Find out how popular the first name Ngawang has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ngawang by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Ngawang is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 79% of people named Ngawang being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ngawang.

The history of the first name Ngawang

The name Ngawang has its origins in the Tibetan language and culture, dating back several centuries. It is derived from the Tibetan words "nga" meaning "I" or "self," and "wang" meaning "power" or "authority." Thus, the name Ngawang can be interpreted to mean "self-empowered" or "self-realized."

This name has deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It has been commonly bestowed upon Buddhist monks and lamas, often as a monastic name or dharma name. The earliest recorded use of the name Ngawang can be traced back to the 15th century, during the time of the Dalai Lamas and the rise of the Gelug tradition in Tibet.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Ngawang was Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the 5th Dalai Lama, who lived from 1617 to 1682. He was a prominent religious leader and played a crucial role in the unification of Tibet during his reign. Another significant figure was Ngawang Namgyal, a 16th-century Tibetan Buddhist master and the founder of the Ngor Monastery in central Tibet.

In the 17th century, Ngawang Sonam Geleg Pelzangpo, also known as the First Panchen Lama, was an influential Buddhist scholar and teacher. He was recognized as the first in the lineage of the Panchen Lamas, a prestigious position in Tibetan Buddhism.

The 19th century saw the birth of Ngawang Lobsang Thupten Gyatso, also known as the 13th Dalai Lama, who ruled from 1876 to 1933. He played a significant role in modernizing Tibet and establishing diplomatic relations with other countries.

Another notable figure was Ngawang Kalzang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama, who lived from 1683 to 1706. Although his reign was short, he left behind a legacy of poetry and writings that are still studied and appreciated today.

While the name Ngawang has its roots in Tibetan Buddhism, it has also been adopted by non-monastic individuals in Tibet and neighboring regions, particularly among those with a strong cultural or spiritual connection to Tibetan traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ngawang was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ngawang, please contact us.

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