It was common for a Javanese gentleman of Poerbatjaraka's time to change names and be given new titles throughout his life.[1] His birth name was Lesya (also spelled Lesja and Lesyo, meaning "funny").[2] When he served at the court he became known as Lesya Atmopradonggo.[2] After his first move to Jakarta, he became known as Poerbatjaraka and later granted the titles Raden and Ngabehi.[1] Subsequently, he was raised to the title of Raden Mas.[1]