Overview
When we say a person's name, we usually think of the first and last name or even the academic degree before or after the name. However, in most cases, nothing can be inferred from the name itself. The surname usually tells you nothing, unlike in earlier times when surnames were derived, for example, from the profession. In Bali, however, it is different. Names here function as an identification system and can be used to tell, for example, the order of descent in the family and the caste to which the named person belongs.
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
General Info
Balinese names consist of three parts: 1. title, 2. ordinal name, 3. personal name. Boys and girls are given their ordinal and other names at 12 days of age during the Ngerorasin ceremony. The ordinal names are chosen from several possible names, and no distinction is made between boys and girls. The names are primarily traditional Balinese or derived from the Sanskrit language.
💡 Interesting fact: Balinese do not use surnames.
Names by Gender
Some names in Bali may have a gender prefix. "I" (pronounced "e") is used for men, and "Ni" (pronounced "ný") for women.
Example: I Ketut Putra: a man born 4th in order with the personal name Putra = "prince."
Names by Order
The main part of the name in Bali is the ordinal name. It is a distinction of order in the family between siblings. All male names are also used for females. So, for example, Putu can be both male and female. Balinese people address each other by these names.
Names for the firstborn child in the family:
Wayan, Gede, Putu and the special one for women, Ni Luh. Wayan translated is "the oldest."
Names for the second-born child in the family:
Kadek, Made, Nengah. Made and Nengah is translated to mean "middle," and Kadek is "little brother" or "little sister."
Names for 3rd in order:
Komang, Nyoman
Names for the 4th in order:
Ketut
If a family has a fifth child, it is usually named "Wayan Balik," which means "Wayan again."
Names by Caste
Castes influence several religious and cultural contexts, and names are no exception. For more on the caste system in Bali, see the Castes Guide.
Sudra
The members of the Sudra caste do not use unique names to denote caste: only the gender, as mentioned above, prefixes, and the ordinal name with the proper name.
Wesia
The Wesia caste practically no longer exists today, and its members have merged with the Sudra caste. This caste formerly used Ngakan, Kompyang, Sang, or Si.
Satria
The caste of soldiers and rulers use names:
Gusti Ngurah for men, Gusti Ayu for women.
Anak Agung for men, Anak Agung Ayu or Anak Agung Istri for women.
Tjokorda or Tjok for men, Tjokorda Istri for women.
Ida I Dewa, Dewa Agung or Dewa for men, Dewa Ayu or Desak for women, this name is often only for the most respected in the caste.
Gusti = leader/leader, Agung = noble/eminent, Tjokorda and Dewa = feet of the Gods
Brahmana
The highest caste of academics, lawyers, and priests use names:
Ida Bagus for men, Ida Ayu for women.
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