From time to time, strangers and acquaintants ask me what my name “Kounila” really means. All I can say is that there’s a reason why I was named “Kounila”.
People who hear my name for the first time think the name holder isn’t Cambodian. They even reckon I’m half-blood Thai or Laotian, even Fillipino. But their heart can be broken into pieces when they look at me. I’m 50% brown and have an average height–100% Cambodian.
The story is like this: “Once upon a time, there’s a beautiful princess.” Oops, I know that it shouldn’t start like that. Since my older sister’s name is Maly, it’s reasonable for me to have a name “Nila”. 
My mother told me I was born in March. According to the Khmer calendar, March is “Phalkun”.
If you see that bold “K”, you will know what I mean. My first name starts with “K”, and “Nila” rhymes reversely with “Maly”. So, here I am “Kounila”.
I know that everybody loves their name and their uniqueness. I have no other different idea. I adore my name too and hope to live with it with “a good name” in society. ^_^
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What a cute story!
Your sister was named Maly so fortunately you were not named Mila, but Nila.
I agree with TSK, your name should be Mila…
But your name is sooo cute.
I don’t know why my dad named me Sovathary! I like the Sovath part. Coz it sounds monarchy, And Thary is so simple, goody goody. But when we put it together: Sovathary is a perfect name after all! Your post makes me love my real name even more. But your name, it’s strangely beautiful. PS: Can I add you to my blog list?
@ Sir Nicholas: Thank you. Your Indian name is very cute too.
@ TSK: Yes, my name should have been MIla, but “Mi” sounds very comtemptible in Cambodia, so my mom chose the best for me, NIla.
@ Panharath: Thank you. Your name has a very good meaning, you know?…Panha = intelligent, Rath: beautiful girl.. so Panharath means an intelligent and beautiful girl
@ Nathary: Sovathary, your name is the lattest and cutest name… it’s like Eric with Erica …and Sovath and Sovathary….hee.hee… Yes, it’s perfect. none of others have this name, u know
… very unique.. Yes, please add mine to your blog list…
P.S. I think I have commented in your blog before.. you visited my blog long ago
K.Knila
it’s a beautiful name indeed! love it,it’s pretty much a déjà-vu to me…by the way, im ur secret admirer
Every name has its way of uniqueness! Kounila, Nathary n Panharath. Ha-ha I love them all. teehee
it’s a beautiful name indeed! love it,it’s pretty much a déjà-vu to me…by the way, im ur secret admirer
Thank you, my secret admirer. I know who you are!! Shh..I’ll keep it secret!
Hey Panharath,
I love your name too!
Are you for real? I thought i was in disguise,..lol
i gotta blame Google/blogger for that!
secret admirer,