Balinese familly Name

The tradition of Balinese Family Name

As we know Bali has many traditions and cultures, like dance, language, traditional cloth, customs, etc. In this time we will talk about the tradition of Balinese family names. Balinese names can also provide clues to ancestral trades. For instance, a blacksmith or metal workers might be known by the family name of “Pande,” while in traditional Balinese society a person making steel weapons or metal implements is known as a "Pande Besi."

Name Classification

Ida Bagus is a sign of respect for someone who is true “Bagus” or handsome, with “Ida Bagus” considered a title of honor. “Anak Agung,” often represented by A.A. when seen in a printed form, is the prefix reserved for Balinese royalty.

“The name “Wayan” is derived from “Wokalayan” a word that means “the most mature” and reserved for the first-born. The second-born is called “Made” and is derived from the word Madia for the middle. The third-born is designated by “Nyoman” (“Man” or “Mang” for short), taken from the Balinese word “uman” that suggests “the last” or “remainder” - reflecting a Balinese view that ideal family size should be limited to three children. 

In ancient times before the advent of modern birth control appliances and pills, traditional healers, herbalists, and other measures - birth control sometimes failed to result in a fourth child, who would be given the prefix of “Ketut.” Ketut is presumed to come from the ancient term “Kitut” - a name given to the smallest banana on the stem. Seen a “bonus” and much loved for its sweetness - a Ketut may represent the sweetest and most loved addition to a Balinese family.

For particularly fecund Balinese couples or people who simply want a large family with lots of children, the naming cycle resumes all over again with the fifth-born named Wayan, the sixth Made, and so on

Just when you feel certain that you have the cycle of Balinese names well in hand, you’ll encounter a “Wayan” who is called “Putu,” “Kompiang,” or “Gede” – all alternative prefixes for the first-born. Variations on a 2nd child named “Made” might be “Kadek” or “Nengah.” The third-child is not always called “Nyoman,” with “Komang” sometimes used instead. Meanwhile, “Ketut” stands alone with generally no synonym used for the fourth-born.

In recent times, some Balinese modify their names to include the name of a famous ancestor.

Some Balinese are also now busily adopting Western monikers resulting in a “Ni Luh Avril Damayanti” or “I Ketut Robert Suparta.”

Sudra Caste

The Sudra, Bali’s largest and lowest caste, has no special naming ritual beyond the use of “I” before a boy’s name or “Ni” before a girl’s name.

Comprising about 90% of all Balinese, the Sudra (peasants and craftsmen) are not isolated or deemed untouchable, as might be the case in India. Sudra members of Bali often seek counsel from upper caste members on religious matters, such as the selection of propitious days for ceremonies and for the commencement of major projects.

Wesya Caste

The Wesya Caste has specific names such as “I Dewa” for a man or “I Dewa Ayu” for a female. “Desak” is also a name found among the Wesya Castetraditionally reserved for vassals of a Raja and merchants.

K’satria Caste

Also known as Satria, this caste of warriors and kings will be distinguished with names such as “I Gusti Ngurah” (male) or “I Gusti Ayu” (female). Other names of the Satria caste are “Anak Agung “(male), “Anak Agung Ayu” or “Anak Agung Istri” (female).

Look also for “Tjokorda” (shortened to “Tjok”) for a male or “Tjokorda Istri(female).

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