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Ái
Like many Vietnamese last names, Ái first appeared in China out of a surname meaning “to love,” “to be fond of,” “to like,” or “affection.” It can also mean “mugwort” and is associated with similar Mandarin and Taiwanese surnames.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: To love
- Pronunciation: AEY
- Namesakes: Aì Qīng, a Chinese poet known for Dayanhe—My Nanny. Ai Baojun, the Vice Mayor of Shanghai from 2012 to 2015.
- Popularity: Ái ranked 610th worldwide, is primarily used in China, and ranked 83rd in Vietnam in 2014.
Popular, Unique
Anh
Anh comes from the Sino-Vietnamese “anh,” meaning “petal,” “flower,” “brave,” or “hero.” Some associated Anh with the Chinese Yīng, which sometimes means “intellectual” and “bright.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Flower, petal
- Pronunciation: AEYNH
- Variations: An
- Namesakes: Anh Do, a Vietnamese-Australian writer and winner of the 2017 People’s Choice Award.
- Popularity: Anh ranked 804th worldwide and is mainly used in Vietnam, ranking 23rd in 2014.
Earthy, Common
Bach
Bach is included in many Vietnamese surnames used by the Chinese community in Vietnam. In addition to “white,” it also means “snowy,” “pure,” and “to make clear.” Bach is known as Bai in Chinese and Baek in Korean.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: White
- Pronunciation: BAAK
- Variations: Baek, Baik
- Namesakes: Bach Hung Khang, a Vietnamese scientist and pioneer in information technology. Trần Bạch Đằng, a Vietnamese communist leader known for the book Ván bài lật ngửa.
- Popularity: Bach is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, where it ranked 114th in 2014.
Nicknames, Unusual
Ban
Ban is derived from Mi, a royal surname dating back to the ancient Chinese State of Chu. It’s also related to the occupation of a “helper,” “supporter,” or for something living in a forest.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Of the forest
- Pronunciation: BAAN
- Variations: Pan
- Namesakes: Ban Biao, a 1st-century Chinese historian known for beginning the Book of Han.
- Popularity: Ban ranked 1,417th worldwide, is mostly used in China, and ranked 213th in Vietnam in 2014.
Occupational, Ancient
Bao
Bao is taken from the Sino-Vietnamese “bảo,” meaning “treasure” or “jewel.” Its other meanings include “bundle,” “package,” and “guarantee.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Treasure
- Pronunciation: BAOW
- Variations: Pao
- Namesakes: Bao Yingying, a Chinese saber fencer and silver medalist at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Bao Bei’er, a Chinese actor known for Welcome to Shama Town (2010).
- Popularity: Bao ranked 220th worldwide, is mainly used in China, and ranked 20th in Vietnam in 2014.
Popular, Traditional
Bong
Bong derives from the Chinese Huáng, meaning “yellow,” and Wáng, meaning “king.” It even appears in Korea, where it means “mythical bird.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: King
- Pronunciation: BOHNG
- Variations: Pong
- Namesakes: Diana Bong Siong Lin, a Malay wushu taolu coach and bronze medalist at the 2006 Asian Games. Bong Chang-won, a South Korean wrestler who competed at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Bong is rare worldwide, primarily used in Malaysia, and ranked 308th in Vietnam in 2014.
Strong, Ancient
Bùi
Bùi’s original Chinese meaning refers to a “long and flowing garment.” It appears as Pei in Chinese and Bae in Korean. Bùi may also be related to the Vietnamese “bui,” meaning “cloud.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Long flowing (garment)
- Pronunciation: BUW-ee
- Namesakes: Bùi Đình Dĩnh, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Russian Federation from 2007 to 2011. Bùi Tấn Trường, a Vietnamese footballer for Hà Nội.
- Popularity: Bui ranked 260th worldwide and is mostly used in Vietnam, ranking 9th in 2023.
Popular, Unique
Cao
Cao originates in Mandarin Chinese, meaning “conduct” and “behavior.” Cao ranks 30th among popular surnames in mainland China and 58th in Taiwan in 2019.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Grasp
- Pronunciation: KAOW
- Variations: Tào
- Namesakes: Cao Lu, a Chinese singer with the South Korean girl group Fiestar. Cao Yupeng, a Chinese snooker player who won the 2011 Asian Under-21 Championship.
- Popularity: Cao ranked 58th worldwide, is mainly used in China, and ranked 24th in Vietnam in 2014.
Traditional, Popular
Chang
Chang means “constant” or “often” and is linked to the Japanese Chō. It’s a more modern form of the original Vietnamese Trương. Chang was first used by descendants of Chang Yi, who lived during the reign of the Yellow Emperor.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Constant
- Pronunciation: CHAHNG
- Variations: Thường
- Namesakes: Chang Liang-jen, the Taiwanese ROC Representative to Indonesia from 2014 to 2016. Chang Kai-Chen (known as Kelly Chang), a Taiwanese tennis player who peaked at 82nd in 2014.
- Popularity: Chang ranked 147th worldwide, is primarily used in China, and ranked 10th in South Korea in 2014.
Ancient, Popular
Chê
Chê is most common among the southern Vietnamese Cham. It can mean “carriage” or “cart” in Chinese and originated with Che Ou, a famous ancient astrologer.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Carriage
- Pronunciation: CHEAY
- Variations: Chae
- Namesakes: Che Runqiu, a Chinese-Hong Kong footballer for Tai Po. Che Yongli, a Chinese actress known for A Singing Fairy (2010).
- Popularity: Che ranked 660th worldwide, is primarily used in China, and ranked 262nd in Vietnam in 2014.
Common, Patronymic
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Chim
Besides “bird,” Chim means “God will judge” in Vietnamese. Its origin is also Cambodian, where it means “practicing divination.” Chim’s Chinese equivalent is Zhan.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Bird
- Pronunciation: CHIHM
- Namesakes: Chim Pui-chung, a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong from 1991 to 1997. Jim Chim Sui-man (born Zhān Ruìwén), a Hong Kong actor known for You Shoot, I Shoot (2001).
- Popularity: Chim is rare worldwide, mainly used in Cambodia, and ranked 380th in 2014.
Earthy, Ancient
Công
Công means “fair,” “equitable,” and “public” in Sino-Vietnamese. It’s a Chinese surname found in a particular community in Wendeng, China. Công also appears in Japan, Korea, and Mongolia.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Fair
- Pronunciation: KHONG
- Variations: Cung
- Namesakes: Cong Peiwu, the Chinese Ambassador to Canada since 2019. Cong Yanxia, a Chinese handball player who competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Công ranked 1,072nd worldwide, is primarily used in China, and ranked 85th in 2014.
Unique, Traditional
Cúc
Like many Vietnamese family names, Cúc has multiple meanings. It means “bent,” “crooked,” “tune,” and “song.” It also refers to Chrysanthemums, a Mayan name meaning “Quetzal bird.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Bent
- Pronunciation: KOOK
- Popularity: Cúc is rare worldwide, mainly used in Guatemala, and ranked 458th in Vietnam in 2014.
Unusual, Common
Cường
Cường’s meanings include “strong,” plus “tough” or “resilient.” It derives from the Han Vietnamese language, where it also means “stubborn” and “unyielding.” Cường is sometimes a nickname for kids who have great prospects in life.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Tough
- Pronunciation: KUUNG
- Variations: Chuong
- Namesakes: Cuong Ngo, a Vietnamese director known for The Golden Pin (2009). Cuong Vu, a Vietnamese-American jazz trumpeter and the first Vietnamese-American to win a Grammy Award.
- Popularity: Cường is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, where it ranked 180th in 2014.
Nicknames, Strong
Đặng
Đặng means both “party” and “association.” It also refers to the Clan of Man in the State of Deng during the Chinese Spring and Autumn period.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Association
- Pronunciation: DAENG
- Variations: Deng
- Namesakes: Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, the Vice President of Vietnam from 2016 to 2021. Đặng Minh, a Vietnamese director, awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in 1999.
- Popularity: Đặng ranked 292nd worldwide and is primarily used in Vietnam, ranking 15th in 2014.
Popular, Traditional
Danh
Dang means “famous” in both Vietnamese and Chinese. It also means “name” and is quite popular in Vietnam but not found as much beyond China.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Famous
- Pronunciation: DAEYN
- Namesakes: Danh Quach, a Vietnamese-American businessman known in Orange County’s Little Saigon. Danh Võ, a Vietnamese artist who won the 2012 Hugo Boss Prize.
- Popularity: Danh is rare worldwide and mostly used in Vietnam, where it ranked 5th in 2014.
Uncommon, Unique
Đào
Like other names on our list, Đào’s meanings don’t always match. It can describe “pottery” and “pleased.” Đào is also the name of an ethnic group from China who arrived in Vietnam in the 12th- and 13th-centuries.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Pottery
- Pronunciation: DAOW
- Namesakes: Đào Văn Phong, a Vietnamese footballer for Sanna Khánh Hòa BVN. Julie C. Dao, a Vietnamese-American fantasy writer known for Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (2017).
- Popularity: Đào ranked 651st worldwide and is mainly used in Vietnam, ranking 26th in 2014.
Popular, Ancient
Diêm
Diêm means “mysterious,” “subtle,” and “exquisite.” It’s also a girl’s name in Vietnam, where it means “beautiful,” “charming,” or “kind-hearted.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Mysterious
- Pronunciation: DYEM
- Variations: Dieu
- Namesakes: Ryan Diem, an American football player for the Indianapolis Colts.
- Popularity: Diêm is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, where it ranked 257th in 2014.
Unique, Unusual
Diệp
Diệp’s Chinese-associated meanings include “to be in harmony,” “leaf,” and “page.” It also refers to a specific time in Chinese history.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: In harmony
- Pronunciation: DEE-yehp
- Popularity: Diep is rare worldwide and mostly used in Vietnam, ranking 119th in 2014.
Unique, Uncommon
Đinh
Đinh means “palace” or “temple” in Vietnamese, along with “boy” or “man” in Chinese. It also refers to a 10th-century Vietnamese imperial dynasty, which is why it’s a unisex name for noble babies.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Palace
- Pronunciation: DIHN
- Namesakes: Dinh Xuan Luu, the Vietnamese ambassador to Israel since 2009. Viet D. Dinh, the Vietnamese-American Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. from 2001 to 2003.
- Popularity: Đinh ranked 642nd worldwide and is mainly used in Vietnam, where it ranked 19th in 2014.
Royal, Ancient
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Do
Do is the Vietnamese equivalent of the Chinese Du, first referring to a “descendant of the Tao-Tang tribe.” Do appears as Tu in Taiwan, To in Hong Kong, and Tou in Macau.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Birchleaf pear
- Pronunciation: DOH
- Namesakes: Khoa Do, a Vietnamese-Australian director, awarded the Young Australian of the Year Award in 2005. Đỗ Ngọc Yến, a Vietnamese-American newspaper publisher who founded the Nguoi Viet Daily News.
- Popularity: Do ranked 342nd worldwide and is primarily used in Vietnam, ranking 11th in 2014.
Patronymic, Popular
Duc
Duc comes from the Sino-Vietnamese đức, meaning “virtue.” As a boy’s name, it means “moral” and “good” and is the name for several locations in Vietnam.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Virtuous
- Pronunciation: DUUK
- Namesakes: Catherine Duc, a Vietnamese-Australian composer featured on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s ABC Jazz. Dục Đức, the Emperor of Vietnam from July 20th to July 23rd, 1883.
- Popularity: Duc is rare worldwide and mostly used in Vietnam by 1 in 706 people as of 2014.
Nicknames, Unique
Duy
Duy is a Vietnamese surname and a first name deriving from Chinese, meaning “dimension.” Duy also means “virtuous” and takes inspiration from an early 20th-century emperor.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Dimension
- Pronunciation: DWEY
- Namesakes: Duy Tân, the 11th emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty in Vietnam from 1907 and 1916.
- Popularity: Duy is rare worldwide and mainly used in Vietnam by 1 in 566 people as of 2014.
Unusual, Unique
Giang
Giang is the Vietnamese equivalent of the Chinese Jiang, meaning “river.” The structure among Vietnamese last names includes a “g” being pronounced as “z” or “j” when followed by “e” or “i.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: River
- Pronunciation: ZANG
- Namesakes: Trà Giang, a Vietnamese actress known for 17th Parallel, Nights and Days (1973). Emil Le Giang, a Slovak footballer for Union Wallsee.
- Popularity: Giang is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam.
Earthy, Rare
Giáp
Giáp sometimes refers to the “name of a district in Henan.” It stems from Chinese, meaning “the first heavenly stem.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Henan district (China)
- Pronunciation: ZYAP
- Popularity: Giáp is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam.
Geographical, Rare
Hai
In Vietnamese and Chinese, Hai means “sea” or “ocean.” It appears as He in Chinese and Ha in Korean.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Ocean
- Pronunciation: AEY
- Namesakes: Hai Xia, a Chinese news anchor for China Central Television. Hai Rui, a Chinese basketball player for the Shanghai Sharks.
- Popularity: Hai is rare worldwide and mainly used in China, where it ranked 293rd in 2013.
Earthy, Common
Hòa
Hòa means”flower” in Sino-Vietnamese, while it means“together” and “harmonious” in Chinese. Hoa is also the name of an ethnic Chinese minority group in Vietnam, also found in the Americas.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Flower
- Pronunciation: HOH-ah
- Popularity: Hòa is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam by 1 in 660 people in 2014.
Unique, Uncommon
Hoàng
Hoàng means “yellow” and “to fall through” in Chinese. It sometimes appears as Huang and was changed to Huỳnh in South Vietnam due to Lord Nguyễn Hoàng.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Yellow
- Pronunciation: HWAENG
- Variations: Hoàng, Huỳnh
- Namesakes: Hoàng Anh Tuấn, a Vietnamese weightlifter and silver medalist at the 2005 Junior World Championships. Hoàng Trung Hải, the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam from 2007 to 2016.
- Popularity: Hoàng is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, where it’s currently used by 5.1% of the population.
Unusual, Traditional
Hứa
Hứa means “to allow,” “to promise,” or “to praise.” It sometimes refers to the Chinese people and also means “flower.” The Cantonese equivalents are Wah and Fa.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: To permit
- Pronunciation: HUW-ah
- Namesakes: Hua Jianmin, the president of the China National School of Administration. Hua Chenyu, a Chinese pop singer appearing in Singer 2018.
- Popularity: Hứa ranks 28th on the Song dynasty-era Hundred Family Surnames in China in 2023.
Unusual, Popular
Hung
Hung means “courageous” and “heroic,” as well as “brave” and “manly” for a boy. Hung is also the name of a Viet-Muong language in Laos.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Courageous
- Pronunciation: HUHNG
- Namesakes: Xiong Dailin (known as Lynn Hung), a Hong Kong fashion model and the 4th highest-paid model in Greater China in 2009. William Hung, a Hong Kong former singer associated with American Idol.
- Popularity: Hung is rare worldwide and mainly used in Vietnam by 1 in 699 in 2014.
Strong, Traditional
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Huynh
In Chinese, Huỳnh means “yellow,” “golden,” or “having the color of gold.” It currently ranks 7th in China and 5th in Vietnam, while it goes by Hwang in Korea.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Older brother
- Pronunciation: HOOWN
- Variations: Hoàng
- Namesakes: Huỳnh Tấn Phát, the Deputy Prime Minister from 1976 to 1982. Carol Huynh, a Canadian freestyle wrestler and gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Popularity: Huynh is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, where it ranked 5th in 2023.
Traditional, Popular
Ky
Ky was originally a Chinese surname meaning “to hope for.” It’s also a nickname for the Chinese Hebei province.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Good luck
- Pronunciation: KEE
- Namesakes: Ky Nam Le Duc, a Vietnamese-Canadian director who won Best Canadian Short Film at the 2009 CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival. Ky Rodwell, an Australian rugby league footballer for the Parramatta Eels.
- Popularity: Ky is rare worldwide and mostly used in Vietnam, ranking 265th in 2023.
Unusual, Geographical
Khánh
Khánh means “to congratulate” or “celebrate.” It’s also a Turkish boy’s name derived from Khagan, meaning “prince,” “sovereign,” and “ruler.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Turkish
- Meaning: Congratulate
- Pronunciation: KAEN
- Namesakes: Khánh Ly, a Vietnamese-American singer who performed songs by the composer Trịnh Công Sơn.
- Popularity: Khánh is rare worldwide and mainly used in Vietnam, where it ranked 98th in 2023.
Strong, Traditional
Khi
Though Sino-Vietnamese, Khi is based on the Late Middle Chinese “khjɨjh,” meaning “air” or “gad.” It’s also the Vietnamese version of “chi,” referring to the “vital energy” of the universe.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Air
- Pronunciation: KEE
- Popularity: Khi is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam.
Earthy, Uncommon
Khuu
Khuu first appeared as the Chinese Qiu, meaning “autumn.” In Vietnamese, it describes everything from a “mound” and “hillock” to a “grave.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Mound
- Pronunciation: KOO
- Popularity: Khuu is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, ranking 253rd in 2023.
Earthy, Unique
Kieu
Kieu comes from the Sino-Vietnamese “kiều,” meaning “seductive,” “spoiled,” and “loveable.” It can also mean “tall,” “graceful,” and “lofty” as a girl’s name.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Graceful
- Pronunciation: KUW
- Namesakes: Kiều Chinh, a Vietnamese-American actress known for The Joy Luck Club (1993).
- Popularity: Kiều is rare worldwide and mainly used in Vietnam, where it ranked 88th in 2023.
Nicknames, Common
Kim
Kim refers to “gold” or “metal,” but can also mean “bright” and “beautiful.” Though a Vietnamese surname, Kim is the most popular Korean surname and appears as Jin in Chinese.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Gold
- Pronunciation: KEEM
- Namesakes: Tanya Kim, a Canadian TV personality and the co-host of etalk from 2003 to 2014. Kim Bum-soo, a South Korean singer known for the song I Miss You.
- Popularity: Kim is the most popular surname in Korea as of 2023.
Traditional, Popular
Lâm
Lâm describes a “wood” or “forest,” while its Mandarin variant is Lin. It’s often a surname for Chinese populations in southern China and Hong Kong, especially those who speak Cantonese.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Woods
- Pronunciation: LAAM
- Variations: Lamm
- Namesakes: Lâm Nhật Tiến, a Vietnamese-American singer with Asia Entertainment Inc. from 1994 to 2016. Lam Thi My Da, a Vietnamese poet, awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts in 2007.
- Popularity: Lâm is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, where it ranked 25th in 2023.
Earthy, Popular
Lãnh
Lãnh means “cold” in Chinese but describes a “good,” “favorable,” or “gentle” person. It also serves as a nickname for a “happy person” in Vietnam.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Gentle, king
- Pronunciation: LAEYN
- Popularity: Lãnh is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, ranking 332nd in 2023.
Nicknames, Uncommon
Lê
In Vietnam, Lê is a royal and noble name inspired by the 15th-century Lê Dynasty. It’s ranked in the top four Vietnamese surnames of Mandarin or Cantonese speakers. It means “depend on” in Chinese as Lai, the name of a state in the Henan province.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Lê dynasty
- Pronunciation: LEAY
- Namesakes: Lê Văn Thiêm, a Vietnamese scientist called the father of Vietnam Mathematics. Lê Quang Liêm, a Vietnamese chess grandmaster who won the Asian Chess Championship in 2019.
- Popularity: Lê is currently the third most common surname in Vietnam.
Royal, Ancient
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Lê Ngoc
Though Ngoc means “jade” as a girl’s name, it’s made up of “Lê,” inspired by the 15th-century Lê Dynasty. On its own, Ngoc also means “precious.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Jade
- Pronunciation: Leh-NYOK
- Variations: Le-Ngoc
- Popularity: Lê Ngoc is very rare worldwide, and its popularity statistics are unknown.
Unusual, Rare
Lê Thánh
Lê Thánh is linked with Chinese last names as with other Vietnamese surnames. It means “to succeed,” “finish, to complete,” or “to accomplish.” Lê Thánh also means “all right” and “brilliant.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Brilliant
- Pronunciation: Leh-TAAN
- Variations: Lethanh
- Namesakes: Lê Thánh Tông, the Vietnamese emperor of Đại Việt from 1460 to 1497. Lê Thanh Tú, a Vietnamese chess player who won the Vietnamese Women’s Chess Championship in 2008.
- Popularity: Lê Thánh is extremely rare worldwide and was used by 1 in 662 million people in 2014.
Nicknames, Rare
Linh
Linh derives from the Chinese “ling,” meaning “soul” and “spirit.” As a girl’s name, it also means “blooming flower.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Soul
- Pronunciation: LIHNG
- Variations: Ling
- Namesakes: Linh Quang Viên, a Vietnamese soldier known for his role as Lieutenant General in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
- Popularity: Linh is rare worldwide and mainly used in Vietnam, where it ranked 77th in 2023.
Unique, Common
Lô
Lô means “to sift,” but also carries other meanings, from “rice vessel” to the “descendants of Luo.” Luo was a feudal state existing under the ancient Chinese Shang dynasty.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: To sift
- Pronunciation: LOH
- Variations: Luo
- Namesakes: Lo Chih-Chiang, a Taiwanese member of the Kuomintang from 2010 to 2013. Bernard Lo, a Canadian TV anchor on CNBC Asia.
- Popularity: Lô is considered uncommon in Vietnam, and its exact rankings are unknown.
Traditional, Uncommon
Lu
Lu appears as Lo in Cantonese, where it means “”rude” or “foolish.” It denotes the Chinese state of Lu and ranked 52nd in China in 2002.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: State of Lu
- Pronunciation: LUW
- Variations: Lo
- Namesakes: Lu Lan, a Chinese badminton player who won the 2004 Polish Open. Lu Shaye, the Chinese ambassador to France and Monaco since 2019.
- Popularity: Lu is rare worldwide and primarily used in Vietnam, ranking 97th in 2023.
Unique, Nicknames
Luong
Luong relates to the 6th-century Liang Dynasty and is the Vietnamese variation of Liong and Leong. It means “bridge” or “roof beam” and is occasionally associated with the Chinese Long, meaning “dragon.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Bridge
- Pronunciation: LUW-Ohng
- Variations: Liang
- Namesakes: Lương Bích Hữu, a Chinese-Vietnamese pop singer with the girl group H.A.T. Lương Kim Định, a Vietnamese catholic philosopher known for Authentic Vietnamese Confucianism.
- Popularity: Luong is rare worldwide and mostly used in Vietnam, where it ranked 24th in 2023.
Royal, Popular
Luyến
Luyến means “love” and “romance” in Vietnamese and Chinese. It’s more common as a girl’s name that carries the same meaning.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Love
- Pronunciation: LUW-yen
- Popularity: Luyến is rare worldwide and mainly used in Vietnam, where it’s quite uncommon.
Uncommon, Unique
Lý
Lý means “plum” and also appears as Lee in China. It’s influenced by the Vietnamese Lý dynasty, who ruled from 1009 to 1225.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Plum
- Pronunciation: LEH
- Variations: Li
- Namesakes: Lý Thái Tổ, the 6th ruler of Đại Việt from 1009 to 1028. Minh Ly, a Vietnamese-American poker player who won the 2005 Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship.
- Popularity: Lý ranked 14th among surnames in Vietnam and 1,176th in the U.S. in 2010.
Traditional, Common
Mạc
Mạc takes its inspiration from the Vietnamese Mạc clan who ruled North Vietnam in the 16th-century. It’s also a well-known Gaelic surname prefix meaning “son.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Gaelic
- Meaning: Mạc dynasty
- Pronunciation: MAAK
- Namesakes: Mạc Mậu Hợp, the fifth last emperor of the Mạc dynasty from 1562 to 1593. Mạc Đĩnh Chi, a Vietnamese Confucian scholar who served three Trần dynasty emperors.
- Popularity: Mạc ranked 162nd among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Royal, Ancient
Mai
Like many Vietnamese family names, Mai has many other variations, like Mei in Chinese and Mak in Hong Kong. Whichever version, Mai means “wheat” or “barley.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Wheat
- Pronunciation: MAEY
- Variations: Mach
- Namesakes: Mai Phương Thúy, a Vietnamese actress crowned the 10th Miss Vietnam. Mai Tiến Thành, a Vietnamese footballer and a silver medalist at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games.
- Popularity: Mai is rare worldwide and primarily used in China, ranking 200th in 2013.
Earthy, Common
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Mạnh
Mạnh means “strong” and “powerful” in Vietnamese. It also refers to the “first month of a season” or the “eldest brother” – a perfect pick for your firstborn boy.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Powerful
- Pronunciation: MAEN
- Popularity: Mạnh ranked 111th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Traditional, Strong
Meo
Mèo is the Vietnamese word for a “cat,” but it can mean “distorted” or “twisted.” It may relate to the Miao people of Southern China and Southeast Asia. Meo is also an Italian surname that’s short for Bartolomeo or Romeo.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Cat
- Pronunciation: MAEY-oh
- Namesakes: Steven Meo, a Welsh actor known for the series Grownups (2006 to 2009). Rosanne Meo, the first female president of the Employers’ Federation in New Zealand in 1991.
- Popularity: Mèo ranked 202nd among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Unusual, Unique
Minh
Minh means “bright” and directly relates to the Chinese Ming. It’s more typical as a unisex given name and is associated with the Chinese Ming Dynasty that ruled from 1368 to 1644.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Brightness
- Pronunciation: MIHN
- Popularity: Minh ranked 47th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Traditional, Popular
Nam
Nam is a Chinese word meaning “south,” relating to those with Chinese Nam Viet nationality. It also means “male” in Vietnamese and is quite prevalent in Korea.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Korean
- Meaning: South
- Pronunciation: NAAM
- Namesakes: Eric Nam, a Korean-American singer named GQ Korea’s Man of the Year in 2016. Nam Hyun-Hee, a South Korean foil fencer and silver medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Popularity: Nam ranked 888th worldwide in 2014 and 38th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Unique, Popular
Ngan
Ngan describes “gold,” “silver,” or any “money.” It’s more directly Vietnamese as Ngàn, meaning “thousand” and “mountains and forests.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Silvery
- Pronunciation: NUHN
- Variations: Nhan
- Namesakes: Cherry Ngan, a Hong Kong actress appearing in The Way We Dance (2013). Ngan Kwoon Yat Kevin, a Hong Kong fencer and bronze medalist at the 2010 Asian Games.
- Popularity: Ngan is rare worldwide and very uncommon in Vietnam in 2014.
Earthy, Traditional
Nghiêm
Nghiêm has multiple meanings in Vietnamese and Chinese, including “tightly sealed.” It also means “stern,” “strict,” “severe,” and “father.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Stern
- Pronunciation: NYEAM
- Variations: NIY-Ahm
- Namesakes: Nghiêm Xuân Tú, a Vietnamese footballer for Topeland Bình Định. Saran Nghiem, an English squash player who won the 2022 Northern Open.
- Popularity: Nghiêm ranked 91st among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Nicknames, Unique
Ngoc
Ngoc stands out among Vietnamese last names because its origins include Chinese, Aztec, and Māori. It’s also a girl’s name, meaning “jade,” symbolizing serenity and protection. In addition to girls, Ngoc is quite popular as a Vietnamese male middle name.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Jade
- Pronunciation: NOHK
- Popularity: Ngoc ranked 39th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Traditional, Unique
Nguyễn
Nguyễn derives from the Chinese “ruan,” the name of a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. It also relates to the Vietnamese “nguồn,” meaning “spring fountain.” Between 30% and 39% of Vietnamese people have the surname Nguyễn.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Spring fountain
- Pronunciation: NOO-wen
- Variations: Ng̃
- Namesakes: Nguyễn Văn Tâm, the prime minister of the State of Vietnam from 1952 to 1953. Dustin Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American actor known for the series 21 Jump Street.
- Popularity: Nguyễn is the most popular surname in Vietnam, used by nearly 40% of the population in 2022.
Traditional, Popular
Nhu
Nhu’s Chinese meanings include “to eat” or “to endure.” It’s also a girl’s name, meaning “everything according to one’s wishes.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Harmony
- Pronunciation: NUW
- Popularity: Nhu ranked 80th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Traditional, Popular
Nông
Nông is a very old Vietnamese name referring to a “peasant,” meaning “to farm” or “agriculture.” It ranked 189th among Chinese surnames in 2019.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Farmer
- Pronunciation: NAOWN
- Variations: Nung
- Namesakes: Nong Qunhua, a Chinese badminton player who won the 1993 IBF World Championships. Nong Rong, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2023.
- Popularity: Nông is rare worldwide and ranked 189th in China in 2013.
Occupational, Ancient
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O
O is one of a few one-syllable Vietnamese surnames with ancient associations. It’s associated with the Chinese Wu and Korean Oh, and is very popular in Korea.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Unknown
- Pronunciation: OH
- Variations: Oh
- Namesakes: O Yeong-su, a South Korean writer known for Blood-Clot (1956). O Yeong-su, a South Korean actor known for the Netflix series Squid Game.
- Popularity: O is rare worldwide and mostly used in Vietnam.
Royal, Unusual
Ông
Ông refers to an “elderly man,” a “father,” or a “father-in-law” in Chinese. It can also refer to the “neck feathers of a bird.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Father
- Pronunciation: OHN
- Variations: Onge
- Namesakes: Ong Ye Kung, the Singaporean Minister for Health since 2021. Ong Beng Teong, a Malay badminton player and gold medalist at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
- Popularity: Ông ranked 5th among surnames in Singapore in 2023.
Traditional, Unique
Pham
Pham’s meanings include “pattern,” “model,” and “example.” It also appears as Fan in Chinese and Beom or Pom in Korean.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Extensive
- Pronunciation: FAAM
- Namesakes: Phạm Tuân, a Vietnamese aviator and the first Vietnamese astronaut. Phạm Văn Đồng, the Prime Minister of North Vietnam from 1955 to 1976.
- Popularity: Pham ranked 4th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Traditional, Popular
Phan
Pān is the original Vietnamese spelling for Phan in Vietnamese. It describes a “ritual tray” on a pedestal used in Buddhist ceremonies. The Phan River also runs through the Bình Thuận Province in Vietnam.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Ritual tray
- Pronunciation: FAAN
- Variations: Pan
- Namesakes: Phan Huy Quát, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vietnam for four months in 1965. Joseph Phan, a Canadian figure skater and bronze medalist at the 2018 World Junior Championships.
- Popularity: Phan ranked 36th among surnames in Mainland China in 2019.
Traditional, Popular
Phí
Phí’s Chinese meanings include “to cost,” “to spend,” and “wasteful expenses.” It appears as Fei in Chinese and means “yellow flying dragon” or “phoenix.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Yellow flying dragon
- Pronunciation: FEE
- Popularity: Phí ranked 150th among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Unusual, Nicknames
Phòng
Phòng means “wind” in Vietnamese and is also used as a boy’s name. In Chinese, it means “house” or “room.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Wind
- Pronunciation: FAON
- Popularity: Phòng ranked 104th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Unique, Earthy
Phú
Phú’s Chinese variation is Fu, which means “abundant” and “wealthy.” Phú’s other meanings refer to a “sign,” “talisman,” or a “written charm.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Rich
- Pronunciation: FOO
- Namesakes: Phu Pwint Khaing, a Myanmar footballer for the Myanmar women’s national football team. Charles Phu, an English architectural designer, and voted one of the 18 prominent international architectural designers in 2011.
- Popularity: Phú ranked 155th among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Nicknames, Common
Phường
Phường means “way” and “direction,” while the very similar Phượng means “phoenix.” In Chinese mythology, the phoenix is also called the Fenghuang.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Phoenix
- Pronunciation: FUWN
- Variations: Phung
- Popularity: Phường ranked 53rd among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Ancient, Strong
Quang
Quang means “pure,” “light,” and “clear” as both a Vietnamese surname and first name. Quảng Nam is also the name of a coastal city in Vietnam.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: FUHN
- Variations: Kuang
- Popularity: Quang ranked 67th worldwide among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Unique, Traditional
Quốc
Quốc derives from the many surnames in Vietnam that originated in China. Its many meanings include “country,” “nation,” and “state.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Country
- Pronunciation: KWOK
- Namesakes: Trần Quốc Thiên, a Vietnamese singer who won the second season of Vietnam Idol in 2009.
- Popularity: Quốc ranked 83rd among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Traditional, Strong
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Rửa
Rửa means the act of “washing something non-fabric.” It’s also a Spanish-Galician surname meaning “street.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Spanish
- Meaning: To wash
- Pronunciation: ROO-Ah
- Namesakes: Matthew Rua, a New Zealand rugby league footballer for the Melbourne Storm. Murilo Rua, a Brazilian mixed martial artist and the inaugural EliteXC Middleweight Champion.
- Popularity: Rửa is rare worldwide and mainly used in Vietnam.
Unusual, Uncommon
Sang
Sang means “shaft of light” in Vietnamese or “bright one” as a boy’s name. It’s sometimes linked with the Chinese Chang and Cheng, meaning “mulberry.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Bright, shiny
- Pronunciation: SAANG
- Variations: Shang
- Namesakes: Sang Xu, a Chinese-Australian table tennis player who competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Sang Xue, a Chinese diver and gold medalist at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Sang ranked among the 100 most common surnames in mainland China in 2007 and ranked 205th in Vietnam in 2023.
Unique, Popular
Son
Son translates to “mountain,” “hill,” or “mountain-like.” It even means “bundled in straw as a silkworm” and is also used in Korea.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Mountain
- Pronunciation: SAANG
- Variations: Sohn
- Namesakes: Son Hyun-joo, a South Korean actor appearing in Criminal Minds (2017). Son Young-hee, a South Korean weightlifter and gold medalist at the 2021 World Weightlifting Championships.
- Popularity: Son is primarily used in Korea and ranked 46th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Geographical, Popular
Su
Su goes back to the Chinese state of Su in the Henan province. It also appears as Tô in Vietnam and can mean “revive.” In Turkish, Su means “water.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Respectful
- Pronunciation: SUW
- Variations: Soo
- Namesakes: Su Shanshan, a Chinese singer and member of the group SNH48. John Chun So, the 102nd Lord Mayor of Melbourne from 2001 to 2008.
- Popularity: In 2019, Su was China’s 46th most common surname.
Ancient, Traditional
Tạ
Tạ was first used by those who came from South China to Vietnam and needed a national surname. It means “thank you” in Vietnamese and is the equivalent of the Chinese Xiu.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Thank you
- Pronunciation: TAA
- Namesakes: Tạ Chí Đại Trường, a Vietnamese historian who wrote Lịch Sử Nội Chiến Việt Nam 1771-1802. Ta Mok, a Cambodian military chief in the Khmer Rouge.
- Popularity: Tạ ranked 46th in China in 2019 and 41st in Vietnam in 2023.
Traditional, Popular
Tao
Tao appears as Cao in Chinese and dates back to the Zhou Dynasty. Its meanings include “generation,” “plaintiff,” and “defendant.” As a boy’s name, it means “large waves” or “long life.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Class, generation
- Pronunciation: TAOW
- Variations: Tow
- Namesakes: Tao Siju, the Chinese Minister of Public Security from 1990 to 1998. Tao Luna, a Chinese sports shooter who competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Tao ranked 195th among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Ancient, Common
Thạch
Thạch is one of many Vietnamese surnames with Chinese meanings. It refers to a “dry measure for grain” but also means “stone” and is a type of “ancient musical instrument.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Stone, dry measure
- Pronunciation: THATCH
- Namesakes: Thạch Kim Tuấn, a Vietnamese weightlifter and silver medalist at the 2011 World Junior Weightlifting Championships.
- Popularity: Thạch ranked 107th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Traditional, Common
Thai
Thai represents a Vietnamese version of Cai. It’s associated with Sái, a Vietnamese boy’s name meaning to “surpass,” “excel,” or “match.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: TAEY
- Popularity: Thai ranked 33rd among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Strong, Unique
Thành
In Vietnamese, Thành means “blue,” “green,” or “young.” It’s similar to another word meaning “sound,” “voice,” and “tone.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Blue, green
- Pronunciation: TAEYN
- Namesakes: Thanh Lam, a Vietnamese singer called one of the four divas of Vietnam.
- Popularity: Thành ranked 46th among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Traditional, Common
Thao
Thao means “courteous” and “respectful of parents” in Vietnamese. It originated with the Hmong people of the Thao clan and is also the name of a river in northern Vietnam.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Courteous
- Pronunciation: TAOW
- Namesakes: Thao Ma, a Laotian general during the Vietnam War.
- Popularity: Thao ranked 89th among family names in Vietnam in 2019.
Ancient, Unique
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Thiện
Thiện means “sky” and “heaven” for boys and is similar to the Chinese Deng, meaning “bill” or “list.” Thiện is common among Chinese-Malaysia groups and refers to the Vietnamese version of Zen Buddhism.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Sky, heaven
- Pronunciation: TIY-Ehn
- Namesakes: Madeleine Thien, a Canadian writer known for Do Not Say We Have Nothing (2016).
- Popularity: Thiện ranked 133rd among Vietnamese last names in 2023.
Traditional, Common
Thû
Thû appears in Chinese as Shū but is best known as a Burmese name meaning “one who has done something.” Thû is also a name used for Sauron in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Autumn
- Pronunciation: TUW
- Popularity: Thû ranked 60th among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Unique, Popular
Thủy
Thủy is similar to the Chinese Sui, meaning “water,” “river,” or any “liquid.” Thủy is among many Vietnamese family names beginning with T.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Water
- Pronunciation: TWEE
- Popularity: Thủy ranked 58th among last names in Vietnam in 2023.
Earthy, Unique
Tim
Tim is typically found in Malaysia among the Chinese population. It means “heart” in Vietnamese and “field” or “farm” in Chinese.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Heart
- Pronunciation: TIYM
- Popularity: Tim is rare among family names in Vietnam in 2023.
Unusual, Rare
Tông
In China, Tông appears as Zhang, Deng, Zhuang, and Teng. It originated with the Shang Dynasty Lord Zi, who founded the state of Tong. Tông’s Chinese-Mandarin meaning is “phoenix tree.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Phoenix tree
- Pronunciation: TOHNG
- Variations: Tung
- Namesakes: Amy Y. Tong, an American judoka and gold medalist at the 1999 Pan American Games. Simon Tong, an English guitarist and member of the rock band the Verve.
- Popularity: Tông ranked 69th among Vietnamese last names in 2023.
Ancient, Common
Trần
Trần derives from the Chinese Chen, meaning “exhibit” or “display.” It’s inspired by the Trần dynasty in Vietnam, best known for fighting off Mongol invasions. Over 10% of Vietnamese residents use Trần.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Exhibit
- Pronunciation: TRAEN
- Variations: Tranh, Traan
- Namesakes: Trần Đức Lương, the sixth president of Vietnam from 1997 to 2006. Trần Thị Thùy Dung, a Vietnamese beauty pageant contestant crowned as Miss Vietnam 2008.
- Popularity: Trần ranked 2nd among last names in Vietnam in 2023.
Popular, Traditional
Triệu
Triệu means “tide” or “small wave” and is the equivalent of the Mandarin Chinese Zhao. Triệu is also a girl’s name, meaning “million.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Tide
- Pronunciation: TRUW
- Namesakes: Andy Minh Trieu, an Australian martial artist and three-time Australian Champion Martial Artist. Triệu Việt Hưng, a Vietnamese footballer for Hải Phòng.
- Popularity: Triệu ranked 74th among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Earthy, Unique
Trịnh
Trịnh’s many Chinese meanings include “rule,” “order,” “journey,” “procedure,” and “sequence.” Its name comes from the Chinese Zheng state during the Warring States era.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Order, rule
- Pronunciation: TRIHN
- Namesakes: Eugene Huu-Chau Trinh, a Vietnamese-American biochemist who flew aboard NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-50. Trinh T. Minh-ha, a Vietnamese filmmaker known for Reassemblage (1982).
- Popularity: Trịnh ranked 18th among Vietnamese family names in 2023.
Strong, Popular
Truc
Truc means “bamboo” in Vietnamese and is used in phrases like “gấu Trúc,” meaning “panda.” As a girl’s name, Truc can mean “wish” and “desire.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Bamboo
- Pronunciation: TRUK
- Popularity: Truc ranked 183rd among last names in Vietnam in 2023.
Unique, Common
Trương
Trương refers to “one who is respected,” originating in the Vietnamese village of Da Gia. The original Trương were of Vietnamese-Kinh ethnicity, but today, it’s used by the Chinese, Cham, Tho, and San Diu peoples.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Respected
- Pronunciation: TRAONG
- Namesakes: Trương Tấn Sang, the seventh president of Vietnam from 2011 to 2016. Monique T.D. Truong, a Vietnamese-American writer whose novel The Book of Salt, won the 2003 Bard Fiction Prize.
- Popularity: Trương ranked 11th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Popular, Ancient
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Tuân
Tuân means “obey” and “honor” in Vietnamese, but translates to the Chinese Duan, meaning “herb.” In Malaysia, Tuân is a term of respect meaning “sir.”
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Obey, follow
- Pronunciation: TWAAN
- Popularity: Tuân ranked 70th among Vietnamese last names in 2023.
Ancient, Common
Vi
Vi is the Vietnamese equivalent to the Chinese Wei. In addition to meaning “flavor,” it also means “young,” “smart,” and “beauty.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Flavor, taste
- Pronunciation: VEE
- Variations: Vy
- Namesakes: Vi Đức Hồi, a Vietnamese democracy activist and former Communist Party official of Lạng Sơn Province.
- Popularity: Vi ranked 143rd among last names in Vietnam in 2023.
Unusual, Common
Viet
Viet’s exact meanings are unclear, but it can mean “beyond” (as in outsiders to a boundary) or “hatchet.” It mostly means “people,” referring to the native Vietnamese.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: People
- Pronunciation: VYET
- Popularity: Viet ranked 90th among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Traditional, Strong
Võ
Võ describes anything relating to the “military.” It’s typically used by Vietnamese who live in the south of the country. Võ also refers to “the art of fighting,” “wrestling,” or “judo.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Martial
- Pronunciation: VOH
- Variations: Vũ
- Namesakes: Võ Văn Thưởng, the president of Vietnam since 2023. Tracy Vo, an Australian journalist and the weekend news presenter for Nine News in Perth.
- Popularity: Võ ranked 9th among Vietnamese family names in 2023.
Strong, Unique
Vu
Vu’s Chinese equivalent is the Chinese Wu. Unlike Võ, Vu is used by the northern Vietnamese, but it still means “military service.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Shaman
- Pronunciation: VOO
- Variations: Võ
- Namesakes: Anh Vu, a Norwegian singer who competed in the 2004 Norwegian Pop Idol. Vũ Ngọc Thịnh, a Vietnamese footballer for Hải Phòng.
- Popularity: Vu ranked 9th among Vietnamese last names in 2023.
Traditional, Popular
Vương
Vương means “king” or “monarch,” but can describe the “best or strongest” of anything. It also means “to reign over” or “rule” and appears in China as Wang.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: King
- Pronunciation: VOO-Awng
- Namesakes: Vương Thị Huyền, a Vietnamese weightlifter who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Vương Tiến Dũng, a Vietnamese football coach for Thanh Hóa F.C.
- Popularity: Vương ranked 43rd among surnames in Vietnam in 2023.
Royal, Strong
Xinh
Xinh is much more common as a girl’s name, meaning “pretty” and “nice.” It’s often confused with the Chinese Xing, meaning “star,” but is not the same name.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Pretty
- Pronunciation: SEEYN
- Popularity: Xinh is very rare worldwide and relatively uncommon in Vietnam as of 2014.
Unique, Uncommon
Xuan
Xuan means “spring,” but is also a boy’s name given to one “born during the spring.” It also appears as Hsüan in some forms of Chinese.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Spring
- Pronunciation: SUW-Ahn
- Popularity: Xuan ranked 86th among Vietnamese last names in 2023.
Earthy, Common
Yen
In Chinese, Yen means “peace,” “safe,” and “stand still,” but also refers to a “swallow bird” in Vietnamese. Yen is a girl’s name meaning “calm” and “peaceful,” but is best known as the name for the Japanese unit of currency.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Swallow bird
- Pronunciation: YEHN
- Popularity: Yen ranked 57th among Vietnamese surnames in 2023.
Traditional, Common
Zin
Zin falls within a smaller group of Vietnamese surnames with Burmese origins. It means “branch,” but can be combined with other words, such as “tha-zin,” meaning “orchid.”
- Origin: Vietnamese, Burmese
- Meaning: Branch
- Pronunciation: ZIYN
- Popularity: Zin is rare worldwide and primarily used in Myanmar.
Earthy, Rare
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