31 Serene Bhutani Names From The Happiest Place On Earth

From Choden to Tenpa, find names that reflect divine intentions.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

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Bhutani baby names embody religious blessings and moral values. These names reflect divine intervention, religious teachings, traditional belief systems, toponymic influences, and cross-cultural adaptability. The traditional naming conventions also reflect the Bhutanese ideals of not discriminating based on gender. Thus, they insist that the first of the two given names be unisex. However, a family may choose to give the second as a gender-specific name if it fits their ancestral practices.

Traditionally, the Bhutanese tend to take the newborn to a local Lama or religious leader to name them. These leaders then arrive at an auspicious name through meditation. The name often signifies spiritual concepts of enlightenment, good deeds, strength, wisdom, and prosperity. The Bhutanese also believe in astrology and tend to draw out a horoscope for the child (1). Thus, names such as Lhakpa, Pasang, and Kesang may likely denote the day of birth such as Wednesday or Friday, or how auspicious the period of the baby’s birth is.

Furthermore, Bhutani names are influenced by Tibetan culture and Buddhism, drawing from the names of religious scriptures and items. For instance, Phurba may be from the Tibetian root Phurbu denoting ‘Jupiter’ is also used to refer to the traditional Buddhist dagger. Other names like Chophel, which means ‘flourishing dharma,’ Hemlal, which is the name of Buddha, and Tenpa, which denotes a Buddhist doctrine, are a few other examples. Bhutani names also derive their associations from Sanskrit roots, such as Bidhya from Vidya, which means ‘knowledge,’ indicating cross-cultural influences.

Contemporary Bhutani naming conventions reflect the impact of globalization. Traditionally, the Bhutanese do not have the practice of giving surnames or familial names to their children unless they are families with Nepali roots or of royal lineage. In modern times, however, people have modified their traditional practices due to Western influences. For instance, Bhutanese women may add their patronyms or their husband’s name as last names, while men tend to adopt the name of their place of origin when abroad (2). This new practice reflects the adaptability of the Bhutanese people. Below is a list of several such traditional and contemporary Bhutani baby names and their meanings.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Karma	Girl	Fate; Destiny; Action; Deed; Fate; Performance
Ngawang	Boy	Powerful speech
Tashi	Girl	Great fortune
Jigme	Boy	Fearless
Norbu	Boy	Jewel
Moe	Girl	Mother Mary; The Holy Virgin; An unmarried girl; Bud; Sky; Wished for child; Moorish
Tika	Girl	Mark; Symbol
Palden	Girl	A glorious, serious, and small being
Sonam	Unisex	Virtuous; Good karma; Fortunate; Beautiful
Susu	Unisex	Simple; Horse; Horseman; Faint sound

Bidhya	Girl	Knowledge
Choden	Girl	Devout; Religious
Druk	Girl	Thunder dragon
Kesang	Girl	Fabulous period of time
Jampa	Girl	Kindness or benevolence
Phurba	Girl	Buddhist religious dagger used for rituals by Buddhist masters
Umzey	Girl	Spear of strength
Chogyal	Boy	Righteous ruler
Chophel	Boy	Flourishing dharma
Diwash	Boy	Day

Dorji	Boy	Indomitable
Hemlal	Boy	One of the names of Buddha
Lhakpa	Boy	Mercury; Wednesday
Loday	Boy	Wisdom
Rinchen	Boy	Treasure; Jewel; Gem
Sherab	Boy	Wisdom
Tshewang	Boy	Wisdom; Faith; Freedom
Tenpa	Boy	Buddhist doctrine
Pasang	Boy	Venus or Friday
Ugyen	Boy	To grow

Yeshi	Boy	For a thousand; Wisdom; Knowledge

Bhutani baby names encapsulate deep-rooted Buddhist traditions while reflecting the cross-cultural influences on Bhutan. Naming within this culture involves consulting Buddhist monks and constructing horoscopes. Yet, with the changing times, parents must also consider global naming conventions and adapt accordingly. The flexibility of combining unisex and gendered names allows for unique and personal naming choices. Explore the list above to find a Bhutanese name that aligns with your traditional values and beliefs while ensuring your child's name is a meaningful identifier in their modern future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Bhutanese names differ from other Asian names?

Bhutanese names differ from other Asian names as they typically don't include surnames or family names. Instead, Bhutanese people usually have two given names, often with Buddhist origins and spiritual meanings.

2. Are there modern Bhutani baby names that blend tradition with contemporary influences?

In Bhutan, traditional baby names are typically drawn from a few common names. Some parents may combine traditional Bhutanese elements with more global name trends. However, this is less common in Bhutan, which strongly emphasizes preserving cultural traditions.

3. Can I combine Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese names for my child?

Combining Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese names for a child is possible, especially in families with mixed cultural backgrounds. However, it's less common within Bhutan, where traditional naming practices are still widely followed. If considering this option, it's advisable to consult with family members and potentially local cultural authorities to ensure the name is appropriate and respectful of Bhutanese traditions.

Infographic: Unique Bhutani Baby Names With Dynamic Connotations

Bhutanese baby names highlight their belief in divine interventions, astrology, and Buddhist teachings. These names hold special blessings for the child and may even influence how they grow up to be. Explore the following infographic, which contains a few such dynamic names that denote strength, courage, and power.

powerful bhutani baby names with meaning (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Naming Culture: Part 1 of 3.
https://texts.mandala.library.virginia.edu/text/naming-culture-part-1-3
Naming Culture: Part 2 of 3.
https://texts.mandala.library.virginia.edu/book_pubreader/39441#:~:text=So%2C%20a%20man%20can%20be,Karma%2C%20Dorj%C3%A9%2C%20and%20Sonam.

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.