Naming System for Perak-Born Children
Every Perak-born child and anyone marrying into a Perak family should know about the traditional naming conventions and titles used in Perak.
While birth-order titles like 'along' and 'angah' are common in other states, Perak has unique nuances that modern society may have overlooked. For those living in Perak, the titles 'Yoep' (for males) and 'Yong' (for females) are synonymous with the state. Have you ever wondered about the history behind these titles often used by the Malay community in Perak? Continue reading this article to learn more. For our loyal readers at orangperak.com, please note that the title for the eldest child, regardless of gender, is typically 'along'. This is a common title heard throughout Malaysia. Our society is very accustomed to using such titles when addressing aunts and uncles, as listed below:
- Pak Long / Mak Long
- Pak Ngah / Mak Ngah
- Pak Lang / Mak Lang
- Pak Teh / Mak Teh
- Pak Jang / Mak Jang
- Pak Ndak / Mak Ndak
- Pak Tam / Mak Tam
- Pak Su / Mak Su
In the past in Perak, a person's actual name would be paired with a title based on their birth order. It was very easy to identify a person's birth order in the family just by knowing their name. This is the uniqueness of the traditional naming system in Perak. As mentioned, Perak-born children would have these titles placed before their actual names. Did you know, loyal readers of orangperak.com, that for the eldest son, the titles 'Yoep', 'Kulop', or 'Lope' were used, while for the eldest daughter, the title 'Yong' was used?
Eldest Child: Kulop / Lope / Yoep / Yong / Chor
For example, if the eldest son's name was Pudin, it would become Yoep Pudin, Kulop Pudin, or Lope Pudin. Consequently, his younger siblings would address him as 'Yoep'. For the eldest daughter, if her name was Yati, she would be called 'Yong Yati', leading her siblings to address her as 'Yong'.
Second Child: Ngah / Nyah
What about the second child in a Perak family? This title is commonly used throughout Malaysia by the Malay community. It is none other than 'Ngah'. Regardless of gender, if they are the second child, 'Ngah' is placed before their name, such as Ngah Ibrahim or Ngah Fatimah.
Third Child: Alang / Yang
Furthermore, for the third child in the family, the title used is 'Alang'. For example, it would be used as Alang Iskandar for a male and Alang Halimah for a female.
Fourth Child: Ndak
For the fourth child, the title 'Ndak' is still commonly used today when addressing aunts and uncles. In the past, Perakians would use 'Pandak' for males, such as Pandak Lam, and 'Andak' for females, such as Andak Sumaiyah.
Fifth Child: Njang
To identify the fifth child, the prefix 'Panjang' is used for males and 'Anjang' for females. For example, Panjang Wahab for a male and Anjang Timah for a female.
Sixth Child: Teh
For the sixth child, the title 'Teh' is used before their name, such as Teh Budin or Teh Kamariah. Interestingly, for the sixth daughter, the name 'Cik Putih' or 'Cik Puteh' is also frequently used.
Youngest Child: Busu / Su
The youngest child, often called 'adik' today, was traditionally referred to by the title 'Busu' or 'Su' placed before their name. For example, Busu Azman for a male and Su Sabariah for a female. Perhaps today, many no longer prioritize these traditional titles. We live in a modern era where people prefer modern names, often resulting in very long names. Nevertheless, while we must adapt to the times, these customs and naming traditions should be preserved so they are not lost or forgotten.
