What personal name is traditionally given to the Buddha before his enlightenment?

The personal name traditionally given to the Buddha before enlightenment is Siddhartha Gautama.

In Buddhist biographies, Siddhartha was born into the Shakya clan and is also called Shakyamuni, meaning “Sage of the Shakyas.” After awakening, he was known by titles including Buddha, Tathagata, and Bhagavat. “Gautama” refers to his family or clan designation.

Traditional accounts describe Siddhartha as a prince raised in Kapilavastu before he left household life to seek an answer to suffering. He studied with meditation teachers, practiced severe asceticism, and eventually followed a middle way that led to awakening.

Names can vary by language and tradition. Sanskrit sources use Siddhartha Gautama, while Pali sources commonly use Siddhattha Gotama. These refer to the same historical religious teacher, not two different Buddhas.