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9 unusual Indonesian names
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In Indonesia, names are believed to carry hopes and prayers, making parents choose names with good meaning for their offspring. (Shutterstock/File)
W
illiam Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Though the poet was right, his wise words did not apply for Indonesians.
In Indonesia, a name is believed to carry hopes and prayers, leading parents choose names with good meanings for their offspring.
Sometimes, this belief leads Indonesian to choose unusual or hilarious names.
Kompas.com recently compiled nine unique Indonesian names and the stories behind it.
Tuhan (God)
Tuhan (God) is a 44-year-old man living in Kluncing village, Banyuwangi, East Java.
His name caught the public’s attention after his identification card photo went viral.
Tuhan does not know why his parents gave him such an unusual name. “My parents have passed away. [However] my siblings have normal names,” he said.
Though he did not find anything weird about his name, some people requested he change his name as it was considered impolite.
Saiton (Satan)
In Palembang, South Sumatra, there is a teacher named Saiton (Satan).
Saiton said he is aware the name gives a negative impression.
“[My] name can be scary, but my personality should not be,” he joked.
Nabi (Prophet)
Nabi (Prophet) is a man living in Pamekasan regency, East Java.
Nabi said his name was given by his father and he is proud of it.
Read also: Tips for raising an introverted child
Andi Go To School
Andi Go To School, popularly known as Goto, is a policeman in Magelang, Central Java. Andi's father Bullking hoped the name would make Andi love going to school.
Apparently, for Goto, unusual names run in the family.
His father’s name, Bullking, derives from the symbol of a bull in Partai Nasional Indonesia (Indonesia National Party).
Meanwhile, Goto’s siblings were named August Dedy My House, Happy New Year, Rudy A Good Boy, Friday Back To School and Effendy My School.
Following family tradition, Goto named his kid Virgenio Silvero Goes to Paradise.
Y
Meet Y, a woman who lives in Yogyakarta.
Born in 1997, during Asian Financial Crisis, Y’s father wanted an efficient name for his newborn daughter. Hence, the one letter name.
Slamet Hari Natal
As his name implies Slamet Hari Natal, meaning Merry Christmas, was born on Christmas day.
Slamet, who is called Slamet Yesus (Merry Jesus), frequently encounters issues while settling administrative dealings.
“When I wanted to make an identification card (KTP), the officer doubted my name, thinking I was just messing around,” he said.
Read also: Muslim man born on Dec. 25 named Merry Christmas
Halimah Rus Tsunami
Halimah Rus Tsunami, known as Ami, was born one day prior to the tsunami tragedy. She was named five days after the tragedy, hence the name.
Though her last name seems unusual, her full name has a positive meaning. Halimah means smart kid, while Rus is the nickname of the midwife who helped her mother.
“Through the name, my husband and I wanted Ami to be a smart kid, useful for others and to always remember the greatness of God. The tsunami tragedy was proof of God’s greatness,” said Ami’s mother Siti Dahliati.
Es Bon Bon
Es Bon Bon, meaning Ice Candy, was previously named M Fadli. Alas, he frequently got cranky, leading his parents to change his name.
“My mother said I should change my name as it was given by my late father. Sometimes I feel embarrassed, but it is okay. I slowly get used to it,” he said.
Alhamdulillah Lanang Anakku
Alhamdullilah Lanang Anakku (Thank God I Have a Son) is an elementary school student from Surabaya, East Java.
"I call him Lak, but others call him Elak," said Alhamdullilah's father M Saleh.
However, Elak's religion teacher calls him Alhamdullilah. M Saleh said the teacher appreciates the name as it contains prayer. (jes/asw)
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