At first, it might seem like every man in Bali is named Ketut, much like in Eat Pray Love. But after a month here, you realize it’s not everyone—there are also Wayans, Mades, and Nyomans. Research revealed the following.

Among the simpler farming communities of Bali, there’s a fascinating tradition of naming children based on their birth order. The list of names covers only four children, and if a fifth is born, the naming cycle starts over. The order is as follows:

• First child: Wayan;
• Second child: Made;
• Third child: Nyoman;
• Fourth child: Ketut.

These names can vary slightly from region to region, but the system remains similar across villages. There’s often no distinction between male and female names, except for prefixes: I (“ee”) for boys and Ni (“nee”) for girls. So, you get I Made and Ni Made.

Indonesians don’t traditionally have surnames, making second names almost essential. By introducing themselves with their second name, locals avoid overwhelming tourists with identical-sounding names like Ketut.

But there’s more to the story. Like in India, Bali has a caste system, so names like Ketut and Wayan belong to the common farmer caste. Higher castes bear more distinguished names, reflecting their social standing. For instance.

• I Gusti Ketut Rajendra: "I" denotes male, "Gusti" signifies caste membership (in this case, leaders), "Ketut" shows the family’s farming origins, and "Rajendra" is the second name.
• Anak Agung Rai: A typical name from a higher caste. "Agung" means "great," and additional elements often reference divine attributes, like "God’s foot." Aristocratic children use prefixes like Putra (“prince”) and Putri (“princess”).
• Ida Bagus (for men) and Ida Ayu (for women): These names belong to the Brahmin caste and translate to "your beautiful highness." Second names in this style, like Ida Ayu Ngurah, mean "Girl from the Heavens."

Locally called Bakwan Jagung (sometimes referred to as Perkedel Jagung, meaning "corn meatballs"), these fritters are versatile and easy to make anywhere. If you’re out of corn, you can substitute it with other vegetables like zucchini, fennel, or pumpkin. Our Balinese friend Har swears this recipe uses perfect proportions, and frying in coconut oil is a must for authentic flavor.