Tibetan name
Encyclopedia
Ethnic Tibetan personal names typically consist of two juxtaposed elements.
Family names are rare except among those of aristocratic ancestry (though diaspora Tibetans living in societies where a surname is expected may adopt one). Tibetan nomads (drokpa) also use clan names; in farming communities these are now rare and may be replaced by the names of households.
Traditionally personal names are bestowed upon a child by a lama
, who will often incorporate an element of their own name. In the diaspora
, Tibetans often apply for the Dalai Lama
to provide names for their children. Personal names are in most cases composed of readily understood Tibetan words. Most names may be given to either male or female children, with only a minority being specifically masculine or feminine.
, Ngapoi is his family name while Ngawang Jigmê the given name.
Family names are rare except among those of aristocratic ancestry (though diaspora Tibetans living in societies where a surname is expected may adopt one). Tibetan nomads (drokpa) also use clan names; in farming communities these are now rare and may be replaced by the names of households.
Traditionally personal names are bestowed upon a child by a lama
Lama
Lama is a title for a Tibetan teacher of the Dharma. The name is similar to the Sanskrit term guru .Historically, the term was used for venerated spiritual masters or heads of monasteries...
, who will often incorporate an element of their own name. In the diaspora
Tibetan diaspora
The Tibetan diaspora is a term used to refer to the communities of Tibetan people living outside Tibet. Tibetan emigration happened in two waves: one in 1959 following the 14th Dalai Lama's self-exile in India, and the other in the 1980s when Tibet was opened to trade and tourism. The third wave...
, Tibetans often apply for the Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The name is a combination of the Mongolian word далай meaning "Ocean" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "teacher"...
to provide names for their children. Personal names are in most cases composed of readily understood Tibetan words. Most names may be given to either male or female children, with only a minority being specifically masculine or feminine.
Example
In Ngapoi Ngawang JigmeNgapoi Ngawang Jigme
Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme was a Tibetan senior official who assumed various military and political responsibilities both before and after 1951. He is often known simply as Ngabo in English sources.-Early life:...
, Ngapoi is his family name while Ngawang Jigmê the given name.