Names in Bali
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Many people wonder about the names of the people of Bali. Our name giving is based on Hindu history and traditions. Names are giving in order of birth:
1st born: Wayan, Gede or Putu
2nd born: Made, Nengah or Kadek
3rd born: Nyoman or Komang
4th born: Ketut
The repeated in the same order for any following children.
After this traditional name another name follows, where you can say in general that a second name ending on an a means a male, and a name ending on an i means a female. For instance: Dewa (=God) and Dewi (=Goddess)
We don't use any family names, like in the western world, any following names are seemingly random picked by the family.
It is not uncommon that a nickname is given later in life, and the person goes by this nick name the rest of their life. We also very often call eachother B'li (brother) or Mbok (sister).
Names also depend on the caste where the person belongs to. There are four castes, Brahman, Satria, Wesya and Sudra. Most people belong to the lowest caste, the Sudra's.
Brahman Caste Names: Ida Bagus for men, Ida Ayu or Dayu for women
Satria Caste Names: Anak Agung, Dewa Agung, Dewa Gede, I Dewa, I Gusti
Wesya Caste: Gusti
In these modern times the caste system is still respected. It manifests itself by politeness and good manners, which are important to the Balinese. So, a waiter or a bellboy, who is a Brahman (high caste), would normally be spoken to in High Balinese as a mark of respect for his caste.
Through influence of the 'western world' new names have been introduced in Bali.
More Travel Information:
Bali Self Driving or Car Hire
Money Changers in Bali ATM and Western Union
Mobile Phone Use in Bali
Names in Bali
WiFi Internet Cafe in Bali
Bali has long been equated with an exotic paradise, a picturesque vision of green rice fields and plantations, soaring volcanoes, cool lakes and rushing rivers, lush forests and palm fringed beaches.
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