How to choose a good Thai name

Thai names and nicknames

Choosing a Thai name?
Some people feel that they have become so connected with Thai culture that they want to go to the next step by getting a Thai name. Some even want to tattoo their Thai name on their body. However, choosing a Thai name is not as easy as it first looks. Thai people don't just pick names at random or ones that sound nice or have good meanings. Most of them would consult a monk in order to choose a name that is auspicious and would bring the child plenty of good luck in their life. Thai people believe so much in auspicious names, that if they feel that their name hasn't brought them enough good luck, they will change it!

Thai Nicknames
“Nickname” in Thai is “Cheu len”, literally “play name” Most Thais have one-syllable nicknames. These may a shortened from of their real name, one of several words for “little”, the name of animal, or some other short name. Following are some common nicknames, Noi has two pronunciations, and both can be nicknames, for sample;
« A little »     Noi            หน่อย
« Little »        Lek           เล็ก
« Little bit »   Nit            นิด
« Red »          Daeng     แดง
« Black »       Dam         ดำ