Malay Names & Surnames
Orang Asli Names Malay names have undergone tremendous change, evolving with the times to reflect the different influences that the Malays been subjected over the ages.
The first and most ancient are the names of the Malay indigenous or Orang Asli tribes. These are names that have not yet reflected the different cultural and religious influence that the Malays have been subjected. They are actually words that reflect attributes, environmental conditions and natural objects.
Names with Hindu Connotations The majority of the Malays was converted to Hinduism and came under the influence of Hindu culture. Names and titles which have Hindu connotations emerged. They include: Sang Nila Utama, Bendahara Paduka Raja, Hang Tuah, Hang Jabat, Parameswara, Dewi Kusuma and tun Sri Lanang
Some of the titles mentioned are still used among the Malay royalty or ministers in the Malay Archipelago.