Thai names

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thai names follow the Western pattern in which the family name follows a first or given name. In this they differ from the family-name-first pattern of Chinese tradition.

Last names only became legally required of Thais in 1920; before then, most Thais used only a first or individual name. The names generally convey positive attributes.

The prefix "Na-" is added to geographical names to create a last name indicative of membership within the nobility. Official Thai names are often long, particularly among Thais of Chinese descent, whose lengthy names stem from an attempt to translate Chinese names into Thai equivalents.

Last names first appeared among sons of Thai royalty; the present king, Bhumibol, bears the last name "Mahidol."

In formal situations, however, Thais will address each other by first name, not by last. Nonetheless, among friends and family, Thai nicknames are almost invariably used. Often first given by friends or an older family member, these nicknames are typically one syllable (or worn down from two syllables to one). They may often be nonsense words or humorous; furthermore, they quite frequently have no relation to the Thai’s full name.