The Tibetans have their family names from the ancient times. It is called Ruimuniang in Tibetan. Since the Buddhism was brought in, the names have been greatly changed. The monks also have their own addressing, that is Zhamuniang or Qumuniang in Tibet . The names of the senior monks cannot be addressed, while the name of his birthplace, the title, or the profession will be put in front of his original name to show the respect.

The local name is Zhuangmuniang in Tibetan. When the child is a month old, his or her grandparents and parents will give his or her a local name. The words cuo, ji, ma, ga, xian are usually given to the girls such as Rucairangcuo, Lareji, Yangjinma and Lumu, while zhaxi, caixiu, duoji are usually given to the boys. Sometimes they are also named after the gods and goddess such as Nanmula, Gongga, Gongmuque, Sangji, Yangjin and Langmu. Sometimes they are named after the natural beauties such as Nima (sun), Jiacuo (sea), Ge 'erma (star) and Meiduo (flower). Besides, when the child is always sick, he or she will be given the name Kuntai'er, which means the diseases can be taken away from the child.

There are usually two, three, or four words in the name of Tibetans in Tianzhu. Most people have their names of four words. They usually call each other for short or call their pet name or nick names. The nick name is Cangmuniang in Tibetan. In order to avoid bearing the same name with others, some other names will be put in front of the original name such as the name of his birthplace.