Vietnamese names: Naming traditions and 200+ common names for boys & girls

Vietnamese names are an integral part of Vietnamese people's identity, which are rooted in rich naming traditions. We will uncover 200 common names for boys and girls in Vietnam and their meanings, which not only distinguish individuals but also reflect the local cultural values and family ties. Read on to check out some interesting facts about Vietnamese names, too!

1. A glance at the naming tradition in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts 54 ethnic groups, each with their unique cultural, historical, and social background. This diversity is reflected in the variations of people's names, contributing to the rich culture of Vietnam. 

Names serve several important purposes in Vietnam. They help distinguish one's lineage, providing insights into one's ancestral roots. Furthermore, Vietnamese names are used to differentiate individuals from one another and to indicate gender (male or female). Additionally, names often carry aesthetic significance, typically associated with positive meanings and aspirations.

Naming is a solemn tradition within Vietnamese families, following certain principles:

• Conciseness: Vietnamese names are kept short and memorable.
• Uniqueness: Avoiding duplication ensures that each person's identity remains distinct.
• Gender specificity: Vietnamese names clearly denote whether an individual is male or female.
• Aesthetic appeal: Vietnamese names are chosen for their tonal beauty.

Throughout Vietnamese history, the practice of giving middle names has endured. For instance, "Van" is often added to common Vietnamese male names, as it signifies a person with knowledge, education, and virtue. Thus, the inclusion of "Van" in Vietnamese names for boys reflects the parents' aspirations for their sons to achieve success. On the other hand, "Thi” is added to common Vietnamese female names. It has traditionally been used to indicate women and was also a term women used to refer to themselves in the past.

2. Structure & order of Vietnamese names

Vietnamese full names traditionally comprise three components: surname, middle name, and given name.

Vietnamese surnames are passed down through generations.

Middle names, often a common word like "Thi" or "Van", serve as an indicator of the person's gender. However, these were the traditional middle names used by our ancestors. Nowadays, there are many contemporary Vietnamese names for both boys and girls. These middle names can be the mother's surname or other meaningful words that complement the given name. 

Given names, on the other hand, are selected by the parents and may carry various meanings, including qualities, virtues, or aspirations.

The Vietnamese name order differs from that of Western names in that Vietnamese last names are placed first, followed by middle names and given names. For example, Trinh Van B would be addressed as Mr. Trinh.

In Vietnamese culture, titles play a crucial role in addressing individuals, besides their Vietnamese names. Some common titles and their meanings include "Anh" for "Older brother", "Chi" for "Older sister", "Co" for "Aunt", and "Bac" for "Uncle". These titles are placed before Vietnamese full names.

3. Popular Vietnamese names for boys & girls

After learning about the Vietnamese tradition of naming and the order of Vietnamese names, let's explore some common Vietnamese female names and Vietnamese male names.

3.1. Top 100+ common Vietnamese male names and their meanings

Here is a list of Vietnamese male names from A to X, each with its own unique meaning and symbolic representation:

3.2. Top 100 common Vietnamese female names and their meanings

For females, names in Vietnam not only serve as identifiers but also reflect historical, social, and cultural values. Here is a list of common Vietnamese names for females and their meanings:

4. Interesting facts about Vietnamese names

There are some fascinating facts about Vietnamese full names or Vietnamese name order that you should not miss.

4.1. The most popular surnames in Vietnam

Vietnam, with its 54 ethnic groups, possesses around 1,023 surnames. Despite that, only 14 Vietnamese last names are the most common, including: Nguyen (38.4%), Tran (12.1%), Le (9.5%), Pham (7%), Hoang/Huynh (5.1%), Phan (4.5%), Vu/Vo (3.9%), Dang (2.1%), Bui (2%), Do (1.4%), Ho (1.3%), Ngo (1.3%), Duong (1%), Ly (0.5%).

4.2. The rarest surnames in Vietnam

In contrast to the 14 most common Vietnamese surnames, which make up 90%, the remaining 10% consists of rare surnames. Some of these surnames are so rare that it is very hard to come across those with those same surnames (except for those with the same bloodline), and most people have never even heard of them. Examples of these rare surnames in Vietnamese names include Thach, Vi, Nong, Xa, Uong, and Khau, which have origins in China, and other Vietnamese surnames like Luong, Bang, Doan, Trieu, and Ha, etc.

4.3. Weird naming traditions in some regions of Vietnam

In addition to the common naming practices mentioned above, in some regions of Vietnam, there are some interesting and somewhat peculiar naming customs that might leave you astonished:

• Cong Hoa Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi: Normally, Vietnamese names begin with the surname, then the middle and given name. However, in this commune, the surname is placed in the middle. This practice is only applicable to male names, while female names are structured in the conventional way. This unique tradition has been maintained here for over 400 years.
• The Bahnar ethnic minority: The Bahnar people typically name their children using the initial sounds from the Vietnamese names of their grandparents, parents, or relatives to maintain familial connections. They also have a custom of naming children based on unusual events during birth, physical characteristics, sometimes even dream interpretations.
• The Jrai ethnic minority: The Jrai people have a rich variety of surnames, each connected to a legendary story about their ancestors, particularly a figure named Ho Bia. Depending on where Ho Bia gave birth to her children, the surname would be derived from that place, leading to surnames like Rahlan and Hiao (along the road), K’sor (in abandoned fields), Nay (in lowlands), R’mah (on the mango tree), and so on.
• The H’mong ethnic minority: In H’mong tradition, men are typically given Vietnamese names with a common middle name starting with 'A', similar to the popular 'Van' middle name. However, when they reach adulthood, they will have a naming ceremony to change their middle name which signifies respect within the community. This procedure is determined by the bride's parents and it signifies that the groom is a good person.

After exploring these fascinating aspects of Vietnamese names, it is time to plan your Vietnam travel to outstanding tourist destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ha Long. To enhance your vacation experience in these destinations, consider staying at Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts. As the number one hospitality brand in Vietnam, Vinpearl has branches located throughout the country, offering top-notch amenities including restaurants, pools, shopping areas, recreational zones, conference centers, spas, and golf courses.

Moreover, don't forget to visit VinWonders, the most dynamic entertainment complexes in Vietnam. At VinWonders, you can have a blast with friends and family, enjoying a wide range of thrilling games, cultural activities, and vibrant festivals.

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to explore Vietnam in your unique way!

Vietnamese names encapsulate the essence of a vibrant culture, connecting individuals to their heritage. These names carry deep meanings, embodying the identity of the Vietnamese people. Whether it is popular names or unique ones, Vietnamese names hold a special place in the hearts of those who bear them and offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture.

Grab the hottest deals at Vinpearl