The Significance Of Na (ณ) In Thai Surnames

[Thai at Heart]

So where does Narongmee come from?

A google search doesn't turn up much of anything about rongmee...

I know that Wikipedia isn't always the most reliable, but it isn't in here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_royal_and_noble_titles

Anyone know?

[JetsetBkk]

So where does Narongmee come from?

A google search doesn't turn up much of anything about rongmee...

I know that Wikipedia isn't always the most reliable, but it isn't in here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_royal_and_noble_titles

Anyone know?

There's a little bit here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_name

[JetsetBkk]

Just saw a "Na Galasin" in a movie end credits:

I presume it's another way of spelling (transliterating?) กาฬสินธุ์ (Kalasin).

Edited November 5, 2009 by JetsetBkk

[Hugh Jarse]

In the 19th century Thailand was not yet 100% united behind the Chakri dynasty. The country was still tied to a strong local patron-client social structure that was at odds with a unified central government. As a means to cajole the local lords (caos) to accept sovereignty from Bangkok without rebelling, the throne in Bangkok handed out to ruling families titled names akin to the feudal titles in Europe, a Thai version of a Duchy. Thus the ruling families in the larger muangs were given names such as Na Chiang Mai, Na Ayuttaya, etc. Since these families were landed aristocracy, they continue to be powerful families within the broader society. Although now enough time has passed that not all that bear the name are of such high status and some of the fruit has fallen far from the tree. But in general it notes that the great great grandparents were local rulers.

Do you have a source(s) for this posting?