Why Did Pharaohs Have Five Names? Ancient Egyptian Facts

Let’s face it, we have a lot of unspoken rules when it comes to our names. For example, your last name seems to only ever gets used at the doctors. Your nickname is solely voiced by your best friend on the playground. And your middle name is saved for those less-than-fun occasions when your mum shouts at you.

And things get a bit weird if these rules get mixed up. It would be odd if your doctor called you by your nickname or your friend used your middle name during a kickabout at lunchtime.

But that’s nothing compared to the rules for ancient Egyptian pharaohs.

Egyptian pharaohs had five names! Five! Each name had its own important meaning and use. And they couldn’t get their names mixed up, otherwise people might start questioning their right to rule, or the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt might end up at war. Uh oh!

If you’re wondering why a pharaoh would need quite so many names and what they could all possibly be used for, you’re not alone. We’ve given you a full breakdown below, including what each name means, when the pharaoh would be given the name and the name’s use.

Why Did Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs Have Five Names?

Name 1 – Pharaoh’s Godly Name

My oh my, what a big crown you have Horus!

Called:

The Horus name, linking the pharaoh with the falcon god of kingship, Horus.

Given to the Pharaoh:

When he or she is crowned.

Represents:

Kingship and godly authority.

Meaning:

The Horus name showed that the pharaoh was a god (Horus in this case) in the form of a regular human being. It told everybody that the pharaoh had a god-given right to rule Egypt.

Use:

The Horus name was often inscribed on artifacts like pottery or monuments.

Name 2 – Pharaoh’s Unifying Name

Map of Ancient Egypt showing Upper and Lower Egypt - Courtesy of Jeff Dahl

Called:

The Nebty Name or Two Ladies Name. The “two ladies” in question are the Egyptian goddesses Nekhbet (shown as a vulture) and Wadjet (shown as a cobra). These two goddesses are the protectors are Upper and Lower Egypt are often shown on the Nemes headdress that the pharaoh would wear.

Given to the Pharaoh:

When he or she is crowned.

Represents:

The union of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Meaning:

Ancient Egypt was split into two kingdoms that infamously didn’t get along well; Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. It was the pharaoh’s job to rule over both kingdoms and keep them rubbing along happily together (which was easier said than done at times!). The Nebty name showed that the Pharaoh ruled over and protected both kingdoms, bringing them together in harmony.

Use:

Any time the Pharaoh wanted to stress the fact that he or she ruled over both Egyptian kingdoms (probably to try to stop the two from squabbling with each other).

Name 3 – Pharaoh’s Family Name

Called:

The Golden Horus name. I know, I know, we already had a Horus name. Well, this is the Golden Horus name. That’s different. Apparently.

Given to the Pharaoh:

When he or she is crowned.

Represents:

The pharaoh’s royal lineage and their immense, never-ending power.

Meaning:

The Golden Horus name was often linked with the names of the Pharaoh’s relatives and family heritage. This highlighted his or her right to rule and showed everyone how powerful their family was.

Use:

Often inscribed in the Pharaoh’s tomb to flaunt their everlasting power.

Name 4 –Pharaoh’s Throne Name

The pharaoh's fourth and fifth names were the most important and would often be inscribed within an oval shape called a cartouche, like the names of Ramesses III shown here.

Called:

The Prenomen or Throne Name. This was one of the two most important names for the pharaoh.

Given to the Pharaoh:

When he or she is crowned.

Represents:

The goals of the pharaoh and what they wish their rule to be like.

Meaning:

The pharaoh’s Prenomen showed their authority as ruler of Egypt. The name often included phrases linking the pharaoh with the gods. When inscribed in hieroglyphs, the Prenomen would be surrounded by an oval shape called a cartouche. The cartouche would protect the pharaoh from evil spirits.

Use:

In anything official, such as royal documents, decrees and letters sent to foreign kings and queens.

Name 5 – Pharaoh’s Birth Name

The Pharaoh's birth name would be inscribed on personal items, like this sealed box with the name of pharaoh Tuthmosis IV decorating the lid.

Called:

The Nomen or Birth name. This name was the second of the Pharaoh’s two most important names. It was a personal name, like your first name or a nickname given to you by your family or friends.

Given to the Pharaoh:

When he or she was born.

Represents:

Familiarity and affection.

Meaning:

Only the Pharaoh’s closest relatives and friends would know their Nomen. The name would be kept as carefully guarded secret. 

Use:

By those who were nearest and dearest to the pharaoh or on personal items.

Tutankhamun's Names:

Tutankhamun's Cartouche showing his Birth Name and his Throne Name written in Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs

Like all ancient Egyptian pharaohs, Tutankhamun had five names (although sadly historians aren't quite sure what his first three names were). Inscriptions of Tutankhamun's cartouche were found amongst the amazing treasures unearthed by Howard Carter. The cartouche shows both Tutankhamun's birth name and his throne name.

Birth name:

Tutankhamun, meaning "the living image of Amun". With this birth name, the pharaoh is comparing himself to Amun, the king of the ancient Egyptian gods.

Throne Name:

Nebkheperure, meaning "Re is the lord of manifestations". With his throne name, Tutankhamun is honouring the ancient Egyptian sun god Re (sometimes also known as Ra).

It's interesting that we all call Tutankhamun by his birth name today. Do you think that means we're close with Tut? Or do you think he'd find that insulting?

• Yeah, me and Tutankhamun are like besties
• No, Tutankhamun would totally exile me for calling him that