[1] Burmese names were originally one syllable, as in the cases of U Nu and U Thant ("U" being an honorific).
In the late 1890s, British scholars observed that Arakanese commonly adopted three-syllable names whereas Burmans were still using one or two at most.
[2] As they become more familiar with Western culture, Burmese people are gradually increasing the number of syllables in their children's names, by use of various structures.
[3] Former titles, such as min (မင်း; "leader") were re-appropriated as part of personal names.
For instance, Aung San's parents are commonly referred to as U Pha and Daw Suu.
[4] Many Burmese Buddhists also use astrology (which is determined by the child's day of birth in the traditional eight-day calendar) to name their children.