norbu

Norbu is a Tibetan given name meaning jewel. The word derives from Tibetan norbu, typically translated as jewel or treasure. In Tibetan naming practices, Norbu is commonly used as a masculine given name and often appears as one element in longer compound names.

The name is widely used among Tibetan communities in Tibet and across the Tibetan diaspora, including in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. As a component of compound names, Norbu can accompany other elements to form traditional personal names that are passed down through generations. Variations in spelling arise from transliteration systems, but the meaning remains tied to the concept of a jewel or precious value.

Notable individuals with Norbu as part of their name include Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche (1938–2016), a respected Tibetan Dzogchen master and teacher who lived and taught internationally. Another well-known bearer is Jamyang Norbu, a Tibetan writer and activist recognized for his work on Tibetan politics and culture. Beyond these figures, Norbu appears in various Tibetan and Himalayan contexts as a familiar given-name element.

In summary, Norbu is a traditional Tibetan given name with the meaning of jewel, used across Tibetan-speaking communities and in the broader Himalayan region. It is most often encountered as part of longer names and is associated with a variety of cultural and spiritual lineages.