puteri

Puteri is a term in Malay and Indonesian that denotes a princess or female member of royalty. It serves as the feminine form in royal and ceremonial contexts and is used to refer to young noblewomen and daughters of monarchs in Malay-speaking regions.

Etymology and variants: Puteri derives from the Sanskrit putri, meaning daughter. In Indonesian, the spelling putri is more common, while Malay uses puteri. In both languages, the term can also function as a given name in modern usage.

Royal and cultural usage: In monarchies such as Malaysia and Brunei, Puteri appears in titles indicating royal status, for example Puteri Mahkota (Crown Princess) or Puteri Diraja (Princess of the Royal Family). Puteri Gunung Ledang is a famous figure in Malay folklore, a legendary princess in classical literature. In contemporary popular culture, the term appears in beauty pageants, such as Puteri Indonesia, which selects a national representative for international competitions.

Modern usage and naming: Beyond royal contexts, Puteri is commonly used as a female given name in Malay-speaking communities. In Indonesian contexts, Putri is more commonly used as a given name, but Puteri may still occur as a personal name, especially in communities influenced by Malay spelling conventions.

Overall, puteri embodies traditional conceptions of female royalty in Malay-language spheres and persists as a cultural and linguistic element in naming and identity.