Meaning & History
Etymology
Jigme is a Tibetan given name meaning "fearless" or "brave." It is derived from the Tibetan word འཇིགས་མེད ('jigs med), which is often translated as "fearless" or "without fear." The name is unisex in its usage, common among Tibetans both in Tibet and in diaspora communities.
Notable Bearers
The name is especially prominent in Bhutan, where it has been used by several monarchs of the Wangchuck dynasty. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1929–1972) was the third Druk Gyalpo (King) of Bhutan, known for modernizing the country. His grandson, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, is the current king, having reigned since 2006. Another notable figure is Jigme Senge, a prominent lama in Tibetan Buddhism.
Cultural Significance
In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, names through snga-mo bestowing are chosen for their auspicious meanings. "Jigme" reflects the spiritual ideal of fearlessness—a key quality on the path to enlightenment, as emphasized in the practice of the Bodhisattva. The name thus carries deep religious and cultural weight.
- Meaning: fearless, brave
- Origin: Tibetan
- Type: Given name (unisex)
- Usage regions: Tibet, Bhutan, Tibetan diaspora