Ngawang

Ngawang is a Tibetan given name widely used in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. It is typically masculine and often appears as part of longer compound names or titles in religious and secular contexts. The name carries historical and cultural resonance across Tibetan Buddhist history and in adjacent communities.

In Tibetan history, several notable figures bore the name Ngawang. Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the Fifth Dalai Lama (1619–1682), is one of the most prominent bearers; he played a central role in unifying Tibet and shaping the relationship between religious and political authority in the Gelug tradition. Another well-known figure is Ngawang Namgyal, a 17th-century leader who founded the Namgyal dynasty of Sikkim and ruled as Chogyal, helping establish Tibetan-Buddhist influence in the region.

Beyond these well-known individuals, the name Ngawang appears across various religious lineages, noble families, and contemporary communities within Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s Himalayan states. It can function as a standalone given name or appear as the initial element in longer names, reflecting its ongoing presence in Tibetan-speaking cultures. In modern times, people named Ngawang continue to be found in religious orders, scholarship, and public life, illustrating the name’s enduring significance in the region.