Sonam

Sonam is a Buddhist unisex name of Tibetan origin, meaning “Merit, good fortune”.

Meaning and origin of Sonam

Sonam is the everyday spelling of Tibetan bsod nams, the word used to translate the Sanskrit Buddhist term punya, 'merit' gained through good actions. It is one of the most common names in Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh and Sikkim and is given to both boys and girls, often as part of a two-part name such as Sonam Wangchuk or Sonam Dolma. The third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, carried it, and in Hindi-speaking India it is also known through the actress Sonam Kapoor.

Is Sonam a Buddhist name?

In Buddhist terms Sonam means the merit that comes from generosity, ethical conduct and practice, which is believed to lead to happiness and good rebirth. Names like this are traditionally given by a lama or chosen with blessings in mind.

How popular is Sonam?

Extremely common among Tibetan, Bhutanese and Himalayan Buddhist communities for both sexes, and also used in North India as a girl's name.

Gifts with the name Sonam

• Sonam name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
• Personalised Sonam baby gifts (Amazon)
• Buddhist baby gifts & books (Amazon)

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Spellings and variants of Sonam

Names similar to Sonam

More Buddhist unisex names

Frequently asked questions