Ratnam

Ratnam is a name used as both a given name and a surname in parts of South Asia, particularly among Tamil and Telugu communities in India and in Sri Lanka. The form derives from the Sanskrit ratna, meaning jewel or gem, and it is often associated with value, beauty, and auspiciousness in Indian naming traditions. In Tamil and Sinhala contexts, Ratnam is commonly used as a masculine given name and can also appear as a surname or as part of a compound name. The spelling and pronunciation vary with transliteration, with common variants including Rathnam, Ratnan, or Ratna, reflecting regional scripts and linguistic differences.

The name is found across India and in the South Asian diaspora, appearing in literary, academic, professional, and cultural contexts. As a personal name and a family name, Ratnam has been adopted by individuals in diverse fields, from business and education to the arts and public life. Its usage illustrates the broader South Asian practice of names drawn from valued objects or qualities, such as jewels or gems, to convey positive attributes.

Variants and related names include Ratna, Rathnam, Ratnav, and other transliterations that arise from different languages and scripts. These forms share the same root meaning and are used in overlapping communities, sometimes leading to variations in spelling within families or regions.

See also: Ratna, Rathnam, Ratnav.