Indonesian Names
- Bayu
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"wind"Description:
Bayou? No, but it sounds the same, and since both the Indonesian name and the English word have appealing nature meanings, this is a perfect choice for the family that wants to bridge cultures.
- Ayu
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"very feminine, beautiful"Description:
A common Indonesian name that is sometimes (as with Mary here) joined with another, as in 'Ayu' and 'Tyas,' which becomes 'Ayuningtyas' and means beautiful heart.
- Putri
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"princess; daughter"Description:
A common name in Indonesia that would not work well in English-speaking countries, being too close to putrid or putty.
- Bhaskara
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"shining"Description:
An epithet of the sun and the Hindu god Shiva, also borne by a 12th century Indian astronomer. Bhaskar, a common Indian surname, is related.
- Tyas
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"heart of hearts"Description:
Tyas is an unusual Indonesian name that's simple and straightforward and could make an distinctive choice in the Western World.
- Maret
Description:
Maret is a masculine name with Estonian and Scandinavian roots, though it appears as a feminine name in some cultures. It originated as a variation of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning "pearl." In Nordic countries, particularly Norway, Maret has historical usage among the Sámi people. The name carries a distinctive sound while maintaining a connection to traditional naming patterns. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Maret offers an intriguing option for parents seeking a name with international character and subtle sophistication. Its brevity and clear pronunciation give it a contemporary feel despite its traditional origins, embodying both strength and a certain refined quality.
- Agung
Origin:
BahasaMeaning:
"the great"Description:
This name may be "great" in Bahasa (the main language of Indonesia), but the sound does not sit lightly on the English-speaking tongue.
- Jakarta
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
Jakarta, the name of the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is located on the island of Java. Both Jakarta and Java could make interesting and unusual choices for a girl.
- Satriya
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"knight"Description:
An unknown (outside Indonesia) name with an attractive, gentle sound.
- Indah
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"pretty"Description:
An Indonesian name that is virtually unknown in the Western World but that is eminently portable, sister of India and Indre or Indra.
- Jaka
Origin:
Slovene; IndonesianMeaning:
"supplanter; young man"Description:
Jack getting too common for you? Here's a distinctive twist. Jaka is one of the most popular boy names in Slovenia, where it's a variant of Jacob or James.
- Adhit
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"prince"Description:
A strong Indonesian name that's easy to translate to the English-speaking world.
- Mawar
Origin:
Bahasa and UrduMeaning:
"rose"Description:
Mawar is another of the "rose" variants that is almost unheard of outside its home country (in this case, Indonesia), but which deserves consideration given its lilting sound.
- Laras
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"calm"Description:
Everyone will misunderstand it as Lara, but if you're willing to put up with the confusion, this is a truly different yet simple option.
- Lintang
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"star"Description:
This name, which may also be Bintang in Indonesia, would have a difficult time transitioning to the Western World.
- Harimau
Description:
Harimau is a masculine name derived from the Malay and Indonesian word for 'tiger.' In these cultures, the tiger symbolizes power, strength, and courage—attributes traditionally associated with masculinity. While uncommon as a personal name globally, Harimau connects the bearer to Southeast Asian heritage and the cultural significance of tigers in that region. As nature-inspired names continue to gain popularity worldwide, Harimau offers parents seeking distinctive options a name with both literal meaning and symbolic power. The name's exotic quality and powerful animal association make it stand out while maintaining a melodic, approachable pronunciation.
- Jati
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"honest"Description:
If you're looking for an international boy's name with an appealing meaning, you've found one great option.
- Ratih
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"most beautiful; godlike"Description:
Popular Indonesian name that may leave a young girl in an English=speaking country open to teasing.
- Meritja
Description:
Meritja is an uncommon masculine name with possible connections to several cultural origins. It may have roots in African naming traditions or could be derived from linguistic elements related to 'merit' or 'worthy.' The name might also have connections to Aboriginal Australian languages, where many traditional names carry specific cultural meanings tied to ancestral stories, natural elements, or spiritual concepts. Meritja has remained exceedingly rare in global naming records, making it a distinctive choice. Its melodic quality with the flowing 'j' sound gives it a rhythmic pronunciation. The name's uniqueness means it carries little cultural baggage or predetermined associations for most people, potentially allowing the bearer to define its meaning through their own identity.
- Harum
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"aromatic"Description:
The English homophone "harem" means something very different, but Harum is a pretty name nonetheless.