Balinese names

Balinese names run according to the caste system and position within a family relating to lineage. When the Hindu Majapahit empire conquered Bali in 1343, the new ruler, Gajah Mada introduced the cast system to the Balinese. This obviously meant those closest to the ruler were high caste, the lowly rice farmer, low caste. The influx of Javanese priests and artisans into Bali in 1515, fleeing the advancing Muslim Mataram empire, meant an even greater number of Javanese were in positions of power. Strangely to this day the Sudra (lowest) caste, of which 90% of Balinese belong to is referred to as jaba (outside).

The 4 main castes in Bali are Brahmana, Ksatria, Wesia and Sudra. Here is a list of Balinese names according to caste.

•Brahmana (priest) caste

Ida Bagus or Bagus (good one) for a male
Ida Ayu or Dayu (beautiful one) for a female.

•Ksatria (rulers, warriors) caste

Anak Agung, Agung, Dewa for a male.
Anak Agung, Agung, Dewi, Dewayu for a female

Cokorda, Dewa Agung for members of the kingdom ruling clan.

Ksatria caste often have the following middle names.

Raka – older sister / brother
Oka – child
Rai – younger sister / brother
Anom – young woman
Ngurah – an indication of authority

•Wesia (merchants and officials ) caste

Gusti – (lord) for men and women
Dewa for a man
Desak for a woman

•Sudra (rice growers ) caste

Wayan, Putu, Gede for 1st born male child
Wayan, Putu, Iluh for 1st born female child

Made, Kadek for 2nd born male child
Made, Kadek, Nengah for 2nd born female child.

Nyoman, Komang for 3rd born male and female children

Ketut for 4th born male or female children.

The 5th born reverts back to the list for 1st born children. Last names are also given names.

There are a tremendous amount of Wayans and Mades in Bali. If someone tells you their name is Nengah Susantini, you know they are Balinese female from the lowest caste, who has at least one older brother or sister. Many Balinese will use a middle name to differentiate from other with the same name. Others will change their name slightly (Yumi for Yuni, Koming for Komang) or use their last name for a form of address.