a common Tibetan name with the meaning, ‘empowered life.’
89. Wangchuk
It means ‘powerful and mighty’ and is a Tibetan name for God Mahadeva.
Trivia90. Wangdak
The Tibetan baby boy name means ‘Lordly or protector,’ and could be a powerful name choice for your boy.
91. Wangdue
The name Wangdue means ‘conqueror or subduer’ in the Tibetan language.
92. Wangpo
Wangpo refers to ‘sense of power,’ and is a powerful name you may choose for your little boy.
93. Yaden
This Tibetan baby boy’s name refers to ‘Neo-Tibetan.’ The variant forms include Aaden, Aden, and Caden.
94. Yeshi
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It is a Tibetan word for ‘wisdom’ and could be a positive name choice for your baby boy.
95. Yonten
Yonten means ‘knowledge and awareness’ and is a popular Tibetan name for boys.
96. Zapa
Zapa referring to ‘Friday’ could be an ideal choice for naming boys born on a Friday.
97. Zerdan
The Tibetan baby boy name Zerdan means ‘darkness,’ and makes for a unique name.
98. Zopa
If you are looking for a serene name for your boy, the name Zopa, meaning ‘patience,’ is a good choice.
99. Zigsa
Zigsa means ‘snow leopard,’ and is a unique Tibetan baby boy name.
100. Zonpa
This Tibetan baby boy name refers to ‘young’ and is a common name among Tibetans and Sherpas.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Tibetan And Sherpa Names For Baby Girls And Boys
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do Sherpas name their children?
Sherpa babies are named in any of these five different ways (1):
- Mingdou system or naming ceremony, where the child is named after a day of the week
- Phoming system or naming system in a womb, where the name is given by the head lama
- Siuming system or inauspicious naming system, where the first child is demised and the second child is named
- Taptse bulue system, where the lama guru named the child after head shaving and offering to God
- Middle naming system, where the middle name is given to identify the child’s gender
2. Who performs the naming ceremony in Sherpas?
The child’s name is given by parents or family members in a naming ceremony, which the Lama conducts within three to seven days after the baby’s birth (1).
3. Why do Sherpas have the last name Sherpa?
The word “Sherpa” comes from a Tibetan term meaning eastern people, where “Sher” is east, and “pa” means people. The use of “Sherpa” as a surname is considered the result of a mistake of the census people who were unaware that the system of surnames is non-existent amongst these people as they use only one name (2).
Tibetan and Sherpa baby names reflect the diversity of the Tibetan communities. Even without the last name, these names speak of Tibetan culture and beliefs. These inspirational names for babies are named after gods, goddesses, and nature or represent the ideal traits of a human being. Since Tibetans and Sherpas predominantly live around the Himalayan belt, you will come across several mountain-inspired names. Many of these names also have Burmese and Sanskrit origins. So, now that you know the meanings of the most common Tibetan and Sherpa names, we hope our list will help you find a pretty name for your little one.
Infographic: Tibetan And Sherpa Baby Names
Tibetans give a traditional name to their baby associated with their Gods and ancient cultures. Some names are also inspired by Asian languages, including Sanskrit and Arabic. Dwell into these unique Tibetan and Sherpa names in this infographic and pick one for your little one. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Tibetan and Sherpa baby names reflect the diversity of Tibetan communities and convey aspects of their culture and beliefs.
- Tibetan and Sherpa names also have influences from Burmese and Sanskrit origins and are often inspired by gods, goddesses, nature, or embody ideal human traits.
- Since Tibetans and Sherpas live primarily in the Himalayan region, many names are inspired by mountains and natural surroundings.
- Some examples of Tibetan names for girls include Akar, Amala, Chime, and Dolma, while examples for boys include Aden, Dawa, Norbu, and Tashi.
References
- Nepalese Linguistics.
http://lsn.org.np/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NepLing30.pdf#page=143 - Sherpa People Professional Everest Guide at Nepal Tibet Border.
https://www.tibettravel.org/blog/sherpa-everest-guide-at-nepal-tibet-border/#
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