Rattanakul

The origin of the surname Rattanakul

Rattanakul joins ratana, “jewel,” and kul, “family/lineage.”

What kind of surname is Rattanakul?

As a descriptive surname (or nickname name), the surname Rattanakul arose from a personal characteristic — a physical trait, a quality of temperament, or a distinguishing feature of its first bearer. Communities have always coined nicknames, and in the age before fixed surnames these vivid, affectionate or teasing labels — referring to hair colour, stature, complexion or character — frequently became hereditary. Descriptive surnames give an unusually human glimpse of an ancestor, hinting at how they looked or how they were regarded by the people around them.

How Thai surnames work

Thai surnames are a modern invention, introduced by law only in 1913 under King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). By law each family name had to be unique, so Thai surnames are often long, elaborate and drawn from Sanskrit and Pali roots evoking prosperity, virtue or nature. In everyday life Thais are known and addressed by their given name; the surname is secondary.