The surnames of a Thai person can tell you a lot about their family background.
Although many of us are familiar with Thailand’s beautiful temples, stunning beaches, and delicious food, did you know that the country is also known for its unique surnames? In this post ‘Cute and Lovely Thai Last Names Or Surnames’, we will explore some famous Thai surnames. Thailand, known as the land of smiles, is famous for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. Surprisingly, the country is equally renowned for its citizens’ last names. Last names were not common in Thailand until the 19th century. However, Thai kings were influenced by Western culture, leading to the adoption of surnames in Thailand. Many Thai surnames have influences from Thai, Hindi, Arabic, and Chinese languages, with some reflecting a person’s heritage or occupation. Take a look at this collection of common Thai surnames and their meanings for an exclusive insight.
Cute and Lovely Thai Last Names Or Surnames
- Adulyadej
This surname comes from the former well-known King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. It originates from the Sanskrit terms ‘Atulya,’ which means ‘uncomparable,’ and ‘Tej,’ which means ‘power.’
- Amarin
The surname Amarin means ‘forever or ‘long-lasting’.
- Ambhom
Ambhom is a surname that is often used in Hinduism to refer to the divine being or energy that is present in all things. It’s a beautiful surname because it translates to ‘sky’ in Thai.’
- Ananada
The surname ‘Ananada’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Aanand’ which translates to ‘joy’ and ‘happiness.’
- Anchali
This Cambodian surname originates from the word meaning ‘greeting,’ symbolizing new beginnings and good fortune.
- Anong
Anong, a surname from Thai, translates to ‘beautiful woman.’
- Anuman
This surname originates from Thai and translates to having a lack of patience.
- Anurak
The surname comes from a Thai legend about an angel and means ‘the one who keeps you safe.’
- Apinya
The surname comes from Thai mythology and means ‘magic power.’
- Aromdee
Even though this surname signifies ‘uncommon,’ this name of Thai origin is frequently used in rural areas.
- Arthit
Arthit is a Thai surname that means ‘man of the sun’ and was inspired by the Hindu name ‘Aditya’.
- Asnee
This surname from Thailand is inspired by nature and it means ‘lightning.’
- A-Wut
A surname with Thai influence is fitting for fighters because it stands for ‘a weapon.’
- Ayutthaya
This surname comes from the well-known city Ayodhya. In simpler terms, it means ‘unbeatable.’
- Bannarasee
Bannarasee is a Thai surname that means ‘lotus’ and represents enlightenment, inspired by nature.
- Bho
Bho is a Thai last surname that comes from the Bodhi tree, symbolizing awakening.
- Bui
It is a Thai surname that comes from a person’s occupation, meaning ‘farmer’.
- Chaichana
This surname is from Thailand and is appropriate for descendants of warriors because it means ‘conquer.’
- Chaiyasing
Chaiyasing is a surname of Thai origin that means ‘victory’.
- Chakrii
This Thai surname is considered an honorable title and it means ‘king.’
- Charoensuk
This Thai surname is meant to inspire and signifies success.
- Chen
This surname is of Chinese origin and it is optimistic, meaning ‘very large’ or ‘huge’.
- Chevapravatdumrong
The last name Chevapravatdumrong is a unique and difficult to pronounce name. Biography refers to the story of someone’s life, and this last name is connected to a family that has passed down through many generations.
- Chuo
The Thai version of the Chinese surname Cai (or Kai) means ‘rejoice’.
- Dokbua
Dokbua is a traditional Thai surname that is commonly given to individuals. This Thai last name symbolizes enlightenment and is inspired by the beautiful lotus flower.
- Du
Originally, the name is Chinese and dates back to the Zhou dynasty.
- Hiranchai
Hiran means ‘eternal’ and ‘chai’ means ‘approval.’
- Kasem
Kasem is a Thai surname that means ‘happiness’.
- Khamkaeo
In Thai, ‘Kham’ is the word for ‘speech’ and ‘Kaeo’ means ‘diamond’.
- Khamwaen
It translates to ‘golden ring’ and is a Thai last name.
- Khemkaeng
The surname Khemkaeng comes from Thailand and means ‘strong.’ It also signifies empowerment and encouragement.
- Krungthep
It is referring to Bangkok, which is perfect for families that come from the capital city.
- Kul
Derived from Hindi, Kul simply means ‘family.’
- Li
This last name, which is influenced by Chinese culture, is well-liked in Asian countries and means ‘logic’.
- Lueangsuwan
Lueangsuwan is a Thai surname commonly found in Thailand. This Thai name describes the bright and shiny appearance of gold’s yellow color.
- Madeua
The name is inspired by nature and comes from Thailand, where it means ‘fig.’
- Makok
This is a name that describes a person from the Mokok islands in Thailand.
- Malee
Malee, a surname of Thai origin, is inspired by nature and specifically refers to a type of flower.
- Mamuang
The Thai word for the tropical fruit ‘mango’ is a last name that shows where it comes from.
- Mangkhut
The exotic fruit ‘mangosteen’ is known by its native name.
- Manoban
The surname Manoban has its roots in Sanskrit and translates to ‘mental balance.’ Lisa Manoban, a well-known Thai rapper, goes by this name.
- Narak
It’s a Thai surname used to describe something adorable.
- Na Chiangmai
It is a surname that comes from the geography of the area and describes the people who come from the city of Na Chiangmai, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a creative city.
- Niran
This Thai surname comes from the word ‘eternal,’ meaning lasting forever.
- Noi
The surname Noi in Thai means ‘young.’
- Ngam
This Thai surname comes from the word that means ‘beautiful.’
- Paśú
This Thai surname comes from the Hindu word ‘pashu,’ which means ‘livestock.’
- Phonlamai
This surname means ‘fruit’ in Thai, symbolizing goodness.
- Phutsa
Phutsai is an uncommon Thai last name that comes from the name of a fruit called jujube.
- Pravat
The last name of a person often tells the story of their family background. Pravat is a Thai last name with a similar meaning.
- Rakhang
This surname is well-known in Thailand and is associated with the meaning of ‘bell’ and ‘chime’, and is also sometimes called ‘temple’.
- Ratanaporn
The name Ratna comes from Sanskrit and means ‘gem.’ Meanwhile, Ratanaporn translates to ‘crystal blessing.’
- Rattana
This surname is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Ratna’ which means ‘gem.’
- Rattanakosin
The surname comes from Thailand and is used for those descended from the Rattanakosin dynasty.
- Ritthirong
The Thai name, which is perfect for a family of leaders, means being skilled in combat.
- Rochana
The surname comes from both Thai and Sanskrit. In Thai, it means skilled in speaking, while in Sanskrit, it represents a red lotus.
- Rueng
Rueng is a royal surname that means ‘glory’ and comes from Thailand.
- Saechao
In Thailand, the surname ‘Zhao’ is used to describe a person from the Zhou dynasty in China.
- Saechueng
The Thai surname is derived from the Chinese name ‘Zhuang,’ which represents the biggest ethnic group in China.
- Saengkaew
The Thai last name translates to ‘crystal light.’
- Saelau
Another term for Saeli, also known as ‘Li.’
- Saeliew
The uncommon last name is a different variation of Saelau, which comes from the Chinese name ‘Li.’
- Saelim
In Thai, the surname Saelim comes from the Chinese name ‘Lin’ and means ‘forest.’
- Saeng
The original Chinese name ‘Wu’ means ‘martial,’ while the word ‘Saeng’ has its roots in Thai and means ‘light.’
- Saengarun
Saengarun is the Thai word for ‘beautiful rainbow.’ The uncommon Thai name Saengarun has the meaning of ‘dawn.’
- Saengchan
Chan means ‘moon,’ which gives it the interpretation of ‘moonlight.’
- Saengkaeo
The name ‘Kaeo’ comes from Thai and means ‘crystal,’ often associated with brightness. It is also sometimes used as ‘Saengkaew.’
- Saengmai
It is a Thai surname that means wellbeing or good health.
- Saengsawsang
Sawang is a Thai word that translates to ‘shining.’
- Saengsuwan
A glowing last name is a combination of the characteristics of ‘brightness’ and ‘gold.’
- Saengthong
Thong is a Thai surname that means ‘gold.’
- Saetae
Zheng, a Chinese surname, translates to ‘righteous’ in Thai.
- Saetan
The common Thai surname comes from the original Chinese name ‘Chen’, which means ‘dawn’.
- Saetang
A popular last name comes from the Chinese surname Tang, which translates to ‘gift from God.’
- Saetiao
The Thai version of the Chinese surname ‘Zhang’ means the act of pulling back a bow.
- Saeueng
The Thai version of the Chinese surname ‘Huang’ typically signifies individuals from a higher social class who used to wear jade in ancient times.
- Saeyang
The surname ‘Yang’ comes from the Chinese concept of balance called ‘yin and yang.’
- Salae
Salih comes from the Arabic word meaning ‘virtuous.’
- Salaeh
It is a different version of the last name ‘Salae’ and comes from Arabic roots, meaning a talented singer.
- Sathi
The surname comes from the Hindi word for ‘partner.’
- Sibunrueang
The combination of the Thai words ‘si,’ ‘Bun,’ and ‘Rueang’ means ‘glory,’ ‘merit,’ and ‘bright,’ respectively.
- Shinawatra
This Thai surname signifies someone who performs good deeds. It is also the surname of the first female Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, and is considered significant in the country.
- Sihawong
It is a Thai word that refers to a dynasty of lions.
- Singkham
The term ‘Simham Kham’ is derived from the Hindi word for lion and the Thai word for speech.
- Sitwat
The Thai surname translates to ‘color of the heart.’
- Soikham
This Thai name means ‘golden necklace’ and has a simple and elegant feel to it.
- Somsri
The Thai surname has a good meaning as it refers to something holy.
- Suwannarat
The Thai surname is both stylish and refined, and it signifies ‘gem.’
- Suedao
Suedao is a type of traditional Thai dance. Nature’s top predator in Thailand is known as the leopard.
- Suwan
Suwan is a surname that comes from the Mandarin language and it means ‘gold,’ representing both wealth and innocence.
- Sakdan
The last name is perfect if your family members were fighters, as it signifies a strong person and comes from Thailand.
- Sanouk
Sanouk, a surname, translates to ‘fun’ and it brings back memories of happy moments.
- Siriporn
The surname originated from Thailand and it means ‘blessed.’ A well-known individual with this surname is the folk singer from Thailand, SiripornAmpaipong.
- Tham-boon
The surname of Thai origin means ‘creating good deeds.’
- Thong di
The name means ‘one with white teeth’ and comes from Thailand.
- Trubbaya
It comes from Thailand and translates to ‘treasure’.
- Wang
The last name of Chinese origin signifies ‘king.’
- Wong
The last name Wong comes from China and means either a field or a meadow. It can also be linked to the term ‘kin’.
- Zhang
This common Chinese last name means ‘drawing a ‘bow’ or an ‘archer.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Thai surnames are usually lengthy because people are not allowed to have the same last name unless they are family members. Thai names can be complicated, lengthy, and hard to say. However, they provide more details about a person. Beliefs and superstitions might play a role in how individuals select their surnames. Occasionally, individuals may add extra words to make their last name stand out.
