220 Popular Vietnamese Names with Meanings

Every parent is looking for the right name for their baby. But in doing so, many go for names that aren’t popular for whatever reason.

However, this is a costly mistake because you can’t change the name later.

We’ve all heard stories where parents name their child something that the child ends up growing up to hate it. How can you avoid that?

Do some research and check out some popular Vietnamese names to get a better idea.

An: “peaceful” and “gracious”

Cadeo: “folk song”

Diu: “tender”

Do`an Vien: “happy reunion”

Han: “faithful”, “moral”

Hiê`n: “gentle”

Kê`t Nien: “year of unity”

Kiê`u: “graceful”

La`nh: “gentle”

: “shyness” and “humbleness”

Linh: “spirit”

Tam: “heart”

Tha”m: “discreet grace”

Thao: “grass”

Thi: “poem”

In the past, some parents have named their children after celebrities or fictional characters. Sometimes the parents themselves will choose a name that is not typical.

Other times they will choose a name that is not common at all.

Some parents are so overwhelmed with the task of naming their child that they opt for a one-word baby name. And although this has been a popular choice, it’s not always the best decision.

In many cultures around the world, a name is considered an important part of a child’s identity. Besides, it’s a good idea to avoid naming your child the same as their father, which might lead to confusion.

So, what should the perfect baby’s name be? Let’s dive into the list of awesome Vietnamese names.

Thuy: “friendly”, “gentle”

: “luxurious”

Viê”t:  “to write”

Vinh: “glory”

Yên: “peace”

Be”: “baby”

: “doll”

Bi”ch: “jade”

Chau: “pearls”

Ha`i: “fairy shoe”

Khanh: “precious stone”

My: “pretty”

Ngoc: “jade”, and “

Ngoc Bich: “sapphire jade”

Nhung: “velvet”

Vietnamese Names

Qu”y:  “precious”

Ô`ng: “rose”, “pink”

Hy`unh: “yellow”

Kim: “gold”, “golden”

Thanh Ha: “Teal River”

Tuyet:“snow white”

Huê: “lily flower”

Hung: “pink rose”

Huong: “scent of a flower”

Lan: “orchid”

Liên: “lotus”

Am: “lunar”

Ha`ng: “angel”

Nguyêt: “moon”

Bach: “to live by the stream”

Popular Vietnamese Names

Bao “protection or security”

Chi “man with purpose”

Dang “prestige and valuable”

Gia “family”

Gian “God”s gift”

Hien “gentle, peaceful, quiet or kind”

Khanh “prince”

Khuong “to offer help”

Lahn “quick” or “smart”

Lap “independent”

Nam “possessing good qualities” 

Nhat “number one” or “long life”

Vietnamese Names

What are some of the cutest Vietnamese names?

Nhung “velvet”

Oanh “type of bird”

Phong “wind” in Vietnamese

Phung “phoenix”

Quang “clear, bright or brilliant”

Quoc “country or nation”

Si “gentlemen”

Son “gentle” “peace”

Sinh “bloom”, “full of life”

Tai “talented”, “prosperous”

Tan “dawn” or “new”

Vien “completion” in Vietnamese

Vuong “developed” or “prosperous”

More Baby Names:

Tips for Naming Your Babies

There are millions of baby names out there, and while most parents decide on a name and stick with it for the rest of their lives, there are some who wish the best for their future child, but don’t have a clue how to choose a name.

These parents may be confused about why they can’t come up with a name for their baby, or they may have tried several times and have given up on the idea.

If you are considering giving your child a name, there are some things you should know:

1.     Pick the name you love, even if it is popular.

It is popular and you love it. Anything else you need to think upon? Nope. Go for it. If you want to give it uniqueness, think of a great middle name.

Here are some popular Vietnamese names out there:

Xuan “spring”

Ba “third” or “three”

Bay “seventh born son”

Binah “piece” or “average”

Buu “guide” or “principle”

Cadeo “folk song”

Chinh “righteousness”

Cuong “healthy” or “flourishing”

Duc “good”

Duy “moral”

Hoang “gold” or “yellow”

Huynh “older brother/s”

Kim “metal” or “gold”

Lam “full of understanding”

2.     Do not skip lovely Vietnamese names even if they are unique, unusual, and different.

Sometimes, parents will not go for unusual, unique, and different baby names. They consider it weird. Let me tell you that being attractive and thought provoking is the game these days.

How would you like these Vietnamese names:

Long “hair”

Ngai “herb”

Nguyen “sleep”

Phuoc “good luck”

Pin “faithful boy”

Quy “precious”

Sang “noble” or “peace”

Tam “number eight”

Teo “twin”

Thai “multiple” or “many”

Thao “courteous”

Thian “smooth”

Thuc “to be aware”

Tin “thinker”

3.     Be confident if you want to go toward personalized spellings for your baby’s name.

SURE. You should be confident when giving personalized spellings to your baby’s name. However, it is important that you do not make it weird.

Adding or removing an alphabet would be enough here.

Try changing these baby names spellings into personalized ones:

Bích

Meaning: “Bluish-green”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Jade, Blue-Green Color.

Spellings and Variations: Aoi, Bich.

Famous people with name: Novelist Bich Minh Nguyen.

Cam

Meaning: “Orange (the fruit)”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a boy’s name is of Scottish and Gaelic origin meaning “crooked nose”.

Spellings and Variations: Cameron, Camryn, Kam, Kamryn.

Famous people with name: Cam Akers.

Chi

Meaning: “Branch”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: this character means ‘pond’ and is found in names of lakes and areas surrounding lakes.

Spellings and Variations: Chinwi, Chichi, Chioma.

Famous people with name: Chi Cheng.

Diệp

Meaning: “Leaf”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin.

Spellings and Variations: Diem, Điệp.

Famous people with name: Diệp Hoài Xuân.

Phượng

Meaning: “Direction, way”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: is girl’s name meaning “direction or phoenix”.

Spellings and Variations: Fang.

Famous people with name: Le Uyen Phuong.

Thi

Meaning: “Poetry, poem, verse”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Single Female.

Spellings and Variations: Thị.

Famous people with name: Nguyen Thi Lua.

Diệu

Meaning: “Mysterious, subtle, exquisite”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: –

Spellings and Variations: Diem, Dieu, Miao.

Famous people with name: –

Hằng

Meaning: “Lady”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Moon.

Spellings and Variations: Hang.

Famous people with name: Minh Hằng.

Loan

Meaning: “Mythological bird”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: is primarily a male name of French origin that means Light. Also a female Vietnamese name, referring to a mythological bird.

Spellings and Variations: Elouan, Loann, Lohan Loane.

Famous people with name: Loanny Cartaya.

Mai

Meaning: “Plum, apricot”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Japanese origin that means Dance, Linen Robe.

Spellings and Variations: Mae, Maia, May, Maya, Mei, Ume.

Famous people with name: Mai Nakahara.

Hoa

Meaning: “Flower”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: is ‘Like a flower. ‘ Its Pronunciation is HWA. Hoa Origin / Usage is ‘ Vietnamese Baby Names ‘ . This name is especially approved for ‘Girls’ Gender.

Spellings and Variations: Hana, Hòa, Hua.

Famous people with name: Hoa Minzy.

Huệ

Meaning: “Bright”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a Chinese surname meaning: favor, benefit, to bestow, (literary) benevolence, (honorific).

Spellings and Variations: Hue, Hui.

Famous people with name: Nguyễn Huệ.

Kim

Meaning: “Gold, metal”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a girl’s name is of Old English origin meaning “Cyneburg’s field”. It is a short form of Kimberly and has been used as an independent name since the mid 20th century. Kim is also a Korean name meaning “gold”.

Spellings and Variations: Kimberly, Kimball.

Famous people with name: Trần Trọng Kim.

Liên

Meaning: “Lotus, water lily”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: From Sino-Vietnamese (liên) meaning “lotus, water lily”.

Spellings and Variations: Carolien, Lien.

Famous people with name: Lien Chan.

Mỹ

Meaning: “Beautiful”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: From Sino-Vietnamese (mỹ) meaning “beautiful”.

Spellings and Variations: Maia, Maya, Mei, My.

Famous people with name: Mỹ Linh.

4.     Crossing your favorite Vietnamese names on the feedback on friends and family members.

Feedback is important. But it does not mean to listen to every other person’s opinion. You will hardly find Vietnamese names that everybody would like.

Therefore, get feedback but still know your choice.

Consider getting feedback on these baby names from your friends and family members:

Trang “to be honorable”

Vinh “bay” or “gulf”

Cuong “healthy” or “flourishing”

Dung “courageous” or “brave”

Hao “to be good” or “brave”

Hung “hero”

Kai “victory”

Ly “reason” or “lion”

Mang “to be powerful”

Thang “victory” or “brave”

Toan “complete”, “peace”

Quan “soldier” “brave”

Bian “to be secretive”

5.     Do a little research and find what is out there.

Research is important step for the first-time parents as well for those who do not know what sort of names people pick. You will be all good once you do a little internet research.

You will also be able to find some great Vietnamese names that you might consider now or in the future.

Here are some common baby names examples to help you:

Tuyết

Meaning: “Snow”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Snow.

Spellings and Variations: Xue, Yuki.

Famous people with name: Tuyet Le.

Yên

Meaning: “Calm, peaceful”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: Vietnamese. Meaning: Peaceful, Calm.

Spellings and Variations: An, Yasu.

Famous people with name: Yen Chun-Hao.

Bảo

Meaning: “Treasure, jewel”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: bundle or package; precious treasure; guarantee.

Spellings and Variations: Bao, Takara.

Famous people with name: Bao Zheng.

Chí

Meaning: “Will, spirit”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: this character means ‘pond’ and is found in names of lakes and areas surrounding lakes.

Spellings and Variations: Zhi.

Famous people with name: Chi Cheng.

Dương

Meaning: “Male, virile”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Virile, Manly.

Spellings and Variations: Duong, Haru, Yang.

Famous people with name: Dương Tam Kha.

Hải

Meaning: “Sea, ocean”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a Chinese surname meaning “ocean.”

Spellings and Variations: Hai, Kai.

Famous people with name: Hai Rui.

Hào

Meaning: “Brave, heroic”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: From Sino-Vietnamese (hào) meaning “brave, heroic”.

Spellings and Variations: Hạo, Hao.

Famous people with name: Hao Weizhen.

Khánh

Meaning: “Congratulate, celebrate”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: In Arabic Baby Names the meaning of the name Khanh is: Prince. Title used by central Asian tribal chieftains and ruling princes.

Spellings and Variations: Kei, Khanh.

Famous people with name: Nguyễn Khánh.

Liêm

Meaning: “Clean, honest, upright”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: From Sino-Vietnamese (liêm) meaning “clean, honest, upright”.

Spellings and Variations: Lian, Liem.

Famous people with name: Liem Swie King.

Minh

Meaning: “Bright”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a popular unisex given name of Vietnamese origin, written using the Chinese character meaning “bright”.

Spellings and Variations: Ming, Myeong, Myung.

Famous people with name: Ho Chi Minh.

Meaning: “Luxuriant, beautiful, elegant, outstanding”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Bright, Sharp.

Spellings and Variations: Tu.

Famous people with name: Tu Youyou.

Vân

Meaning: “Cloud”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: Vietnamese word for “cloud.”

Spellings and Variations: Văn, Van, Yun.

Famous people with name: Van Wyck Brooks.

Xuân

Meaning: “Spring”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a gender-neutral name of Vietnamese origin that means Spring.

Spellings and Variations: Haru, Xuan.

Famous people with name: Ge Xuan.

6.     Consider the names of the subsequent children.

Maybe, you are first time parents and figuring out some cool Vietnamese name. It is a good idea to consider the names of subsequent children too.

7.     Avoid the names with bad meanings.

Baby names with bad meanings can be a cause of embarrassment for you and your kid. Be sure to know the meaning of the name you are gonna pick and be sure it is encouraging and positive.

Here are some of the cool Vietnamese names with meanings:

Binh “peaceful” or “section”

Chau “gem” or “pearl”

Cam “bent nose”

Cais “a person who rejoices”

Duyen “graceful person”

Dep “beautiful”

Diep “love for nature”

Hai “ocean or sea”

Hang “angel in the full moon”

Han “moral” or “faithful”

Khuyen “to give advice”

Lan “orchid flower”

Lanh “good” and “gentle”

8.     Pick up good people’s names from history.

The name of person has an effect on his/her personality, it is said. Maybe, that’s the reason why people choose names from history. You can consider this as well.

I am sure you have heard about many legends from the past. I bet you’d find some awesome and useable Vietnamese names if you look into it.

We have a small list of Vietnamese names here for you to check out and know if you have heard them before:

Tiên

Meaning: “Immortal, transcendent, celestial being, fairy”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Fairy.

Spellings and Variations: Tiến, Tien.

Famous people with name: Cheng Tien-fong.

Trinh

Meaning: “Virtuous, chaste, loyal”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Pure, Virginal.

Spellings and Variations: Jeong, Jong, Jung, Zhen.

Famous people with name: Hanoi Trịnh Như Khuê.

Ngải

Meaning: “Sagebrush, wormwood”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Sage Spice.

Spellings and Variations: Ngai, Ni.

Famous people with name: Ngai Wai Man.

Nguyên

Meaning: “Original, first”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: “musical instrument” and actually rooted in Chinese, Nguyen is an interesting name that you’ll encounter throughout the world.

Spellings and Variations: Nguyen, Nguyễn.

Famous people with name: Nguyễn Du.

Quân

Meaning: “Army”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: from a word that means ‘coin’.

Spellings and Variations: Jun, Quan.

Famous people with name: Quan Lei.

Quang

Meaning: “Bright, clear”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a gender neutral name of Vietnamese origin. With a definition of “pure” and “clear”, this name will be a reminder to baby to keep their spirit free of distractions that will only weigh them down.

Spellings and Variations: Guan, Kwang, Hikaru.

Famous people with name: Quảng Đức.

Quyền

Meaning: “Power, right, authority”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: “power” or “right”, is cognate with the Chinese surname now spelled Quán in Mandarin Pinyin.

Spellings and Variations: Quyên.

Famous people with name: Nguyễn Quyền.

Sơn

Meaning: “Mountain”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: From Sino-Vietnamese (sơn) meaning “mountain”.

Spellings and Variations: Søn, Son, Yamato.

Famous people with name: Nguyen Hong Son.

Thuần

Meaning: “Pure, clean, simple”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Clean, Pure.

Spellings and Variations: Jun, Thuận.

Famous people with name: Trinh Xuan Thuan.

Trai

Meaning: “Oyster”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Oyster.

Spellings and Variations: Trae, Trey.

Famous people with name: Trae Young.

Tuân

Meaning: “Obey, follow, honor”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Chivalrous Lord, Gentlemanly.

Spellings and Variations: Duan, Tuấn, Tuan.

Famous people with name: Tuan Yi-kang.

Viên

Meaning: “Round, full, complete”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Complete, Full.

Spellings and Variations: Viện, Vienna.

Famous people with name: Thomas Vien.

An

Meaning: “Peace, quiet”

Origin: Chinese

Description: a gender-neutral name of Chinese origin that means Peace.

Spellings and Variations: Án, Ân, Yasu, Yên.

Famous people with name: An Nakahara.

Anh

Meaning: “Flower petal or brave hero”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a gender neutral name of Vietnamese origin. Meaning “intellectual” and “bright”.

Spellings and Variations: An.

Famous people with name: Ahn Duong.

Bình

Meaning: “Level, even, peaceful”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Peaceful.

Spellings and Variations: Ping.

Famous people with name: Nguyễn Bình.

Châu

Meaning: “Pearl, gem”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a gender-neutral name of Vietnamese origin that means Pearl.

Spellings and Variations: Chao, Chau.

Famous people with name: Nguyễn Minh Châu.

Giang

Meaning: “River”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a gender-neutral name of Vietnamese origin that means River.

Spellings and Variations: Yang, Zhang.

Famous people with name: Hoàng Hà Giang.

Lan

Meaning: “Orchid, elegant, mountain mist”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a feminine given name, which means “orchid”.

Spellings and Variations: Lanh.

Famous people with name: Lan Cao.

Linh

Meaning: “Spirit, soul”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a Vietnamese name that means “soul” or “spirit”.

Spellings and Variations: Lin, Ling.

Famous people with name: Lin Yi.

Quỳnh

Meaning: “Deep red”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Night Blooming Flower.

Spellings and Variations: Qióng.

Famous people with name: Quynh Mi.

Thanh

Meaning: “Blue, green, young, or sound, voice, tone”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a male name of Vietnamese origin that means Brilliant.

Spellings and Variations: Qing.

Famous people with name: Thành Thái.

Trúc

Meaning: “Bamboo”

Origin: Vietnamese

Description: a female name of Vietnamese origin that means Wish, Desire.

Spellings and Variations: Take, Truc, Zhú.

Famous people with name: Truc Hoang Le.

9.     Make sure the first and second names fit with each other.

This happens rarely that the first and seconds names do not fit and meet each other well. It is, however, something you would not want.

Check out Vietnamese names and try to make full names that fit each other nicely:

Mai “plum”

Minh “a bright person”

Nguyet “moon”

Nhat “sun”

Ping “peaceful”

Quyen “kind of a bird”

Sangh “nobility”

Suong “fog”

Thi “verse” or “poem”

Trieu “a small wave” or “a tide”

Thanh “sunny”

Tuyen “ray” or “angel”

Van “cloud”

Yen “serene” or “peace”

A”nh “light ray”

10.  Avoid names with too many syllables.

Baby names with too many syllables are complex. They are hard to remember. They should be avoided.

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About Muhammad Bilal

Bilal is BS computer science student. He is learning programming and coding. Branding and marketing are his other interests. When he isn't working, he loves indoor games.