Find out how popular the first name Sotheary has been for the last 7 years (from 1982 to 1988) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sotheary by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Sotheary is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1988, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sotheary.

The history of the first name Sotheary

The given name Sotheary has its origins in the Khmer language, which is the official language of Cambodia. It is believed to have emerged during the Angkorian period, which spanned from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The name is derived from the Khmer words "sot" meaning "pure" and "theary" meaning "philosophy" or "wisdom". Thus, the name Sotheary can be interpreted as "pure wisdom" or "pure philosophy".

Records of the name Sotheary can be found in ancient Khmer inscriptions and texts from the Angkorian era. It is likely that the name was initially used by members of the Khmer nobility or scholars during that time period. The name's association with wisdom and purity made it a popular choice for those seeking to honor these virtues.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sotheary dates back to the 11th century. An inscription from the Preah Vihear Temple, built during the reign of the Khmer King Suryavarman I, mentions a woman named Sotheary who was a member of the royal court.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Sotheary. In the 16th century, Princess Sotheary was a member of the Khmer royal family and played a significant role in the political affairs of the time. During the 19th century, Sotheary Nou was a renowned Khmer poet and scholar whose works celebrated the beauty of the Khmer language and culture.

In the 20th century, Sotheary Kak (1904-1978) was a prominent Cambodian educator and women's rights activist. She founded the first private school for girls in Phnom Penh and fought tirelessly for gender equality in education. Sotheary Bun (1922-2005) was a celebrated Cambodian actress and singer, known for her performances in classical Khmer dance and theater productions.

Another notable figure with the name Sotheary is Sotheary Pich (born 1967), a Cambodian-American businesswoman and entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Sotheary Brands, a successful cosmetics company that promotes traditional Khmer beauty and wellness products.

These examples illustrate the enduring cultural significance of the name Sotheary in Cambodian society, as well as its association with wisdom, purity, and excellence across various fields throughout history.

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 Sotheary was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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