སངས་རྒྱས

Sangay

unisexTibetanBuddhist

Sangay is a Buddhist unisex name of Tibetan origin, meaning “Buddha, awakened one”.

MeaningBuddha, awakened one
GenderUnisex
OriginTibetan
Written asསངས་རྒྱས
PronunciationSAHNG-gay
TraditionBuddhist
Used inBhutan, Nepal, India

Meaning and origin of Sangay

Sangay, also spelled Sangye, is the Tibetan word for a Buddha. It joins sang, 'purified' or 'awakened', with gye, 'expanded' or 'blossomed', describing someone whose faults are removed and whose qualities have fully unfolded. It is a common name in Bhutan and Tibetan communities for both sexes. Lobsang Sangay, former president of the Central Tibetan Administration, is a well-known bearer.

Is Sangay a Buddhist name?

Sangay is a Buddhist name that means 'Buddha' itself, chosen to express the hope of awakening.

How popular is Sangay?

Very common in Bhutan and among Tibetans.

Gifts with the name Sangay

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Spellings and variants of Sangay

SangyeSanggyeSange

Names similar to Sangay

More Buddhist unisex names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Sangay mean?

Sangay means 'Buddha, awakened one'. It is of Tibetan origin.

Is Sangay a Buddhist name?

Sangay is a Buddhist name that means 'Buddha' itself, chosen to express the hope of awakening.

How do you pronounce Sangay?

Sangay is pronounced SAHNG-gay.

Is Sangay a boy or girl name?

Sangay is used for both boys and girls.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.