Hello! I’m non-binary. I’ve been searching for a new name for myself for several years. None of the names I’ve ever tested out have felt right. Recently, I discovered the name Niran. I absolutely fell in love with it, but I’m not sure if it would be okay for me to use. I’ve looked into it and I’ve seen others say it’s cross-cultural and has multiple origins, but I’ve mainly seen it be called a Thai name. I am not Thai, I’m Hispanic. My birth name is actually of Hawaiian origin, my brothers is of Egyptian origin. I grew up always thinking that my name being Hawaiian was an appreciation for Hawaiian culture, and nobody around me ever found it to be offensive or appropriation. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that some may see using names of other cultures as inappropriate. I was wondering if anyone on here had any input on me potentially using the name Niran, and if it would be inappropriate for me to do so. And if so, if anyone had suggestions for names similar that WOULD be appropriate. Thank you!
I did a bit of research and it looks like the name is also occasionally used in Turkey, but it does seem to be primarily used in Thailand. That said, it’s rare enough that I think it’s okay? It’s not very common in Thailand, and in an English context it has a generic enough sound (reminds me of names like Ronan and Nolan) that if you told me you came up with the name by yourself, I would have believed you.
Some ideas: Rowan, Reyes, Remi, Nico, River, Eden, Nikita, Noel, Loren, Rafa, Manu, Arden, Cameron, Devin, Ellis, Linden, Sasha, Robin
[name_m]Niran[/name_m] can apparently have Hebrew, Yoruba, Arabic, and Persian connections too [name_f][/name_f]- like many names that are used across cultures. I think in this case, you could use it 
A few others:
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] / [name_m]Silvan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Niko[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Ren[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Olin[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Corin[/name_m]
I think generally speaking most people are not offended by people using names from other cultures so long as you’ve done your research and know it’s origin and whether or not the name has special significance in said culture. As a lot of names can have origins in many different cultures.
[name_f][/name_f]That said [name_m]Niran[/name_m] feels like it fits in trend wise, it hasnthe same kind of feel as names like jackson/rowan/hudson/Nixon while still being distinct. The only negative I could see might be pronunciation, as at least where I’m from, I could see it being pronounced both nee-ran & nye-ran
I think it matters if the culture the name comes from was persecuted by the culture you come from. If not, and you personally respect the culture and it is not a special name that is known to be offensive if used by other cultures (ex. Cohen), then it’s fine. I think it’s great that you are being sensitive to this and I hope you get to enjoy your new name that you have waited for so long.
I agree that it’s fine to use. Congratulations on finding a name you truly love!
I’ve never met anyone in real life who claimed to be offended by someone else’s name. I think that’s a very online thing.
[name_f][/name_f]I had no idea [name_m]Niran[/name_m] was Thai but I’m not familiar with Thai names at all. I think most people aren’t going to know the origin. In any case it doesn’t seem to be an exclusively Thai name [name_f][/name_f]- Wikipedia has an article on an American politician in the 19th century named [name_m]Niran[/name_m] Withee, so it must have some other origin(s) too. It doesn’t stand out as being an obviously South-East [name_f]Asian[/name_f] name in [name_f]English[/name_f] so I think it’s fine.
Niran is most commonly cited as a Thai name, meaning “eternal” or “forever.” There are mentions of other possible origins, but Thai usage is the most widely recognized.
Using a name from another culture isn’t inherently appropriation - it depends on context, intention, and awareness. In many cases, it’s seen as appreciation, especially when done respectfully.
Some people worry about cultural appropriation when a name carries strong cultural or religious significance, or if using it could come across as trivializing a culture.
In your case:
- You are drawn to the meaning and sound of Niran.
- You are aware of its origins and are thoughtful about context.
- You’re not claiming a cultural identity that isn’t yours.
All of this generally leans toward respectful use rather than appropriation. Many people around the world choose names from other languages or cultures because of the meanings or sounds, and as long as it’s not done in a mocking or stereotypical way, it is usually considered okay.
Names are deeply personal. If Niran feels like you, that’s a very strong signal.
If you want to keep a similar feel but are looking for options that are less tied to a single culture, you could explore: Niran, Niko, Arian, Kiran, Soren, Nirian, Nirel
It’s been a while since you posted this, but I really want to add that the most Latino thing you can do is get a foreign-sounding name because you thought it was cool. That’s basically how 50% of names in our culture are chosen, and as you told us, you have examples in your own family. It would be cultural appropriation if your culture had colonized the Thai… but we did not. There are exceptions to this, but in my experience, it’s rare that people fuck up that badly.
[name_f][/name_f]Congrats on your name, it’s lovely <3
Never heard of the name but I love it and I think you could definitely use it without causing any offence.