Atthaya Thitikul, the former World No. 1 LPGA player, has made the decision to go by her nickname “Jeeno” midseason. The 21-year-old golfer stated that she believes “Jeeno” will be easier for people to remember compared to her birth name, Atthaya. Thitikul, a three-time LPGA winner, made this change as she took the lead at the 2024 FM Championship with an opening round score of 3-under 69.
In Thailand, it is common for individuals to have nicknames as traditional names tend to be long and more difficult to remember. Thitikul explained that her mother originally gave her the nickname “Jeen,” which translates to “Chinese people” in Thai. The nickname was given to her because her father has Chinese heritage. Thitikul’s mother thought that this name would be appreciated by her father.
Thitikul’s coach later added the letter “o” to her nickname, resulting in the now widely recognized “Jeeno.” This unique nickname has now become the official name she goes by on the LPGA tour. By embracing her nickname, Thitikul is hoping to connect with fans and make it easier for them to remember and refer to her during competitions and events.
The decision to change her name midseason reflects Thitikul’s desire to stand out and make a memorable impression on the golfing community. By adopting the nickname “Jeeno,” she is embracing her cultural heritage and highlighting the importance of family in shaping her identity. As she continues to compete on the LPGA tour, Thitikul’s nickname may become synonymous with her success and achievements in the world of professional golf.
