Cambodian names are influenced by Khmer traditions, Buddhist values, and the country’s linguistic heritage. Names like Dara (star) and Sovan (golden) often symbolize virtues, spiritual beliefs, or nature. These names honor Cambodia’s rich cultural and historical identity.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chakrya | Chakrya: Cambodian name meaning "power," associated with strength and leadership. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Chanthan | Chanthan: Cambodian name meaning "precious," culturally significant but uncommon globally. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Chanthou | Chanthou: Cambodian name meaning "prosperous," significant in cultural heritage. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Chanthu | Chanthu: Cambodian name meaning "brave," associated with males, unique. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Chantria | Chantria: Cambodian name meaning "moonlight," cherished for its elegance. | Cambodian | Girl | |
| Chariya | Chariya: Cambodian name meaning "graceful," associated with elegance and femininity. | Cambodian | Girl | |
| Charya | Charya: Cambodian name meaning "graceful," unique and culturally significant choice. | Cambodian | Girl | |
| Chea | Chea: Cambodian name meaning "unique," gender-neutral, culturally significant choice. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Kalliyan | Kalliyan: Cambodian unisex name meaning "good" or "virtuous," symbolizing positivity. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Kambod | Kambod means "land of the Khmer people" in Khmer. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Kambodi | Kambodi is a unique name meaning "from Cambodia," honoring heritage. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Khym | Khym: Unique unisex name meaning "diamond," symbolizing strength and beauty. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Khym | Khym: Unique unisex name meaning "diamond," symbolizing strength and beauty. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Lolei | Lolei: Unique Cambodian name linked to temples and goddess Lakshmi. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Manith | Manith: Cambodian name meaning "human," unique with cultural significance. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Monirath | Monirath: Cambodian name meaning "noble jewel," associated with males. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Mony | Mony: Cambodian name meaning "gentle," suitable for any gender. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Penh | Penh is a Cambodian female name meaning "full moon" or "full." | Cambodian | Girl | |
| Phirun | Phirun: Cambodian unisex name meaning "blessing" or "good fortune." | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Pravath | Pravath: Cambodian name meaning "brave," significant in Khmer culture. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Rainsy | Rainsy: Cambodian name meaning "prosperity," unique with cultural significance. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Rangsey | Rangsey means "colorful," is unisex, and reflects unique personalities. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Rany | Rany: Cambodian name meaning "delightful," associated with Tuesday births. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Ranyt | Ranyt is a unique, unisex name possibly of Cambodian origin. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Ratanak | Ratanak: Cambodian name meaning "precious gem," unique and culturally significant. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Ravy | Ravy: Unisex Cambodian name meaning "bright," with rich cultural heritage. | Cambodian | Unisex | |
| Rinith | Rinith: Cambodian name meaning "brave," primarily used for males. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Rithiya | Rithiya: Cambodian name meaning "wealthy," appealing for culturally rich choices. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Rithy | Rithy: Cambodian name meaning "wealthy," traditionally male, culturally significant. | Cambodian | Boy | |
| Sambith | Sambith: Cambodian name meaning "wisdom," unique and culturally significant. | Cambodian | Boy |
The name 'Cambodian' originates from the word 'Kampuchea', which is the country's native name. 'Kampuchea' derives from the Sanskrit word 'Kambuja' or 'Kamboj', referring to an ancient kingdom and its people in the region. The term 'Cambodian' is the English adaptation used to describe the inhabitants of Cambodia.
Cambodia's name is derived from the French colonial name 'Cambodge', which in turn comes from 'Kampuchea'. 'Kampuchea' is rooted in the ancient Khmer kingdom of Kambuja, which was influenced by Indian culture and language. The English name 'Cambodia' is an anglicization of the French 'Cambodge'.
The term 'Kampuchea' is believed to mean 'born of Kambu', in reference to a legendary figure in Khmer culture. Kambu is associated with the founding myth of the Khmer people, where he is often paired with the naga (serpent) princess Mera. 'Kampuchea' is the official name of Cambodia in the Khmer language.
Yes, 'Cambodian' is the correct English term used to refer to the people of Cambodia. It is the anglicized version of 'Kampuchean', which relates to anything of or pertaining to Cambodia or its people. The term is widely accepted and used in international contexts.
'Cambodian' refers to the nationality of people from Cambodia, while 'Khmer' refers to the ethnic majority and the language of Cambodia. The Khmer people are the predominant ethnic group in Cambodia, with their own language, culture, and history. 'Cambodian' can include all citizens of Cambodia, regardless of ethnic background.
Cambodia is also known as 'Kampuchea' because it is the country's name in the Khmer language. The name 'Kampuchea' reflects the country's historical and cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in the Khmer Empire. The use of 'Kampuchea' is more common within the country and among the Khmer-speaking population.
The name 'Kambuja' refers to an ancient kingdom in the Indochina region that dates back to the first centuries CE. It is significant as it represents the early cultural and political influence of India on the region, which shaped the development of the Khmer civilization. The name 'Kambuja' is the Sanskrit origin of the modern name 'Kampuchea'.
The name 'Cambodia' has evolved from the Sanskrit 'Kambuja' to the Khmer 'Kampuchea', and then to the French 'Cambodge'. Each iteration of the name reflects different periods of the country's history, from ancient times to the colonial era. The current English name 'Cambodia' is a result of anglicization in the modern era.
The etymological root of 'Kampuchea' lies in the Sanskrit word 'Kambuja', which itself is believed to be named after a legendary figure or tribe called 'Kambu'. This term was adopted and transformed by the Khmer people to represent their country. Over time, 'Kampuchea' became the official and nationalistic term, especially during the Democratic Kampuchea period.
Yes, 'Cambodian' has synonyms such as 'Kampuchean', which is directly derived from 'Kampuchea', the Khmer name for the country. Another synonym is 'Khmer', which specifically refers to the ethnic majority of Cambodia but is sometimes used interchangeably with 'Cambodian'. However, 'Cambodian' remains the most widely used term in English-speaking contexts.