Hmong Names that have significant meanings linked to the ancient culture.
Hmong people come from Southwest China and are known for their unique culture and traditions. Hmong baby names are important and have special meaning. After a Hmong baby is born, a ceremony called ‘hu plig’ is organized by the family to call on their ancestors’ spirits. This ceremony includes giving the baby a name out loud so that the household spirits are aware of the new addition. The Hmong believe this ceremony is crucial for the baby’s well-being. The ceremony is typically conducted by an elderly person who is wise and knowledgeable, such as a shaman or grandfather. After the naming ceremony, the baby receives blessings from the elders and everyone celebrates with a feast. Hmong parents carefully choose a name that reflects their baby’s soul, as they believe an incorrect name could bring bad health in the future. They often have a few names ready in case the first one doesn’t feel right. The chosen name is then shared with other clan members. While the first name is chosen based on the baby’s soul, the surname follows the clan’s tradition. If you’re looking for a meaningful Hmong baby name, you can find ideas on our list.
Famous Hmong Names For Baby Boys With Meanings
1. Alang
If you’re looking for a grand name for your son, you can pick Alang, which means ’emperor’ in the Hmong language. This name is short, sweet, and has an international charm.
2. Blong
Parents who want a Hmong name inspired by nature for their son can choose the name Blong. This Hmong name means ‘leaf’. This name is derived from the name Nplooj, which has the same meaning.
3. Cai
Teach your child to follow rules by naming him Cai, which means ‘law’. This unique Hmong baby name offers a fresh alternative to the popular Hawaiian name, Kai.
4. Choj
Hmong people have a deep belief that children are the connection to God. They believe that God’s love for children is unparalleled. Because of this, the name Choj, which means ‘bridge’, is commonly used by them.
5. Chue
Chue is a Hmong name that traditionally refers to a baby boy but is also used for girls. This is likely because the name’s meaning is not specific to either gender.
6. Ci
Ci is a well-known Hmong name for babies, which means ‘shine or to shine’. Giving your child a name like this could lead to a bright and successful future.
7. Daus
Daus is a Hmong name that means ‘to scoop up’. It is a good choice for parents looking for something different from common names that end in ‘us’, like Gaius, Magnus, and Darius.
8. Foom
The Hmong name Foom means ‘bless’, is a way of reminding children about the blessings from their elders and from God.
9. Fuechy
Every parent wishes for their child to have control over everything in life. With this hope in mind, they choose the name Fuechy for their child, as it symbolizes ‘control and power.’
10. Fwam
Respect seems to be diminishing in each new generation, so parents should start teaching their kids about it. One way to do this is by giving them a Hmong name that means ‘respect’.
11. Hawj
For a unique and bold name for a boy, consider choosing Hawj, a traditional Hmong name from the Hmong culture. This name has a charm that is hard to resist.
12. Kaus
Many Hmong parents choose the name Kaus each year, even though it has a dark meaning. The popularity of the name may be attributed to the trendy letter ‘u’ in it. This Hmong baby name means ‘fang’.
13. Keej
If you want your son to become a skilled and competent man, consider naming him Keej. This Hmong name means ‘capable’. It also has a nice sound to it.
14. Kim
Our readers probably know this name as a shorter version of Kimball or Kimberly. This Hmong name means ‘expensive.’
15. Koob
The Hmong name Koob is a shortened version of Koob-Hmoov or Koobmeej, which means ‘needle’. If you prefer tradition, you can use the full form and just use Koob as a nickname.
16. Koob-Hmoov
Koob-Hmoov is a baby name for Hmong people that has a hyphen and means ‘blessing’. Many important Hmong individuals have had this name in different forms.
17. Koob-Meej
Long baby names with hyphens have a unique charm. If you appreciate names that are elegant and lengthy, consider giving your child the name Koob-Meej, which means ‘fame or honor’.
18. Kub
Kub, a name meaning ‘gold’, has become very popular among Hmong people in recent years. This short and attractive Hmong baby name is a favorite choice for many young Hmong parents.
19. Lauj
Lauj is a popular two syllable clan name among the Hmong community. This Hmong name stands out for its unique sound compared to other Hmong names for baby boys.
20. Leej
Leej is a significant member of a group of names that sound similar, like Keej, Yeej, and Meej. This Hmong name means ‘second son’ and is specifically for the second son in a Hmong family.
21. Lis
This cute Hmong baby name means ‘power or strength’, is deeply rooted in Hmong culture. It is currently popular but could become even more trendy in the future.
22. Looj
The Hmong name Looj comes from the word ‘to cover’ and is similar to the name Tooj. It is a simple, fresh, and meaningful name that would be great for twin boys.
23. Moos
The Hmong name ‘Moos’ is used for both a city and as a word in the Hmong language meaning ‘watch or clock’. It is a popular choice among Hmong people when naming their babies, with many babies being named Moos each year.
24. Muas
The Hmong people have a clan name called Muas that could be a good choice for naming. The only problem is that it may be mistaken for Muas due to their similar sounds.
25. Nhia
If parents want their kids to be financially successful, they should consider naming them Nhia, which means ‘silver or money’. Even though Nhia may sound feminine, it is popular among Hmong people for their boys.
26. Nruag
The Hmong name Nruag, which means ‘drum’, is ideal for parents who love music and want their child to share that passion.
27. Ntxawg
The Hmong name Ntxawg, which means ‘junior’, is typically used for the youngest or oldest son in a family. This nickname, with an ‘x’ in it, is distinctive but can be a little tricky to spell.
28. Phiab
Phiab is a sweet-sounding name that shows how creative and innovative the Hmong people are. They are proud to use this Hmong word, which means ‘platter, pan, or large bowl,’ as a name for their babies.
29. Pobtsuas
Pobtsuas is a strong and intelligent Hmong baby name that means ‘cliff rock’. It would be a great choice for a resilient and hearty young boy.
30. Rwg
In many families, the youngest son is called ‘Rwg,’ which means son. This Hmong name is short, with only three letters.
31. Sawm
Sawm is a name that sounds like Sam in English, making it both unique and familiar. The origin of the name, meaning ‘deserving,’ is something we really like.
32. Suav
Suav is a smooth-sounding Hmong name that means ‘to count or relating to China’. It is a popular choice for Hmong baby boys due to its significance.
33. Tooj
Tooj is not a common name among the Hmong community. This Hmong baby name comes from the Hmong word for ‘copper,’ but some parents choose to use it as a name for their child. It can be used as a middle name rather than a first name.
34. Tswab
Many Hmong people seem to like using vocabulary words as names, like the name Tswab, which means ‘banana plant’ in Hmong but is also used as a baby name.
35. Tswb
The slight change of just one letter can have a huge impact on Hmong names. For example, ‘Tswab’ means ‘banana plant’, but ‘Tswb’ without the ‘a’ means ‘bell’. It is important to be cautious when choosing a Hmong name for your son.
36. Tub
In English-speaking countries, the name Tub may seem humorous, but it actually has a legitimate meaning in Hmong as ‘son or male.’
37. Wang-Meng
The Hmong name Wang-Meng, which means ‘very wealthy’, is a hyphenated name that some Hmong parents give to their children.
38. Xob
Xob is a traditional Hmong name that means ‘lightning or thunder’ and is often given to children born during a thunderstorm or rain. This popular Hmong baby name has a lot of charisma and is similar to the English name Bob.
39. Xwm
The Hmong baby name Xwm is short and simple, and it means ‘second son’. It is specifically used for the second son in a family. The name is already so short that it doesn’t need a nickname for abbreviation.
40. Xyoob
The Hmong name Xyoob, which means ‘bamboo’, is a unique choice for a boy’s name. This Hmong name has been becoming more popular recently, perhaps due to its similarity to the Arabic name, Ayoob.
41. Yeej
Guide your child to success by choosing the Hmong name Yeej, which symbolizes winning. This name goes well with the Keej family, but you can add more style by choosing a cool nickname if you’d like.
42. Yengkong
Each child has their own unique sweetness. Why not give them a name that reflects that? Consider the Hmong baby boy name Yengkong, which translates to ‘sweet and adorable’.
43. Zoov
The Hmong mame Zoov, which means ‘of the jungle or wild’, is a popular Hmong baby name that English-speaking parents can also use.
Famous Hmong Names For Baby Girls With Meanings
44. Ab
Ab is not a short form for anything, it is actually a sweet Hmong girl’s name that means ‘baby or precious’.
45. Che
Che is a popular Hmong baby girl name that means ‘whisper’. The soap opera-like vibe adds to its appeal.
46. Chee
Chee and Che are not the same name, they have different meanings. The Hmong baby name Chee means ‘shine or shining’ and is often given by parents in hopes of a bright future for their babies.
47. Cua
The Hmong name Cua, which means ‘wind’, is a popular choice for Hmong baby girls. Another option to consider is the variation Choua.
48. Dawb
The Hmong name Dawb, which means ‘white,’ is as lively and vivid as its definition. Another version of this name is Dlawb. Therefore, pick the name that you feel is most suitable for your daughter.
49. Dib
The Hmong baby name Dib, which means ‘cucumber,’ is a unique and classy name that would be a great choice for your daughter because it has a lot of character and a charming, quirky quality.
50. Duabntxoo
Duabntxoo is a name from the Hmong language that means ‘shadow’. It is not very popular likely because it is difficult to pronounce, but it might become trendy again someday.
51. Eve
In other languages, ‘Eve’ might mean ‘life,’ but in Hmong, it means ‘one.’ No matter the meaning, the simplicity and purity of this name will always be popular.
52. Gao-Jer
Gao-Jer is a cute and lovely Hmong baby name. This name means ‘the youngest daughter’.
53. Hli
Naming your child this Hmong name, which means ‘moon’, will bring brightness and illumination to their life, just like how the moon lights up the night sky for us.
54. Hnub
For a while, the name Hnub was not very popular, but now it is making a comeback because people in China are starting to use it for their baby girls. This Hmong name means ‘sun, the glowing orb in the sky.’
55. Houa
Houa is a delicate and colorful name that has been popular among Hmong people for over a century. Because it is short, it pairs well with a longer last name.
56. Huab
Although the name Huab, which means ‘cloud’, might not be as popular with younger people, it is still beloved by older parents who appreciate its charm.
57. Jong
Jong is a classic and well-liked Hmong name that is still commonly used. This Hmong baby name means ‘shade’.
58. Kabzaug
The Hmong name Kabzaug, which means ‘praying mantis’, has been around for a while now, and we are already thinking about a new group of adorable Kabzaugs.
59. Kaj
Kaj is a fascinating Hmong name which means ‘clear or peaceful’.
60. Kajsiab
Kajsiab is a beautiful and elegant Hmong girl name that means ‘peace’. Its origin will encourage your child to have a calm and peaceful attitude.
61. Kawm
This gentle and feminine name comes from a word in the Hmong language that means ‘basket’. Many parents love this name because of its peaceful and calm qualities.
62. Kiab
The Hmong baby name Kiab, which means ‘cheerful’, will make sure that your daughter stays happy and full of joy as she goes through life.
63. Liag
Liag is a triangular silver ornament commonly found on Hmong clothing. It can also mean ‘field’. Regardless of its various meanings, we believe Liag would be a great name for someone special to you.
64. Lig
The Hmong name Lig is used to refer to the youngest daughter in the family.
65. Luv
Luv is a name inspired by birds that is not very popular lately. It is a name that can be used for babies who are not Hmong.
66. Maiv
The Hmong name Maiv, which means ‘girl or daughter’, is becoming increasingly popular, even beyond just Chinese culture. It is often the first choice for Hmong people when naming their baby girls.
67. Me
In Hmong, ‘Me’ refers to a girl or daughter. This Hmong name is also used as a baby girl’s name.
68. Mee
The name Mee can mean either ‘cat’ or ‘noodle’ because of the way the second ‘e’ is emphasized in the name. The pronunciation of the name also suggests these meanings.
69. Mos
The Hmong name Mos, which means ‘soft’, could be a good substitute for the powerful nature-inspired name, Moss.
70. Nag
This lovely nature-inspired Hmong name, which means ‘rain’, is commonly used as a Hmong surname rather than a first name. However, due to the growing popularity of using surnames as first names, it is now considered acceptable to use it as a first name.
71. Nkauj
The name Nkauj is a traditional Hmong name among the Hmong people that is not commonly used. This name means ‘girl’, ‘female’, or ‘song’.
72. Npaim
Npaim is a nickname for the name Npauj Npaim which means ‘butterfly’.
73. Nplhaib
The Hmong name Nplhaib, which means ‘ring’, is a charmer in the truest form.
74. Ntaub
The Hmong name Ntaub, which means ‘cloth’, has a touch of elegance and sparkle to it.
75. Ntsais
Daughters are very important to their fathers. You can give them a name that means ‘twinkle’, like Ntsais.
76. Ntsuab
Ntsuab is a traditional Hmong ritual that involves sacrificing a pig to bless a new house. This dainty and refined name, which means ‘green’, brings to mind the vast green rice fields in China.
77. Ntxawm
The Hmong name Ntxawm, which means ‘youngest daughter’, could be a charming and subtle option for your daughter.
78. Ntxhi
In another region of the world, the name Ntxhi, which means ‘whisper’, could be considered unique. The inclusion of the letter ‘x’ in the middle gives it a more fashionable and bold vibe.
79. Sua
Sua is a Hmong name that has a charming and appealing quality that is impossible to resist. It is the feminine version of the name Suav and is associated with the meaning of ‘to count or related to China.
80. Suab
The Hmong name Suab, which means ‘sound and voice’, could be mistaken for the name of a female character from a comic book in the 1970s. This name hasn’t been popular for very long, so it is starting to seem new and exciting once again.
81. Taub
Hmong people don’t pay too much attention to the meaning of baby names, as long as they are not negative. This specific Hmong baby name means ‘pumpkin’ and is considered trendy.
82. Tshaus
People from different cultures, like Americans, English, and even Hmong people, are interested in color names. The Hmong language includes the word ‘Tshaus’ to represent the color gray.
83. Tshaus
Tshaus is a great name for parents who like the sound of ‘aus’ but want something less common than Augustus. The Hmong name Tshaus means the color gray.
84. Xov
The name Xov, which means ‘thread’, may seem contemporary and simple for a Hmong name. However, it is actually one of the oldest and most commonly used Hmong names.
85. Ying
Ying is a popular Hmong baby girl name that also occasionally used for boys. The Hmong baby name Ying means shine of gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the Hmong tribe, the way they name babies is unique, and so are the names themselves. This list of Hmong baby names can be helpful if you’re looking for unusual names with a deep history. We have included names for both boys and girls to make it easier for you to choose. Some names may be hard to pronounce or spell, but they will make your child stand out in a positive way.