Your Name in Tamil Script

Free online translator for converting English names to Tamil (தமிழ்)

About Tamil Script

Tamil uses one of the world's oldest continuously used writing systems, with over 2,000 years of history. The Tamil script features distinctive curved characters and is one of the few classical languages still widely spoken.

80+ million native speakers
Speakers Worldwide
4+
Countries

Key Facts:

  • 12 vowels and 18 consonants forming 216 compound characters
  • Over 2,000 years of continuous use
  • Classical language status in India
  • Distinctive curved, rounded letterforms
  • Ancient Sangam literature dates to 300 BCE
Main countries: India (Tamil Nadu), Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia

How Names Work in Tamil

Tamil transliteration converts English names phonetically, though the script has limitations with certain consonant clusters and foreign sounds. Each syllable in Tamil combines a consonant and vowel.

Transliteration Rules:

  • Vowels can be independent or attached to consonants
  • No 'f', 'z', or 'sh' sounds - approximated with closest Tamil equivalents
  • Consonant clusters simplified or separated
  • Pure consonants (without vowels) use special marks
  • Traditional script very phonetically conservative

Popular Names in Tamil

Here are examples of common English names transliterated to Tamil:

Michael
மைக்கேல்
maikkel
Sarah
சாரா
sara
David
டேவிட்
devit
Emma
எம்மா
emma
Christopher
கிறிஸ்டோபர்
kiristopar
Jennifer
ஜெனிபர்
jenipar
Alexander
அலெக்சாண்டர்
aleksandar
Sophia
சோபியா
sopiya

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write my name in Tamil?

Use our Tamil translator tool above. Type your name in English and it converts to Tamil script (தமிழ் அரிச்சுவடி) using phonetic transliteration. The result matches standard Tamil spelling conventions.

Why is Tamil script considered ancient?

Tamil script has been in continuous use for over 2,000 years, with inscriptions dating to 3rd century BCE. It's one of the oldest writing systems still actively used and has classical language status.

Can Tamil script write all English sounds?

Tamil can represent most English sounds, but some like 'f', 'z', and 'sh' are approximated with closest Tamil equivalents. Modern Tamil has strategies to represent foreign sounds, though they may differ from the original.

Is Tamil hard to learn?

Tamil script has a moderate learning curve with 12 vowels and 18 consonants that combine into 216 characters. However, it's highly phonetic - once you learn the system, pronunciation is consistent.

Where is Tamil spoken?

Tamil is spoken by 80+ million people primarily in Tamil Nadu (India), Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. It's an official language in all these countries and has significant diaspora communities worldwide.