10 Thai Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Kiet Tran via Dribbble

On to the boys! I've got ten stylish Thai names for you all today that I think would work on babies born almost anywhere in the world. If you haven't already, check out the girls list, and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Aroon- This easy-to-like, simple boy's name from Thailand would be dashing on an American baby. His similarity to Aaron gives him a sense of familiarity, but doesn't take away from his Thai heritage.

Danai- Although Danai is a feminine name in some cultures, I don't think you'll run into many problems if you use it on a son. In fact, in Thailand Danai is only used for boys--afterall, he does mean "son."

Kamon- Craving a name with a good meaning? Well you're in luck because Kamon means "heart and mind" in Thai. He's technically a unisex name, but in English speaking countries, the intuitive choice is for boys.

Kiet- Double trouble! Kiet is a Thai and Vietnamese name--making him a stand-out choice for families of mixed descent. However, the two Kiets have separate origins and meanings. The Thai version means "honor," while the Vietnamese means "hero." Put that together and you have an "honorable hero."

Olan- Another name with multiple histories, Olan is both Thai and Irish. The Irish version is a variation of Olaf, while the Thai is completely independent. It doesn't matter what origin story you choose--Olan is an attractive name with great potential.

Pokpui- If you're looking for a name that's instantly recognizable as Thai (none of this dual origin nonsense) then Pokpui is your guy. He's got an unmistakable Thai feel thanks to his Pok- prefix, so no one should confuse him for otherwise. Plus, he's got such a cheerful demeanor. Try to say Pokpui without a smile on your face.

Puran- Lovely Thai name Puran means simply "the sea." He's a straightfoward name that's easy on all levels, including spelling and pronunciation. Puran is definitely a winner.

Rudet- Rudet is an uncommon name with a mostly unknown backstory, but he did originate in Thailand. I think he'd work very well on an American boy--wouldn't Rudy be a great nickname? (I'd love to see him make a comeback).

Somchai- Somchai is a Thai name meaning "worthy man." He's a handsome name, but it's doubtful that he'll ever become trendy in the US. If nothing else, Somchai would be a fantastic nickname.

Warun- Warun is a wonderful name that means "rain." Some people might confuse him for the more familiar Warren (one of my personal favorites), but luckily Warun has emphasis on the second syllable, rather than the first. Warun would be an easy import into the US--I'd love to see more people using this name.

10 Thai Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Deep Shah via Dribbble

While researching for this post, I was surprised at how many Thai names would assimilate well into American culture. It's astonishing we don't hear them more! There are loads of beautiful, melodic choices--it was hard for me to cut my list to just ten. That being said, I think I have ten really wonderful names for you all today. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Isaree- Isa- names are very fashionable by today's standards, so why not add another one to the list? Isaree a gorgeous Thai name that would assimilate easily into the American name pool. She means "freedom."

Kannika- For those of you looking for interesting K names, Kannika is a fantastic option. She's a name used throughout Southeast Asia--in fact, it's the name of a 1947 Indian film. If you're fond of nicknames, Nika is the obvious choice, but Kiki would be fun as well.

Kasira- Isn't Kasira lovely? I've never been a fan of K names, but Thailand has so many good ones! She's a bit of a mysterious name--there's not much information out about her--but if you want a truly unusual yet beautiful name for a daughter, Kasira would be great.

Lawan- Lawan is simple yet stunning. She means "beautiful," so if you like your names with meanings to match, take a look at Lawan.

Malai- Speaking of meanings, meet Malai! Longtime readers know that I don't put much stock into name meanings, but I appreciate a quirky one. Malai means "garland of flowers," which is so sweet! Lately Americans have been loving lyrical M names (think Maya, Mila, etc.), so Malai will fit right in.

Mayura- Darling Mayura is another Thai name that I could see catching on in the US. She has the easy-access nickname May, which makes her all the better. Mayura means "peacock" (wouldn't that make a fun nursery theme?)

Nim- Nim is most commonly associated with the book and movie Nim's Island, but Nim is actually a female Thai name (as well as a male name in other cultures). Maybe it's because of the movie, or possibly my love for Pimm, but Nim really seems like a girl name to me. She'd be wonderful in a children's literature themed sibset.

Preeda- Cheerful and sophisticated Preeda would feel so stylish on an American baby. Add that to her ease of pronunciation and spelling, and we have ourselves a fabulous Thai-American crossover. Preeda is one of my favorites of today's list. Does anyone else love -da names as much as I do?

Sirinya- It's hard to think of a name more stunning than Sirinya. She just oozes beauty and elegance. Some notable namesakes: Selina and Sirinya are a Bangkok-based folk band, and Sirinya "Cindy" Burbridge is a Thai-American model and actress.

Suree- Suree may be slim, but she has substance. Thanks to sound-alike sister Suri, she's perfectly wearable on an American baby girl. Plus, Suree means "sun," which is always a nice meaning.