In Thailand, most people have two names: an official full name and a nickname. Uniquely, Thai nicknames are chosen at birth by parents, often before the child’s official name is even registered. These nicknames carry deeper significance than just being shorter and easier to remember; they are a fundamental part of Thai culture.

Historical Origins of Thai Nicknames

In ancient Thailand, people predominantly used short, simple names—what we would now consider nicknames. Unlike many other cultures, there were no family clans or naming conventions to follow. Only members of the Royal Family had formal names, which were derived from Sanskrit. For the general population, names reflected day-to-day life and often described a person’s appearance, traits, or birth order.

During the Sukhothai era, babies were frequently named according to their birth order, with names translating to numbers or descriptors like “old” or “young.” Over time, these evolved into more specific descriptors of appearance, such as colors (“Black” or “White”) or adjectives (“Big,” “Small”). By the Ayutthaya period, it was common to name children after desirable characteristics or valuable items, like “Gold,” “Brave,” or “Strong.”

Nicknames as Spiritual Protection

Another intriguing aspect of Thai nicknames is their connection to spiritual beliefs. Historically, it was believed that malevolent spirits could harm or steal children. To confuse these spirits, babies were given undesirable or misleading names, such as “Pig” or “Fat.” This practice aimed to make the child less appealing to spirits. Even today, it remains customary to avoid openly praising a baby’s appearance, as this could attract unwanted attention from spirits.

The Evolution of Official Names

For much of Thailand’s history, formal names were rare outside of the Royal Family. This began to change in the early 20th century when King Rama VI introduced family names for royal servants, symbolizing status and identity. By 1913, Thai law mandated the use of family names for practical identification. Interestingly, no two families can have the same last name, meaning anyone who shares a surname is related in some way.

As family names became standardized, people began adopting longer and more formal first names, especially after the 1931 revolution. Despite these changes, the tradition of giving nicknames persisted and remains strong today.

Modern-Day Nicknames

In contemporary Thailand, nicknames are typically chosen by parents based on personal preferences. While some families follow traditional conventions, others opt for more creative or modern approaches. Foreign words, especially English ones, are popular for their novelty, even if the parents are unaware of their meanings. Sometimes, a nickname is simply a shortened form of the child’s official name.

Practicality plays a role as well. Many parents consult monks, fortune tellers, or other respected figures when choosing an official name, a process that can take weeks. In the meantime, a nickname serves as the baby’s primary identifier.

The Cultural Significance of Nicknames

Thai nicknames are much more than just convenient labels or terms of endearment. They are deeply woven into the fabric of Thai society and reflect its values, beliefs, and traditions. Whether rooted in spiritual practices, family history, or personal creativity, these nicknames are an enduring testament to the uniqueness of Thai culture.