Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Indonesian names reflect the country’s diverse cultural, religious, and linguistic traditions. Names like Dewi (goddess) and Agus (first child) often carry meanings tied to spirituality, ancestry, or nature. These names honor Indonesia’s rich multicultural identity.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nanang | Nanang means "mother" in Filipino, derived from Tagalog language roots. | Filipino, Indonesian, Native American | Either | |
| Nengah | Nengah: Indonesian name meaning "middle," associated with second-born males. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Nonya | Nonya: Indonesian name meaning "lady of the house," rich history. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Nonyah | Nonyah: Unique Indonesian name meaning "lady," associated with Peranakan culture. | Indonesian, Javanese | Girl | |
| Novita | Novita: Indonesian name meaning "new," gaining global popularity for girls. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Nusa | Nusa: Indonesian unisex name meaning "island," symbolizing cultural significance. | Indonesian, Javanese | Unisex | |
| Oky | Oky: Unisex Indonesian name symbolizing positivity, strength, and uniqueness. | Indonesian | Unisex | |
| Papan | Papan is an Indonesian name meaning "father," popular for boys. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Pinkan | Pinkan means "pink" in Indonesian; it symbolizes love and affection. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Primahayati | Primahayati: Indonesian name meaning "first love," unique and feminine. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Puji | Puji: Indonesian unisex name meaning "praise" or "gratitude," unique. | Indonesian | Unisex | |
| Puspa | Puspa: Indonesian name meaning "flower," cherished for its elegance. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Rahayu | Rahayu: Indonesian name meaning "peaceful," associated with tranquility and femininity. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Rahmadi | Rahmadi: Indonesian name meaning "merciful," associated with kindness and compassion. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Rahmawati | Rahmawati: Indonesian name meaning graceful and compassionate, primarily female. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Rayi | Rayi: Indonesian unisex name meaning "king" or "queen," symbolizing royalty. | Indonesian | Unisex | |
| Rezky | Rezky: Indonesian name meaning "blessed," gaining popularity among parents. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Rimar | Rimar: Indonesian name meaning "strong" or "brave," masculine and unique. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Rindu | Rindu: Indonesian unisex name meaning "longing," gaining popularity for its beauty. | Indonesian | Unisex | |
| Rizky | Rizky: Indonesian name meaning "blessed," popular among male children. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Rusanti | Rusanti: Unique Indonesian name meaning related to deer and sage. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Rustinah | Rustinah: Indonesian name meaning "peaceful," associated with grace and tranquility. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Sajen | Sajen: Indonesian name meaning "offering," gaining popularity for cultural significance. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Santika | Santika: Indonesian name meaning "peaceful," gaining global popularity for girls. | Indonesian | Girl | |
| Santosa | Santosa: Unisex Indonesian name with cultural significance and unique heritage. | Indonesian | Unisex | |
| Santoso | Santoso: Indonesian name meaning "good saint," popular among Javanese boys. | Indonesian, Javanese, Malaysian | Boy | |
| Santun | Santun: Indonesian name meaning "calm," "peaceful," and "respectful." | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Selamat | Selamat: Indonesian name meaning "safe" or "peaceful," typically male. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Selimut | Selimut: Indonesian name meaning "blanket," exuding warmth and comfort. | Indonesian | Boy | |
| Semara | Semara: Indonesian name meaning "love," gaining popularity for its charm. | Indonesian | Girl |
The name 'Indonesian' originates from the Greek words 'Indos' meaning India and 'nesos' meaning islands. It was first used by the British geographer George Samuel Windsor Earl in the 19th century. He proposed it as a name for the inhabitants of the Indonesian archipelago.
The term 'Indonesian' was first used in the mid-19th century. It was introduced by an English ethnologist, James Richardson Logan, based on George Samuel Windsor Earl's suggestion. The term gained popularity among the local population in the early 20th century.
The term 'Indonesian' is used to refer to both the people and the official language of Indonesia. As a demonym, it denotes the citizens of Indonesia, while linguistically, it refers to the standardized register of Malay used in the country. The language serves as a lingua franca in the diverse archipelago.
'Indonesian' became the official name of the country upon its declaration of independence in 1945. The name was chosen to represent the unity of the diverse ethnic groups in the archipelago. It symbolizes the nation's identity separate from its colonial past.
In a cultural context, 'Indonesian' signifies the collective identity and heritage of the people from the Indonesian archipelago. It encompasses the wide array of traditions, languages, and ethnic groups within the nation. The term reflects the cultural diversity unified under a single national identity.
Yes, 'Indonesian' has historical significance as it marks the country's emergence as a sovereign state. The name was adopted during the struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. It represents the historical journey and unification of the archipelago's various islands and cultures.
Historically, alternative names such as 'Malay Archipelago' and 'East Indies' were used to refer to the region now known as Indonesia. These terms were commonly used during the colonial period. However, 'Indonesian' became the preferred term as it signified national identity and independence.
The name 'Indonesian' is significant in the context of national unity as it represents the coming together of the archipelago's diverse ethnic groups. It serves as a symbol of the shared identity and common purpose among the people of Indonesia. The term embodies the national motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," which means "Unity in Diversity."
The name 'Indonesian' reflects the country's geography by highlighting its position as an archipelago located near India. The term 'nesos' in Greek, meaning islands, underscores the fact that Indonesia is the world's largest island country. It emphasizes the geographic characteristic of being a nation comprised of thousands of islands.
Yes, the term 'Indonesian' is recognized internationally as the designation for the people and language of Indonesia. It is used in diplomatic, cultural, and economic contexts around the world. The name is universally accepted and appears in international treaties, organizations, and global affairs.
