The most common Vietnamese first name is Nguyen.
The most common Vietnamese first name is Nguyen. This name is incredibly popular and prevalent in Vietnam, representing a significant portion of the population. Nguyen is a patronymic name that originated from the Chinese surname Ruan or Yuan. It was adopted by many Vietnamese families during the Nguyen Dynasty, which reigned from the early 19th century until the mid-20th century. Despite not being distinctive in nature, Nguyen has become so widespread that it dominates the Vietnamese naming system.
Nguyen is not only the most popular surname in Vietnam but it is also ranked among the most common surnames worldwide. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, there are over 39 million people with the last name Nguyen in Vietnam, accounting for over 40% of the country’s population. This extraordinary prevalence of the name has even led to the humorous saying, “One-third of the Nguyens live in Vietnam, and the rest live abroad.”
Additionally, it is interesting to note that the popularity of the name Nguyen has resulted in some distinctive naming practices. Vietnamese individuals often have a second name that follows Nguyen to differentiate them from others with the same name. This second name could be their given name or a chosen name that holds personal significance.
To provide a more detailed perspective, here is a table showcasing the prevalence of Nguyen as a surname in different countries:
| Country | Number of Nguyens per million |
| Vietnam | 396 |
| United States | 1,491 |
| Australia | 1,288 |
| France | 911 |
| Canada | 722 |
In conclusion, Nguyen is undeniably the most common Vietnamese first name, with an immense number of individuals sharing this surname in Vietnam and across the globe. Its remarkable prevalence stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of the Nguyen dynasty.
As Victor H. Mair, a professor of Chinese language and literature, once said, “Nguyen is a low-prestige name in China, but in Vietnam, it has a high status because of the Nguyens’ historical prominence.” This quote highlights the esteemed reputation associated with the name Nguyen in Vietnamese culture and its historical significance.
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Some of the most common names used by both genders are Anh, Dung, Hanh, Hoa, Hong, Khanh, Lan, Liem, Nhung, Duy and Xuan. Middle names tend to be more gender specific. The most common middle names are ‘Thi’ for females and ‘Van’ for males. Other common male middle names include Huu, Duc, Xuan, Ngoc, Quang and Cong.
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1. Anh. One of the most common and popular name choices for both boys and girls in Vietnam is Anh. Pronounced AN or IENG, depending on the region you hail from, this sweet name is often used as part of a compound name, as in Anh Ngoc.
Name | Meaning | |
---|---|---|
13. | Cường | Strong, powerful, vigorous |
14. | Vũ | Feather or military, martial |
15. | Đức | Virtue |
16. | Trường | Head, leader |