Cambodia Naming Customs

From FamilySearch Wiki
Revision as of 17:08, 18 March 2024 by Tegnosis (talk | contribs) (Standardized sidebar and breadcrumb order.)


Cambodia Wiki Topics
Flag of Cambodia
Cambodia Beginning Research
Record Types
Cambodia Background
Cambodia Genealogical Word Lists
Local Research Resources

Online Tools[edit | edit source]

Surnames[edit | edit source]

Cambodian names usually consist of two elements including a patronymic, which serves as a common family name for siblings, followed by a given name.

  • Traditionally, the Khmer do not have Western-style family names shared by multiple generations or entire families. Instead, Khmer children use their father's given name as their family name.
  • Women keep their maiden names after marriage.
  • Different naming traditions exist among ethnic groups other than the Khmer majority. The Cambodian population is 90% Buddhist and names are often taken from Buddhism.
  • Among the Muslim minority, Arabic names are often used as family names.

Given Names[edit | edit source]

Generally, women are given names relating to beauty, while men are given names of virtues.Some Cambodian given names are unisex names.

References[edit | edit source]

Surnames[edit | edit source]