100 Popular Thai Last Names or Surnames
For most parents, choosing baby surnames can be an exciting challenge. Given names are often called first names, and surnames or last names usually derive from words with distinct origins. A person’s first name, along with the last name, represents their identity. The study of surnames requires a combination of language studies and a family’s genealogy to help you discover the meaning of your surname. Thailand’s last names are mostly inspired by Thai, Chinese, Korean, Hindi, and Arab languages that lend variety to the heritage of Thai family names. Read on to find interesting information on unique Thai last names that give valuable insight into the Thai naming tradition.
Thai Last names or surnames have indicated a person’s native land or occupation over the years. Until the 19th century, one knew most people from Thailand just by their first names and residence. After 1913, King Rama VI, who received his education in Europe, started adopting last names, similar to the West. But, unlike the West, Thai last names can only be shared by people directly related to each other. The Siamese government recorded birth dates, dates of death, and household members for the practical purpose of identification.
Moreover, as no two families could take the same last name, each family has unique surnames of their own. A new Thai surname must be no longer than ten Thai letters, excluding vowel symbols and diacritics. Interestingly, compound last names or long Thai last names consist of a string of words instead of traditionally common last names like “Smith” or “Jones” of the west. These generally belonged to immigrants who honored both countries and wished to establish their identity from others in their clan or family line who remained in their home country. Hence, some Thai last names may not translate easily, or at all, to English, but they do translate to Chinese. Shorter Thai last names of two-syllables or less typically belonged to native families that have lived in Thailand for generations. Ethnic groups from India, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia highly influence the culture of Thailand. Thailand has a diverse population of around 75 ethnic groups making up about 30 percent of the population. At the same time, the Thai-Lao is about 32 percent, Chinese about 12 percent, and Malay-speaking Muslims and Khmer are about five percent. Each has its unique naming customs that are just as beautiful as their names or surnames. Buddhism is an integral part of everyday life that governs religious practices. For those planning to settle in Thailand, one must either marry a Thai citizen, take up the spouse’s name or take up a long and unique name if a single person becomes a permanent resident or citizen. This well-researched inventory of common Thai last names will help to discover their special meanings and importance.
100 Famous Thai Surnames or Family Names With Meanings
People of Thailand may alter or create a new family name, usually for religious or superstitious reasons. Moreover, many families simply made up a name with meanings that would reflect well on the family. Emphasis on the definition of a word or what it symbolizes and represents makes Thai last names quite popular. Here is a list of Thailand surnames that you may weigh and consider for your little one.
1. Adulyadej
Derived from the Sanskrit words “Atulya,” Adulya means ‘incomparable’ and “Tej” means ‘power.’
2. Amarin
Amarin in Thai means ‘forever, undying, immortal; right hand of the angel.’
3. Ambhom
Ambhom means ‘sky’ in Thai.
4. Apinya
This mythological-inspired Thai surname means ‘magic power.’
5. Ananada
Derived from the Sanskrit word, Aanand, Ananada means ‘joy’ and ‘happiness.’
6. Anchali
This Cambodian surname means ‘greeting’ as it refers to the word of new beginnings and luck.
7. Ayutthaya
Derived from the Sanskrit word Ayudha, meaning ‘invincible, unconquerable,’ Ayutthaya was the kingdom that reigned from 1350-1767, the precursor of modern Thailand.
8. A-wut
This Thai-inspired name is suitable for warriors as it means ‘a weapon.’
9. Bannarasee
This nature-inspired Thai surname means ‘lotus’ that symbolizes enlightenment.
10. Bho
This Thai surname means “Bhodi tree.”
11. Boonmee
This Thai surname means “merit have.”
12. Boonrueng
This Thai surname means “virtue with glory.”
13. Boonya
This Thai surname means “virtue.”
14. Boon-Nam
This Thai surname means “born to good fortune.”
15. Bui
This Chinese surname means “dweller, farmer, and peasant.”
16. Bun Ma
This Thai surname means “to have luck.”
17. Busarakha
This Thai surname means “sapphire of yellow.”
18. Chakrii
This Thai surname means ‘King.’
19. Charoensuk
This Thai surname means ‘To prosper, develop, and increase (with) delight.’
20. Chen
This Chinese surname means ‘Great, tremendous; dawn, morning.’
21. Chaichana
This Thai surname is suitable to descendants of warriors as it means ‘conquer.’
22. Chaiyasing
This Thai surname means ‘victory.’
23. Chakrii
Considered a noble title, this Thai-origin last name means ‘king.’
24. Charoensuk
This motivational last name means ‘to prosper.’
25. Dokbua
This Thai origin surname symbolizes enlightenment, referring to the gorgeous ‘lotus flower.’
26. Du
This Chinese origin name from the Zhou dynasty refers to ‘someone from the Shaanxi province in China.’
27. Duangkamol
This Thai surname means “from the heart.”
28. Gop
This Thai origin means “frog.”
29. Hiranchai
This Thai surname is a combination of Hiran, meaning ‘immortal’ and ‘chai,’ indicating ‘acceptance.’
30. Jaikieow
This Thai surname means “blue or green heart.”
31. Krungthep
This Thai surname means “from Krungthep,” an area of Bangkok, Thailand
32. Karawek
This Thai surname means “a reference to a bird native to Thailand.”
33. Krungthep
This Thai surname refers to someone “from Krungthep,” an area of Bangkok, Thailand.
34. Kasem
This Thai surname means “pure happiness.”
35. Khuat
Khuatis, the transliteration of a Chinese surname, means ‘bent,’ ‘to feel wronged.’
36. Kittibun
Kittibun in Thai means “famous fortune.”
37. Kittichat
This Thai surname means “of a famous clan.”
38. Kob Sook/Kob-Sook
This Thai surname means “heart full of happiness.”
39. Kraisee
This Thai surname means “lion; brave.”
40. Li
This popular Chinese-inspired surname refers to ‘logic.’
41. Lueangsuwan
Defining the ‘yellow color of gold,’ this Thai origin name refers to someone with a bright and shiny personality.’
42. Madeua
This nature-inspired Thai surname refers to the ‘fig.’
43. Mah
This Thai surname means “dog.”
44. Makok
This Thai surname refers to “someone from Makok,” a town in Thailand.
45. Meeboon
Meeboon means “have merit” in Thai.
46. Makok
This topographical name refers to ‘someone from the Mokok islands of Thailand.’
47. Malee
Malee is a nature-inspired Thai surname that refers to a ‘kind of flower’ or simply ‘flower.’
48. Manoban
This surname of Sanskrit origin means ‘mental balance.’
49. Mamuang
The Thai surname defines nativity as ‘Muang’ means mango, a tropical fruit.
50. Na Chiangmai
This Thai surname refers to ‘Descendants of the rulers of Chiang Mai.’
51. Narak
Narak means ‘cute’ in Thai.
52. Niran
Niran means ‘Never ending;’ or ‘everlasting’ in Thai.
53. Noi
Noi means ‘Bird’ in Thai.
54. Nukhao
This surname means ‘white mouse’ in Thai.
55. Ngam
Ngam means ‘Beautiful’ in Thai.
56. Ngamnaimuang
This surname refers to someone born in the Nai Muang District in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
57. Phonlamai
This surname means ‘fruit’ in Thai.
58. Phutsa
Phutsais is a rare Thai surname referring to a ‘jujube’ fruit.
59. Pravat
The last name usually depicts the ‘history of a family.
60. Paithoon
This Thai surname means “cat’s eye.”
61. Pasu
Pasu refers to the ‘Beast’ in Sanskrit.
62. Preedan
This Thai surname means “joyful.”
63. Purás
This Sanskrit surname means “in front.”
64. Rattana
Derived from the Thai root word ratn, Rattana means ‘gem jeel.’
65. Rakhang
Rakhang means ‘bell’ or ‘chime’ in Thai.
66. Ratanaporn
This Thai surname means “crystal blessing.”
67. Rattanakosin
This Thai surname refers to the royal family of the Chakri Dynasty.
68. Ritthirong
Ritthirong refers to someone good at fighting”.
69. Rochana
This Thai surname refers to ‘someone good with words”. Rochana means ‘red lotus’ in Sanskrit.
70. Rueng
This Thai surname means “glory.”
71. Srisuwan
Si in Thai means ‘glory,’ ‘honor,’ ‘splendor,’ and Suwan means ‘gold.’
72. Sueadao
Sueadao means ‘leopard’ in Thai.
73. Sukkasem
Suk means ‘joy,’ ‘happiness,’ ‘delight,’ and Kasem means ‘contentment’ or ‘happiness.’
74. Saelau
This surname of Thai-Chinese origin means ‘Liu.’
75. Saengkaew
Saengkaew means ‘Crystal light’ in Thai.
76. Shinawatra
Shinawatra means ‘Someone who does good routinely’ in Thai.
77. Soikham
This Thai surname means ‘Necklace with gold.’
78. Somsri
This Thai surname means ‘Suitable,’ ‘honorable’ in Thai.
79. Suwannarat
This Thai surname means ‘Jewel’; ‘gem’ in Thai.
80. Sakdan
Sakdan means ‘powerful person’ in Thai.
81. Suwan
Suwan means ‘Gold’ in Thai.
82. Saetang
Saetang means ‘Chief;’ ‘educated’ in Thai.
83. Saelim
Saelim means ‘Intelligent,’ ‘strong’ in Thai.
84. Siriporn
Siriporn means ‘Gloriously blessed person in Thai.
85. Tham-boon
The surname of Thai origin means ‘merit creation.’
86. Thong di
Inspired by the historic hero Phraya Pichai who was renamed Thong di by his instructor, Thong di means ‘one with white teeth’ in Thai.
87. Trubbaya
Trubbaya means ‘treasure’ in Thai.
88. Thongsuk
Thong in Thai means ‘gold,’ and suk means ‘ripe’ or ‘mature.’
89. Thahan
Thahan means ‘military’ in Thai.
90. Tiannaimuang
This surname refers to ‘someone born in Nai Muang District in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in Thailand.
91. Trachang
Trachang means ‘elephant seal’ in Thai.
92. Wang
The Chinese surname means ‘king.’
93. Wong
This Chinese surname means ‘a field or a meadow’ or ‘kin.’
94. Wongkaeo
Wong in Thai means ‘lineage, family, dynasty,’ and Kaeo means ‘crystal, glass, diamond.’
95. Wongkham
Wong means ‘lineage, family and dynasty’ in Thai, and Kham means ‘gold.’
96. Wongsawat
Wong means ‘lineage, family and dynasty’ in Thai, and sawat means ‘happiness.’
97. Wongsuwan
Wong means ‘lineage, family and dynasty’ in Thai, and suwan means ‘gold.’
98. Wongyai
In Thai, Wong means ‘lineage, family, and dynasty,’ and Yai means ‘big, large or great.’
99. Wongchai
Wong means ‘lineage, family and dynasty’ in Thai, and chai means ‘victory.’
100. Zhang
This Chinese surname represents drawing a ‘bow’ or an ‘archer.’
The process of changing the last name in Thailand is not complicated, and Thai laws have made it possible and even easy to do it multiple times. The convention of retaining nicknames assigned after birth stands till today. Names have great significance in Thailand and are said to impact a person’s whole future. However, corruption of speech, regional accents, translation, and conscientious name changes cause the evolution of surnames over time. The variety of spellings in surnames reflect pronunciation differences between regions or maybe the result of ignorance, misunderstanding, or even deliberate remotivation.