Contents:

Bali Travel Guidebook:
Naming System

Introduction
Background on Bali
Activities & Tours
Language
Climate & Clothing
Money
Shopping
Health
Balinese Culture
   Naming System
   Religion
   Temples
   Ceremonies for        Children
   Wedding &
       Tooth Filing
   Royal Odalan &
       Tooth Filing*NEW*
   Purification
       Ceremony
   Cremation
   Royal Cremation
   Special Days

In Bali your name is very important for the development of your character. At birth a personal name is decided upon for the baby, but many people may not know what the name of someone else is because he or she is more likely to be called by some nickname while growing up, or by his or her birth order name or caste name.

The most common birth order naming system is that of the 'Wayan - Made - Nyoman - Ketut' cycle. If the family has more than four children, then the cycle begins again, with a different personal name.

What birth order name would you have - Wayan, Made, Nyoman or Ketut?

There are, however, other names to indicate order of birth. The first born could be called Putu or Gede, the second Nengah or Kadek, and the third Komang or Koming.

Also, a name is given according to a person's caste.

In the Hindu-Bali system there are four castes;

1. Brahmana - priestly caste. Names are prefixed by 'Ida Bagus' for males and 'Ida Ayu' for females.
2. Ksatria - warrior or ruling caste. Names are prefixed by 'Tjokorde' for males or 'Tjokorde Istri' for females. Also, 'Anak Agung' indicates a person is of this caste.
3. Wesia - blacksmith or tradesperson caste. Names are prefixed by 'Gusti', or by 'Dewa' (male) or 'Desak' (female).
4. Sudra - the rest - about 95% of all Balinese. As well as using the birth order name indicated above, the name is prefixed with 'I' for males or 'Ni' for females.

So, now that you know how it works, try finding out the full names of some of the Balinese personalities around KLUB KOKOS when you come to visit us!

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Thispage was last updated on July 30, 2002