Published on 12/09/2020 11:45 By Georgia Stone
Edited by | Fact-checked by
In certain parts of the world, a last name is used to identify individuals by their families or clans.
It is also the case in Mongolia that last names are used as a means of identification or affiliation with certain clans or tribes. Most names are patronymic, which means individuals bear their fatherâs name as their surname.
In Mongolia, names are traditionally given by the parents or an elderly person in the family, or by a religious figure. Since most people take their fatherâs name as a surname, it is easy to identify which family someone belongs to.
At one point in history, the personal names of past rulers were tabooed, meaning that it is now considered wrong to want to name a new child after a past ruler. Clan names are also an important part of the Mongolian naming system.
In some clans, such as the Kalmyks, the clanâs name is not reflected in the naming system of families that live in the clan. However, clan names are still very relevant among many clans, such as the Buryats.
Mongolia as a country has a varied history, those who live their today are known as Mongolians, whereas throughout history the term Mongols has been used to describe individuals living in the Mongol Empire. The Mongols were a central Asian ethnographic group.
During the time of the Mongol Empire, names from other tribes, traditions, religions and countries are also seen in the naming system of the Mongols. Many such names have faded away since the Mongolian dynasty was overthrown.
One name that hasn’t faded from our memories at least, is Genghis Khan. Khan was the most famous Mongolian, he led the Mongols from 1162-1227.
Here is a list of Mongolian from times past and from the modern era with meanings and a little history behind each name.
To learn more about surnames from around the world, check out our articles about Chinese surnames and Slavic surnames.
Ancient Mongolian Surnames
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Ancient Mongolian names were more auspicious than most other names. These names were diffused with foreign languages and other cultures.
Mongols and Mongolians are sometimes used interchangeably but are not the same thing. The former refers to people from a specific ethnic group, while the latter refers to individuals who live in the country and could be from anywhere originally. The term Mongols is also used to refer to the ancestors of Mongolian people today.
Now, letâs find out some of the ancient Mongolian names of history. Mongolian clan names make the most of this list.
1. Aigiarn (Mongol origin) means âshining moon,â and it is the name of one of Kublai Khanâs nieces.
2. Altanbaatariin (Mongol origin) means âgoldenâ or âred dawnâ.
3. Atkiray (Mongol origin) means âstallionâ.
4. Berke (Turkish origin) means “difficult”, “hard” or “strong”.
5. Borte (Mongol origin) the name of the first wife of Genghis Khan, the most famous Mongolian.
6. Budashiri (Arabic origin) the meaning of this surname is unknown.
7. Buqu (Mongol origin) meaning âdeerâ
8. Buyantu (Mongol origin) meaning âgoodâ or âblessedâ.
9. Chabi (Mongol origin) was an Empress and was later married to Kublai Khan, making her the wife of the Mongol Khagan dynasty.
10. Conchaka (Mongol origin) the meaning of this name is unknown.
11. Gegeen (Mongol origin) meaning âbrightâ or âenlightenedâ.
12. Goland (Unknown origin) the meaning of this name is unknown.
13. Guyuk (Mongol origin) this was the name of the third Great Khan of the Mongolian Empire.
14. Jayaatu (Mongol origin) in the Mongol Empire, Jayaatu is regarded as the 12th Great Khan.
15. Jochi (Mongol origin) meaning âguest,â this surname was sometimes given to a child whose paternity was uncertain. It was the name of one of the sons of Mongol Khagan.
16. Genghis (Mongol origin) means âuniversal rulerâ and was adopted by the founder of the Mongol Empire Temujin (who became Genghis Khan).
17. Keremun (Mongol origin) meaning âsquirrelâ.
18. Khutughtu (Mongol origin) meaning âblessed,â and this was the name of the 13th Khagan of the Mongol Empire.
19. Kokachin (Mongol origin) was the name of the Princess of the Yuan dynasty and belonged to the Mongol tribe Bayaut.
20. Kokecu (Mongol origin)meaning âtitmouseâ.
21. Kucugur (Mongol origin) meaning âfieldmouseâ.
22. Kulug (Mongol origin) meaning âhero,â and was given to a brave male figure.
23. Mandughai (Mongol origin) the meaning of this name is uncertain.
24. Mongke (Mongol origin) meaning âeternalâ or âeverlasting,â usually given to male children.
25. Ăgeday (Mongol origin) was the name of the son of Genghis Khan.
26. Ăgedei (Turkish origin) the meaning is unknown, but the name came about by the second Khagan of the Mongol Empire.
27. Ăgoljin (Mongol origin) meaning âhoopoeâ.
28. Orqina (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is not certain.
29. Qaliyun (Mongol origin) meaning âotterâ
30. Qongqor (Mongol origin) meaning âchestnut,â the horse color.
31. Ragibagh (Mongol origin). In the Mongol Empire, he is regarded as the 11th Great Khan.
32. Rinchinbal (Tibetan origin) derived from two phrases, ‘chen’ means âvaluable, preciousâ and ‘dbal’ means âsplendor, gloryâ.
33. Solangqa (Mongol origin) meaning âmartenâ.
34. Sorkhaqtani (Mongol origin) the wife of Ogodei and mother of Great Khan Mongke.
35. Toghon (Mongol origin) meaning âpotâ.
36. Toregene (Mongol origin) was a Great Khatun and a Regent of the Mongol Empire.
37. Ular (Mongol origin) meaning âblack gooseâ.
38. Ălgen (Turkish origin) meaning âmagnificentâ.
39. Unuyucar (Mongol origin) meaning âfoalâ.
40. Uquna (Mongol origin) meaning âmale goatâ.
41. Yesun (Mongol origin) refers to the number nine, which is considered to be a lucky number and represents abundance.
42. Zhenjin (Chinese origin) means âtrue goldâ, he was the second son of Kublai Khan and the head of the Central Secretariat.
Modern Mongolian Surnames
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Mongolian names have undergone a change in recent history. Whilst, widespread cultural diffusion can be seen in some of the past names, in recent years the country has gone back to its roots and more traditional names have become popular again.
Take a look at the most common Mongolian surnames of today in this list. When pronouncing these names, the vowel sounds must be pronounced harshly.
43. Abaka (Tagalog origin) means âplantâ.
44. Altankhuyag (Mongol origin) means “golden foreheadâ. Famous last name bearer: Former Prime Minister of Mongolia, Norovyn Altankhuyag.
45. Baatar (Mongol origin) means âheroâ.
46. Batmönkh (Mongol origin)is a well known first name in Mongolia today.
47. Batsaikhan (Mongol origin) means âstrong” and “niceâ.
48. Battulga (Mongol origin)is a strong masculine name.
49. Boldbaatar (Russian origin) although the name originates from Russia, it is mostly used in Mongolia today.
50. Byambajav (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is not quite clear.
51. Chuluunbaatar (Russian origin) the meaning of the name is unknown, but it is a name that is predominantly found in Asia.
52. Damdin (Mongol origin) means âred heroâ and is used to honor a brave soldier.
53. DamdinsĂŒren (Mongol origin)was the name of a military commander and Mongolian diplomat who fought for the independence of Mongolia in 1911.
54. Davaa (Mongol origin) means âbelovedâ.
55. Dorj (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is unclear.
56. Enkhtör (Mongol origin) the name’s meaning is unknown.
57. Erdene (Mongol origin) means âjewelâ.
58. Gankhuyag (Russian origin) is a name that is more common in Mongolia than in any other part of the world.
59. GansĂŒkh (Mongol origin) means âsteel-axâ.
60. Gombo (Hungarian origin) an occupational name for someone who combs wool.
61. GombosĂŒren (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is unknown.
62. Jargal (Mongol origin) means âhappiness,â and is also a way of signifying people.
63. Jargalsaikhan (Mongol origin) is derived from two words, ‘zhargal’ meaning “happiness” and ‘saikhan’ meaning “handsome, nice and beautiful”.
64. KhĂŒrelbaatar (Mongol origin) the meaning of this name is unknown.
65. Lkhagva (Tibetan origin) means “mercury, Wednesday”.
66. Mönkhbayar (Mongol origin) means “eternal joy”.
67. Mönkhjargal (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is unknown.
68. Namsrai (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is unknown.
69. Natsagdorj (Mongol origin) thisis the name of a famous poet and writer.
70. Nyamdorj (Mongol origin) a famous bearer of the name, is Mongolia politician, Tsendiin Nyamdorj.
71. NyamsĂŒren (Mongol origin)is one of the most common names in Mongolia.
72. Ochirbat (Mongol origin) is a name given to someone of great prominence.
73. Otgonbaatar (Mongol origin)is a name given to a strong leader.
74. PĂŒrevdorj (Mongol origin) is a popular male given name.
75. PĂŒrevsĂŒren (Mongol origin) is a name given to a child who is considered special.
76. Sambuu (Mongol origin) is a popular matronymic name in Mongolia.
77. Sharav (Arabic origin) meaning âhonorâ.
78. SĂŒkhbaatar (Mongol origin) means âaxe heroâ and is symbolic for a strong hero.
79. Tömörbaatar (Mongol origin) means âiron heroâ.
80. Tsend (Chinese origin) means âhighâ.
81. Tserendorj (Mongol origin) is the name of a well known Buddhist.
82. Uuganbayar (Mongol origin) the name has roots in Russian and can be spelt in the Russian language, however, it is one of the most prominent names in Mongolia today.
Popular Mongolian Surnames
Over the years, some names have gained more popularity than others. These names are the most recent names that are very much in circulation today.
Since Mongolian last names are patronymic, they are generally represented by the initials, and the bearer is primarily addressed by his or her given name. Here are some common Mongolian last names for you to learn about.
83. Altantsetseg (Mongol origin) means âgolden flowerâ.
84. Batbayar (Mongol origin) means âunyielding happinessâ.
85. Bat-Erdene (Mongol origin) meaning âfirm jewelâ.
86. Batjargal (Mongol origin) meaning âfirm happinessâ.
87. Bolormaa (Mongol origin) means âcrystal ladyâ.
88. Enkhjargal (Mongol origin) means âhappiness, peacefulâ.
89. Enkhtuya (Mongol origin) meaning âray of peaceâ.
90. Erdenechimeg (Mongol origin) means âjewel decorationâ.
91. Ganbaatar (Mongol origin) means âsteel heroâ.
92. Ganbold (Mongol origin) means âsteelâ.
93. Gantulga (Mongol origin) means âsteel hearthâ.
94. Ganzorig (Mongol origin) meaning âcourage of steelâ.
95. LkhagvasĂŒren (Mongol origin) meaning âgreat healerâ.
96. Narantsetseg (Mongol origin) meaning âsunflowerâ.
97. NergĂŒi (Mongol origin) meaning ânamelessâ.
98. Mönkhbat (Mongol origin) meaning âeternal firmityâ.
99. Mönkh-Erdene (Mongol origin) meaning âeternal jewel
100. Mönkhtsetseg (Mongol origin) means âeternal flowerâ.
101. Otgonbayar (Mongol origin) meaning âbudding happinessâ.
102. Oyuunchimeg (Mongol origin) means âdecoration consisting of a notable mindâ.
Unique Mongolian Surnames
The Mongolian surnames list below includes some that are less than common around the world, and even in their country of origin. Most of these Mongolian nomadic names are personal and are often used as a patronymic last name.
A father can decide to use his personal name as the family name if he wishes in Mongolia. Many of these unique Mongolian family names have been derived in this way.
103. AltansĂŒkh (Mongol origin) is a very unique family name.
104. Amarjargal (Mongol origin) means âgolden heroâ.
105. Avirmed (Mongol origin) means âborder personâ.
106. Battömör (Mongol origin) is a name that is not commonly found in Mongolia.
107. Batnasan (Mongol origin) is a name of Buddhist origin that is not commonly used.
108. Battsengel (Mongol origin) means âthe bowedâ.
109. Bolormaa (Mongol origin) means âcrystal womanâ.
110. Chagetai (Mongol origin) this is a family name in Mongolia.
111. Dash (Mongol origin) is usually used as a topographical name.
112. Davaanyam (Mongol origin) is a unique patronymic name.
113. Enebish (Mongol origin) means ânot this oneâ.
114. Enkhtuyaa (Mongol origin) means âray of peaceâ.
115. Gombojav (Mongol origin) is sometimes used as a first name.
116. Jadamba (Mongol origin) means âfarmerâ or âearth workerâ.
117. Janchiv (Mongol origin) the meaning of this name is not quite known.
118. Khaltar (Turkic origin) means âthe westâ.
119. Luvsandorj (Mongolian origin), the meaning of this name is unknown.
120. Mendbayar (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is not quite certain.
121. Narangerel (Mongol origin) means âsun lightâ.
122. Narantsetseg (Mongol origin) means âsun flowerâ.
123. Nyamdavaa (Indian origin) the meaning of the name is not clear.
124. Odgerel (Mongol origin) the name is not very common at all.
125. Oidov (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name is not known.
126. Otgon (Mongol origin) is a regional name that refers to a province in western Mongolia.
127. Oyuunchimeg (Mongol origin) means âdecorated nobleâ.
128. Oyuuntsetseg (Mongol origin) a gender neutral first name that can also be used as a surname.
129. Puntsag (Mongol origin) another non gendered name.
130. Ragchaa (Sanskrit origin) means âarchetype,â and is most often used to refer to things in nature.
131. Rentsendorj (Mongol origin) the meaning of the name isn’t clear.
132. Samdan (Persian origin) the meaning is not certain.
133. Sandag (Mongol origin) mostly given to boys.
134. Sanjaa (Croatian origin) means âdreamâ.
135. Sodnom (Mongol origin) is a unique name that also has some roots in Russia.
136. Sumyaa (Mongol origin) a beautiful Mongolian last name.
137. Terbish (Mongol origin) means ânot that oneâ.
138. Togtokh (Mongol origin) the meaning of this name is unknown.
139. Tsend-Ayuush (Mongol origin) a good surname, but one that is rare in Mongolia today.
140. Tseveen (Mongol origin) a rare name.
141. Tsegmid (Mongol origin) is a patronymic name.
142. Tsogtbaatar (Mongol origin) means âwhite crestâ.
143. Tsogbadrakh (Mongol origin) the meaning is not clear.
144. Tungalag (Mongol origin) means âjewel clearâ.
145. Ulambayar (Mongol origin) is a special patronymic name.
146. Uranchimeg (Mongol origin) can be used as a character name.
147. YadamsĂŒren (Mongol origin) the name is found mostly in Asia among its few bearers.
148. Yondon (Mongolian origin) an unusual name.
149. Zorigtbaatar (Mongol origin) means âagitated personâ.
150. Zundui (Mongol origin) a good patronymic name.
has lots of great names articles to inspire you. If you liked our suggestions for Mongolian surnames with meanings and history then why not take a look at our list of the best Norse surnames or something different like these nifty ninja names.
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