Chantra is a unique and beautiful name of Khmer origin, the native language of Cambodia. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sankhya," which means "number" or "calculation." In Khmer culture, names often have numerical associations, and Chantra is no exception.
The name Chantra has a rich history in Cambodian literature and folklore. It is most famously associated with one of the characters in the ancient Khmer epic poem, the "Reamker," which is Cambodia's version of the Indian Ramayana. In this epic tale, Chantra is the name of a magical bird that plays an important role in helping the heroic prince Ream defeat his enemies.
Today, Chantra is still a popular name among Cambodians and those with Khmer heritage around the world. It is often given to girls, but it can also be used as a boy's name. Despite its numerical origins, Chantra is not typically associated with any specific numbers or ages in Cambodian culture. Instead, it is seen as a name that carries positive connotations of wisdom, knowledge, and magical powers.
In summary, Chantra is a unique and historically significant name of Khmer origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "Sankhya." It has a rich history in Cambodian literature and folklore, most notably as the name of a magical bird in the "Reamker" epic poem. Today, it is still a popular name among Cambodians and those with Khmer heritage around the world.
The name Chantra has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. In 1987, there were 5 newborns named Chantra. The following year, the number of babies given this name increased to 9. However, it decreased again in 1990 with only 5 births recorded for that year.
While these figures may fluctuate from year to year, it's important to note that the total number of births for the name Chantra over these three years is 19. This demonstrates that while the popularity of this name may not be widespread, there are still families who choose this unique moniker for their children.