The Ultimate List of Buddhist Names for Your Little One

Everyone wants their baby’s name to mean something special, and every baby is one of a kind. Have you ever considered a Buddhist baby name for your little bundle of joy? Buddhism has a long history centered around peace and love, so what better gift to give your baby a beautiful Buddhist name? 

The religion of Buddhism began in the 6th century B.C. around the area of Benares, India.^[1] It is based on Siddhartha Gautama’s teachings.

Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince in Nepal situated between India and Tibet but renounced his earthly possessions and wealth to teach others the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold-Path. Buddhists have a well-known connection with a meditation practice that elicits thoughts of calm and relaxation.

Related: 101 Baby Names That Mean Blessing 

Buddhism is now practiced by 488 million people worldwide, with the largest concentration in Asia.^[2] If Buddhism’s religion or practice means something to you or you are looking for a unique name with a strong meaning behind it, consider Madee for your daughter, which means “a good beginning.” You may like the name Banko for your son, which means “everlasting”.

What could be a better way for your baby than beginning with a name linked to the most famous Tibetian Monk of all, the 14th Dalai Lama, who is known for his peaceful work? Lhamo is his original first name and it means god or goddess, so it is the perfect unisex name.

No matter the meaning you are seeking, we have a list of Buddhist names for boys, and girls, and gender-neutral Buddhist name options to help you in your search.

Buddhist Names for Girls

Embrace serenity and the rich traditions of Buddhism with a name for your little girl. Dive into our curated selection of harmonious names bound to resonate with peace, enlightenment, and the beauty of ancient wisdom.

1. Achara - Thai, an angel who is very pretty or beautiful.
2. Aikya - Sanskrit, unity, or oneness, also spelled Aaikya or Aikya.
3. Arya - Sanskrit, noble or exalted. Made famous by the television series Game of Thrones.
4. Bi - Chinese, green jade.
5. Boonsri - Thai, beautiful.
6. Caihong - Mandarin Chinese, rainbow.
7. Daunphen - Thai, full moon.
8. Dechen -Tibetan, One who can reach out for happiness and joy, great bliss.
9. Disha - Sanskrit, direction, good luck, a point of the compass.
10. Dokai - Indian name, in Buddhist meaning way formality.
11. Goldheve - One with a sixth sense, high energy, and one with a high sense of awareness.
12. Haimini - Indian Origin, golden color.
13. Kannika - A beautiful flower.
14. Karamia - Beloved Peace.
15. Kathina - This is the name of a Buddhist festival held at the end of the rainy season. It is a time when people give thanks to the monks.
16. Kyoko - Japanese, respectful, mirror.
17. Lawan - Beautiful.
18. Lotus - The flower is a symbol in Buddhism for the path from ignorance to enlightenment.
19. Madee - A good beginning.
20. Mayra - An Indian name meaning "the moon." In Buddhism, the moon symbol of truth, enlightenment, and the remover of illusions.
21. Mayuree - Beautiful.
22. Nin - Sapphire, Hebrew for grace.
23. Pensri - The beauty of the moon.
24. Samorn - A woman who is beautiful and beloved.
25. Samsara - Continuous movement, the circle of life.
26. Sophea -She who is a clever and wise one.
27. Sook - Korean, She of pure nature.
28. Sovannah - Cambodian, gold, precious in God’s sight.
29. Tara - Star, Mother of liberation, a female deity sometimes referred to as the female Buddha.
30. Tevy - An Angel.

Buddhist Names for Boys

Embark on a journey of tranquility and strength with a Buddhist name for your baby boy. Explore our list of powerful and meaningful names that reflect the values and spiritual depth of Buddhist teachings.

31. Akkrum - Hindu boy name for Lord Buddha.
32. An - Peace; Peace of Being At Home; Peaceful.
33. Anzan - Quiet Mountain.
34. Ashwaghosh - Name of a Buddhist philosopher.
35. Atid - Thai, The Sun.
36. Baika - Plum Blossom.
37. Bankei - Ten Thousand Blessings.
38. Banko - Everlasting.
39. Budhh - He who has been enlightened.
40. Chiko - Light of Wisdom.
41. Chimon - Wisdom Gate.
42. Chinshu - Calm Prefecture; Calm Place.
43. Daiden - Great Transmission.
44. Daido - Great Way.
45. Daiji - Great Compassion.
46. Dainin - Great Patience; Great Endurance.
47. Daishin - Great Truth; Boundless Reality.
48. Dechen - Health and happiness.
49. Eido - Illuminating Way.
50. Enmei - Bright Circle; Life-Sustaining.
51. Eshin -Understanding Mind; Wisdom Mind.
52. Etsudo -Japanese, Joyful Way, the joy of raising a child.
53. Fujii - Japanese, the name of a Buddhist monk in Japan, famous for constructing peace pagodas.
54. Genko - Original Light.
55. Genji - Japanese, two beginnings, most valuable to God.
56. Hakue - Pure Blessing.
57. Issan - One Mountain.
58. Jiho - The Aroma of Compassion.
59. Jikai - Ocean of Compassion; Compassionate Sea.
60. Koge - Fragrant Flower.
61. Tathagatha - Pali/Sanskrit. This very popular Buddhist name means "one who walks the right path."
62. Twan - Indonesian, Smart and brainy.

Gender-Neutral Buddhist Baby Names

Celebrate the universal essence of Buddhism with a name that transcends gender boundaries. Our list of gender-neutral Buddhist names is meticulously picked to encapsulate the spirit of balance and inclusivity found within the path of the middle way.

63. Anami - Lord Buddha.
64. Bodhi - Sanskrit, Awakening, Enlightenment.
65. Cahya - Indonesian, One who is light in the darkness.
66. Dharma - It is the understanding of the laws of nature and how they apply to the human condition.
67. Dojin - Buddhist, the path of love.
68. Ehri - Mongolian, musical instrument.
69. Karma - The principle that a person’s intent and actions will influence their future and life beyond this one.
70. Lhamo - God or Goddess, first name of the 14th Dali Lahma. A female tantric Buddhist deity who appears in dozens of different forms.
71. Nirvana - The state Buddhists aim to reach in which “the imperturbable stillness of mind after the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion have been finally extinguished.”
72. Sangha - The name of a group of Buddhist monks, nuns, or novices.
73. Sutra - A collection of medieval Indian texts found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
74. Thay - Vietnamese, a surname, teacher.
75. Zen - Symbol of peace and tranquility. It is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that uses sitting meditation to reach Buddhist truths.

Monk Names

In the search for meaningful names with deep roots, Buddhist-inspired baby names are often chosen for their connections to peace, enlightenment, and well-being. Names such as Bodhi, symbolizing awakening and enlightenment, and Maya, representing love and illusion in Buddhist lore, carry profound significance and offer a unique blend of spirituality and identity. Another name that resonates with Buddhist traditions is Ananda, which was the name of one of the most devoted disciples of the Buddha.

What Are Zen Names?

Zen names are inspired by the Zen Buddhist philosophy, which emphasizes simplicity, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace. These names often embody tranquil and meditative qualities, resonating with the Zen principle of finding harmony and balance in one's life. Names like Satori, meaning sudden enlightenment, and Kei, signifying reverence and blessing, encapsulate the serene ethos of Zen teachings.

For more baby name inspiration check out these popular baby name lists:

• Top 1,000 Most Popular Baby Girl Names in the U.S.
• Top 1,000 Most Popular Baby Boy Names in the U.S.
• The 100 Coolest Baby Names in the World

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