Indonesian Names for Kids: What Makes Them Unique?

Indonesian names are full of meaning, tradition, and culture. From one-word names to long combinations with family or religious roots, names in Indonesia can teach us a lot about the country’s rich diversity. In this article, you’ll discover how Indonesians name their children, what different types of names exist, and what some of the most popular names mean.

Do Indonesians Have Last Names?

In many parts of the world, people have a first name and a family name (or surname). But in Indonesia, most people don’t have family names. Instead, they may have just one name or several given names. Family names are only used in some ethnic groups like the Batak or Mollucan people.

For example:

• Soekarno had only one name. He was Indonesia’s first president.

• Muhammad Hatta, the first vice president, had two given names—no family name.

This naming style is also reflected in phonebooks, where names are listed by the first name, not a last name.

Where Do Indonesian Names Come From?

Indonesian names can come from many sources:

• Regional languages like Javanese, Balinese, or Sundanese.

• Sanskrit, a classical language of South Asia.

• Arabic, especially for Muslim families (Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world).

Names that start with “Su” are very common, like Soekarno, Suharto, or Susilo. That’s because su means “good” in Sanskrit.

Types of Indonesian Names

Here are the four main types of names you’ll find in Indonesia:

1. Single Name
   Some people have just one name, like Soekarno.

2. Two or More Given Names (No Family Name)
   Many Indonesians today have two or more names that are all given names, like Muhammad Hatta.

3. Given Name + Family Name
   Some ethnic groups use family names, like Mochtar Lubis or Abdul Haris Nasution.

4. Given Name + Patronymic
   A patronymic shows who a person’s parent is. For example, Megawati Soekarnoputri means “Megawati, daughter of Soekarno.”

Popular Indonesian Names for Boys and Girls

Here are some common Indonesian names and their meanings or origins:

Boys:

• Adi – means “younger” or “excellent”

• Ahmad – Arabic name meaning “most commendable”

• Ari – can mean “brave” or “lion” depending on origin

• Bambang – traditional Javanese name

• Muhammad – very popular Muslim name meaning “praised”

Girls:

• Mega – means “cloud”

• Putri – means “princess” or “daughter”

• Ayu – means “beautiful”

• Meutia – modern name, sometimes spelled as Mutia

• Fatimah – Arabic name, widely used in Muslim families

• Indah – means “beautiful” in Indonesian

Discover Language and Culture with Dinolingo

Indonesian names are just one part of a beautiful culture. At Dinolingo, children can learn not only the Indonesian language but also cultural facts, songs, games, and traditions. With lessons available on the web and mobile apps, and tools like printable worksheets, offline content, and gamified learning, Dinolingo helps kids explore language in a fun and rewarding way. Whether your child is just starting or already knows a few words, Dinolingo supports language learners ages 2 to 14 with tools that fit every family.

Final Thoughts

Learning about names can help children feel connected to new cultures and traditions. Whether your child is learning Indonesian or just exploring the world through names, this is a great way to spark curiosity. Every name has a story—and in Indonesia, those stories are filled with meaning, history, and beauty.