Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!

Vietnamese names - Baby names with the origin Vietnamese

Vietnamese names are rooted in the Vietnamese language and culture, often reflecting virtues, nature, or family values. Names like Thanh (blue or clear) and Mai (plum blossom) symbolize beauty, purity, and ancestral pride. These names carry significant cultural and historical depth.

Read Full

Name Meaning Origins Gender
Quynh Huong Quynh Huong means "fragrant flower," symbolizing beauty in Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese Girl
Quynh Lam Quynh Lam: Vietnamese name symbolizing beauty, elegance, and cultural significance. Vietnamese Girl
Quynh Mai Quynh Mai means "gentle, beautiful plum blossom" in Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese Girl
Quynh N Quynh N: Vietnamese name meaning "delicate," popular among females globally. Vietnamese Girl
Quynh Nga Quynh Nga: Vietnamese name meaning "delicate" and "elegant," culturally significant. Vietnamese Girl
Quynh-Anh Quynh-Anh: Vietnamese name meaning "delicate fragrance" or "gentle spirit." Vietnamese Girl
Quynh-Nhu Quynh-Nhu: Vietnamese name meaning "delicate as" or "refined like." Vietnamese Girl
Quynlyn Quynlyn: Unique modern name combining Vietnamese and English cultural elements. Vietnamese Girl
Sang Sang: Korean origin, meaning "to live" or "to be." Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese Unisex
Siow Siow is a Chinese surname meaning "to laugh" or "smile." Chinese, Vietnamese Unisex
Song "Song" means "song" in Chinese; originates from ancient Chinese culture. Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese Unisex
Sung Sung: Korean origin, meaning "success" or "to achieve." Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese Unisex
Ta Ta is a unisex name with diverse cultural meanings and origins. Vietnamese Unisex
Tai Tai is a unisex name meaning "great," "peaceful," or "tide." Vietnamese Unisex
Tam Tam is a unisex name with diverse cultural origins and meanings. Hebrew, Vietnamese Unisex
Tet Tet is a unisex name symbolizing new beginnings in Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese Unisex
Thai Thai is a unisex name meaning "free" in Thai culture. Vietnamese Unisex
Thanh Thanh is a Vietnamese unisex name meaning "clear" or "bright." Vietnamese Boy
Thao Thao is a unisex Vietnamese name meaning "respectful" or "courteous." Vietnamese Unisex
Thảo Thảo: Vietnamese name meaning "grass," symbolizing nature and vitality. Vietnamese Girl
Thay Thay: Vietnamese name meaning "teacher," associated with males, unique. Vietnamese Boy
Thi Thi is a Vietnamese unisex name meaning "poetry" or "poem." Vietnamese Unisex
Thian Thian: Vietnamese name meaning "heavenly," gaining popularity among communities. Vietnamese Boy
Thinh Thinh: Vietnamese name meaning "smart," associated with males, culturally significant. Vietnamese Boy
Thoại Thoại: Vietnamese name meaning "to speak," unique and culturally significant. Vietnamese Boy
Thu Thu is a unisex Vietnamese name meaning "autumn," symbolizing beauty. Vietnamese Unisex
Thụ Thụ is a rare Vietnamese male name meaning "to receive" or "accept." Vietnamese Boy
Thuật Thuật: Vietnamese name meaning "skillful," rare and masculine. Vietnamese Boy
Thường Thường is a Vietnamese male name meaning "common" or "ordinary." Vietnamese Boy
Thuy Thuy means "water," symbolizes life, and is a popular Vietnamese name. Vietnamese Girl

FAQs about the name Vietnamese

What is the origin of the name 'Vietnamese'?

The name 'Vietnamese' originates from the term "Viet Nam," which historically refers to the people of the Viet (or Kinh) ethnic group. The word "Viet" is believed to have derived from the name of an ancient group of people in the region, while "Nam" means "south." Together, they signify the people of the southern territory of the Viet people.

What does 'Viet' in 'Vietnamese' signify?

The term 'Viet' in 'Vietnamese' signifies the major ethnic group in Vietnam, known as the Kinh or Viet people. It is thought to originate from the name of a community that lived in what is now northern Vietnam and southern China. Over time, 'Viet' has come to represent the cultural and linguistic identity of the majority population in Vietnam.

What does 'Nam' in 'Vietnamese' mean?

In the context of 'Vietnamese,' 'Nam' translates to 'south.' It refers to the southern part of the region historically inhabited by the Viet people, distinguishing it from areas to the north. The combination of 'Viet' and 'Nam' reflects the expansion of the Viet people's territory southward.

How did the term 'Vietnamese' come into English?

The term 'Vietnamese' was adopted into English from the French term "vietnamien" during the period of French colonial rule in Indochina. The French used "Vietnamien" to refer to the people and language of Vietnam. As English speakers came into contact with the region, the anglicized version 'Vietnamese' became common usage.

Is 'Vietnamese' used to refer to the language or the people?

The term 'Vietnamese' is used to refer to both the people of Vietnam and the official language of the country. As an ethnonym, it denotes the national identity of the country's citizens, while as a language name, it refers to the language spoken by the majority of Vietnam's population. This dual usage is common in English for many nationalities and their languages.

Does 'Vietnamese' have any historical significance?

Yes, 'Vietnamese' has historical significance as it reflects the historical and cultural evolution of the Viet people. The name encapsulates the periods of migration, territorial expansion, and nation-building. It also signifies the establishment of Vietnam as a distinct cultural and political entity in Southeast Asia.

Are there other names historically associated with the Vietnamese people?

Historically, the Vietnamese people have been associated with several other names, such as "Annamites," which was used during French colonial times. Other terms include "Kinh," which is the name of the majority ethnic group in Vietnam. These names have varied depending on the historical period and the context of use.

Has the name 'Vietnamese' changed over time?

The name 'Vietnamese' itself has not significantly changed over time, but the entity it refers to has evolved. Initially, it referred to the people and culture of a smaller region, which expanded over centuries to form modern Vietnam. The term has been adapted and adopted by different languages and cultures, shaping its current form and usage.

What is the significance of the name 'Vietnamese' in the context of Southeast Asia?

In the context of Southeast Asia, 'Vietnamese' signifies the unique identity and heritage of Vietnam within the diverse cultural mosaic of the region. It distinguishes the Vietnamese people and their language from their neighbors, highlighting Vietnam's distinct historical trajectory. The name also represents Vietnam's role and influence in the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia.

Is the term 'Vietnamese' recognized internationally?

Yes, the term 'Vietnamese' is internationally recognized as the designation for the people and the official language of Vietnam. It is used in diplomatic, cultural, and academic contexts around the world. The name is also standardized in international law and agreements, reflecting Vietnam's sovereignty and national identity.