What was the birth name of the Buddha before his enlightenment?

The Buddha's birth name was Siddhartha Gautama. In Buddhist traditions, Siddhartha was his given name and Gautama identified his family or clan lineage.

He is commonly called Gautama Buddha because “Buddha” is a title meaning “Awakened One,” not his personal name. After attaining enlightenment, he was also known by titles such as Shakyamuni, meaning “Sage of the Shakya clan,” and Tathagata, a traditional epithet whose interpretation varies among Buddhist sources.

According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama was born at Lumbini, grew up in the Shakya territory, and later renounced household life. After years of ascetic practice and meditation, he attained awakening at Bodh Gaya. His teachings and community eventually formed the basis of Buddhism.

Names can vary by language and tradition. The Sanskrit form is Siddhartha Gautama, while the Pali form is Siddhattha Gotama. “Gautama Buddha” therefore does not describe a different person, and “Shakyamuni” is not his birth name; it is an honorific title. Likewise, “Buddha” refers to his awakened status rather than replacing his original name.