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197 Powerful Cambodian Baby Names

Finding a baby name these days is such a dizzying task, especially for new parents. Apart from the numerous new responsibilities, such as purchasing baby gear and outfits, and taking repeated turns to hospitals, selecting a name that will be a crucial part of the child's identity can certainly seem overwhelming. However, you can rest easy as you read through this post about Cambodian baby names with meanings. The culture of Cambodia is heavily inspired by India. It was in the 1st century A.D. Cambodia adopted the culture from India and that was when the Funan Kingdom was founded. Today, 90% of Cambodians are Buddhist, and the religion is a source of names as well (1). The words representing the qualities that are regarded high in Buddhism like good conduct and the early epithets of Buddha are incorporated into Cambodian baby names. Elements of nature can also be seen in Cambodian baby names. Cambodian babies are usually given first names and last names. The middle names are reserved for aristocratic and elite people. Another point to note is that the Cambodians use their paternal grandfather’s first name as their surname, which explains the different surnames in one family. Cambodians usually have their surnames followed by their given names. The given name or personal name functions as a personal identifier and is given to the child when they are born. Today, most Cambodians give their babies the same last name as their fathers, quite similar to Western naming practices. But some Cambodians may have a traditional ‘patronymic’ as their last name, wherein babies get their father’s first name at birth. Exploring Cambodian baby names is a great way to uncover the place's culture, traditions, and history. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of Cambodian baby names with meanings. Have a look!

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Name Gender Meaning
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Nari
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Woman; Narrow; Lily; Thunder; From Nazareth
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Arun
Baby Boy Sign Boy Red; Reddish brown; Dawn; Chariot of the Sun; Eagle secret; Successful secret; Morning sun
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Sopheak
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gentle face; Good face
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Sambath
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fortune; Wealth; Prosperity
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Sokhom
Baby Boy Sign Boy A variant of Sokhem; Hope
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Azi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dragon; Serpent; An endeavor; Unending
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Sothea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Compassion and purity
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Rathanak
Baby Boy Sign Boy Precious stones; Jewels
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Soriya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sun
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Vanna
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is gracious; Color; Gold
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Kiry
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mountain
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Chea
Baby Boy Sign Boy To be healthy; Thank; Apologize
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Somnang
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lucky; Fortunate
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Narith
Baby Boy Sign Boy Masculine
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Vannak
Baby Boy Sign Boy He who has a class
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Khael
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Shield
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Chenda
Baby Girl Sign Girl Thought; Intellect
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Boran
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thunderstorm
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Aroon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mythical charioteer of the sun; Dawn; Morning sun
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Rathana
Baby Boy Sign Boy Precious stones; Jewels
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Seung
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rise; Victory; Inherit; Lion
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Socheata
Baby Girl Sign Girl Well-born; Well-grown
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Rithy
Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful strength
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Siam
Baby Boy Sign Boy Land of gold; Black; Dark; Blue; Thailand
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Syan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Greenish; Ancient; Enduring
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Veasna
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fate; Destiny; Future
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Kaliyanei
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful and lovely woman
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Samnang
Baby Boy Sign Boy Good fortune
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Jru
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Deep; Boloven Plateau; Of Drew; Wise
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Mach
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Melody
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Bopha
Baby Girl Sign Girl Flowers
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Sovanna
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Gold
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Seng
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Light; Completed; Succeeded; Sincere; Honest; True; Multiply; Increase
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Sophea
Baby Girl Sign Girl Judge; Lawyer; Wisdom
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Soraiya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sun; The Pleiades; Sky; Light
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Tola
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex October; Flower
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Chivan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Life
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Many
Baby Girl Sign Girl A precious stone; Jewel; Bead
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Mliss
Baby Girl Sign Girl Resembling a flower
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Atik
Baby Boy Sign Boy Basis; Origin; Alert; Agile; Swift; From Attica
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Bona
Baby Girl Sign Girl Good or brave woman; Boy or men; Kind; Noble
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Chakra
Baby Girl Sign Girl Center of energy; Cycle
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Channary
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon-faced girl
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Chantrea
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moonlight
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Charaya
Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who is blue and pink in color
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Chhaya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Shade; Shadow; Beautiful light
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Heng
Baby Girl Sign Girl Constant; Steady; Persistent; Lucky; Home ruler
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Panha
Baby Girl Sign Girl A sage-like, innocent, and important person
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Rangsey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Seven colors
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Sarin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mountain maiden
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Shannary
Baby Girl Sign Girl Like a full Moon in the sky
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Sonit
Baby Boy Sign Boy Good conduct; Manners
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Sovann
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex He who is golden
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Sovannah
Baby Girl Sign Girl He who is made of gold
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Tevy
Baby Girl Sign Girl Angel; Divine
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Achariya
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is wonderful and marvelous
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Anchaly
Baby Boy Sign Boy Cambodian word for hand
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Arunny
Baby Girl Sign Girl The morning sun
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Atith
Baby Boy Sign Boy Sunny day; Sunday
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Borey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Country or great city
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Botum
Baby Girl Sign Girl A princess
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Boupha
Baby Girl Sign Girl Like a flower
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Bourey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Country or great city; A variant of the name Borey
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Bunroeun
Baby Boy Sign Boy Country
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Champei
Baby Girl Sign Girl Frangipani flowers.
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Chamroeun
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Prosperity and success
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Chankrisna
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A sweet-smelling tree
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Chanlina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moonlight
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Chanmony
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who shines like the Moon
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Chanthavy
Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl as beautiful as the Moon
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Chanthou
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A flower found in Cambodia
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Sopheary
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is attractive and beautiful
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Chanvatey
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A scholar or an educated person
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Charya
Baby Boy Sign Boy A man of good character
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Chhay
Baby Boy Sign Boy An attractive and charming man
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Chhean
Baby Girl Sign Girl Meditation
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Chhorvin
Baby Girl Sign Girl A glamorous woman
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Chivy
Baby Girl Sign Girl Life
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Chouma
Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman who is refreshingly beautiful
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Daevy
Baby Girl Sign Girl Angel
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Darany
Baby Boy Sign Boy Star
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Darareaksmey
Baby Girl Sign Girl A bright star
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Davuth
Baby Boy Sign Boy Money
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Jorani
Baby Girl Sign Girl Radiant jewel
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Kanleakhana
Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of character
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Kannareth
Baby Girl Sign Girl A beautiful quality
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Kannitha
Baby Girl Sign Girl Angels
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Kesor
Baby Girl Sign Girl A heavenly woman
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Khean
Baby Boy Sign Boy A type of flute; Panpipe
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Khemera
Baby Boy Sign Boy One from Cambodia
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Kolab
Baby Girl Sign Girl A pretty rose flower
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Kolthida
Baby Girl Sign Girl A noble-born woman
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Kong-Kea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Big water
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Kosal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Clever or magical.
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Kravann
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A tiny golden brown flower.
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Kunthea
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sweet smelling or beautiful fragrance.
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Leakena
Baby Girl Sign Girl Characteristic; Quality
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Leap
Baby Boy Sign Boy Good fortune; Success
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Malis
Baby Girl Sign Girl Name of southeast Asian jasmine
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Meaker
Baby Boy Sign Boy Greatest
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This list of Cambodian baby names with meanings is packed with culturally significant names. You will find that these names signify everything from nature to good virtues and traits. Every name has its unique past and history. So study the options you shortlist thoroughly to make sure they have no negative associations. Speak them aloud and find out if you like the sound and feel of them. The name you finally select will indeed be a cherished one, always adored by your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Cambodian names reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country?

Cambodian or Khmer names play a significant role in protecting the country's rich cultural heritage. Cambodian names are deeply rooted in their history, language, religion, and traditional beliefs. For instance, owing to their dominant Buddhist population, the use of Sanskrit and Indic words as names continues with names like Vanna, Vibhol, Chan, and Dara.

2. What are the unique qualities and characteristics associated with Cambodian names?

The Khmers historically lived in close-knit kinship, and ancestry was not established by surname. The surname was restricted to legal and administrative affairs, imposed during the French colonial era in 1910. The meanings of Khmer names are typically reasonably straightforward, linked to positive traits, and primarily drawn from Sanskrit. Women continue to use their maiden names after marriage, and surnames can occasionally be identical to Chinese and Vietnamese surnames.

Infographic: Elegant Cambodian Names For Babies

The land of Cambodia is known for its verdant forests and historical structures. The names from the country have a sweet sound, making them unique. Inspired by nature and celestial bodies, these names will undoubtedly make you smile. Take a look at the following infographic and pick the one that you sense goes best for your baby.

classy cambodian names for your bundle of joy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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.
  1. Culture and Religion
    https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/culture--religion.html

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Nida Shaikh
Nida ShaikhBSc, PG Dip.
Nida holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Genetics and Medical Laboratory Techniques from Goa University. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a laboratory technician. She began content writing during her college years and has been featured as a co-author in a children's short story compilation book.

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Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Praggya Joshi
Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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