115+ Top Vietnamese Last Names Or Surnames

Vietnamese last names typically are brief and simple to say.

The naming traditions in Vietnam are distinct. Last names in Vietnam were not used before the Han Dynasty of China conquered Vietnam in 111 B.C. After the conquest, Vietnamese people started incorporating the use of last names into their culture.

We have created an extensive collection of popular Vietnamese surnames along with their explanations. Many of these last names have Chinese origins or are variations of Chinese names, while others have roots in other Asian nations. Keep reading this post ‘Top Vietnamese Last Names Or Surnames’ to discover the background and origins of these family names and gain insight into Vietnam’s diverse history.

Common Vietnamese Last Names Or Surnames

It means mugwort and is a popular Vietnamese last name that originated in China.

Just like the Chinese last name Wang, it signifies ‘to govern.’

Anh, derived from Sino-Vietnamese, refers to ‘flower.’

This Vietnamese last name represents tranquility and peacefulness, signifying ‘peace.’ It is derived from both Chinese and Vietnamese roots and can also symbolize a flowing water stream.

Banh

This name is a variation of Peng having Chinese roots, and its meaning is ‘large.’

The last name Bao, despite its Chinese roots, is a commonly used last name in Vietnam, signifying ‘treasure.’

It is a Chinese last name that is commonly associated with individuals residing in Western countries. The name translates to ‘to complete’ or ‘to finish’.

The last name Bui is derived from the natural world, with roots in Chinese and Korean languages. It signifies ‘plum.’

Cam is derived from Chinese and means ‘sweet.’ It is a different form of the surname Kam.

The last name Can, which has its origins in French, translates to ‘hound.’

Cao is a well-known last name in China and is spelled as Tsao in Chinese characters. It signifies ‘defendant’ and was a division within the government of Ancient China.

Chau

The last name Chau has roots in both Vietnam and China and is a variation of the Chinese surname Chow, which translates to ‘pearl.’

This last name has Chinese roots and can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It symbolizes a ‘cart’ and was influenced by a Chinese Prime Minister who used a cart to travel to work.

The energy force known as Chi. The last nmae Chi comes from the Bemba Tribe, as well as having Chinese roots where it signifies ‘pond.’

The last name has its roots in China and refers to a region during the Zhou Dynasty.

The typical Vietnamese last name Co has roots in China and translates to ‘to commend.’

Cong

This widely known Chinese-origin name is also popular in Vietnam, where it translates to ‘bush.’

The last name Dai, originating from Chinese, is translated to mean ‘to support’ in Vietnamese.

The last name Dan, originating from Vietnam, carries a Biblical significance. In Hebrew, it signifies ‘God is my judge,’ while in Chinese, it conveys the meaning of ‘indifferent.’

Dang

The last name of Chinese origin comes from a segment of the Zhou dynasty and signifies ‘affiliation.’

The last name Dau originates from Old German and signifies “heritage.”

Dinh

The last name Dinh, which is of Vietnamese origin, is not commonly found. Its meaning is encampment and it has roots in Vietnamese history and culture.

Doan

Doan is a last name of topographical origin, meaning ‘at the down.’ The name Doan carries a sense of prestige, as those who have it were seen as guardians of the country.

The Vietnamese name, which is well-liked, is derived from the English term Don. It signifies someone who rules over the world.

It is of Chinese origin and translates to ‘birch leaf pear’.

Duong

The meaning of the Vietnamese last name Duong, which has Chinese origins, is ‘popular.’

In Vietnam, this last name is well-known and translates to ‘rescue.’

Giang

The name comes from a mixture of Chinese and Vietnamese languages and signifies the word ‘river.’

The last name Hai has its roots in Chinese language and is commonly known as a Sino-Vietnamese name. It symbolizes the vastness of the ocean.

The last name is a popular Chinese name that signifies ‘unity.’

This last name has its roots in China and means ‘flawless’ or ‘ideal.’

Hoang

The last name Hoang is of Chinese and Vietnamese origin, with the meaning of ‘yellow.’

Hong

It signifies ‘deluge’ and is also the title of a well-known Chinese empire. Gongongshi adopted the surname Gong, but they had to alter it to Hong in order to evade their adversaries.

This Vietnamese last name has topographical origins from China and specifically refers to the dwellings of individuals from Mount Hua.

Originating in China, this Vietnamese name means ‘to praise.’

Huu, a popular Sino-Vietnamese last name, translates to ‘friend.’

The last name Huy, of Chinese origin, is well-liked in Vietnam and translates to ‘to make a commitment.’

Huynh

This last name Hoang is another version of a name of Chinese and Vietnamese descent, which translates to ‘yellow.’

The last name Hy originates from China and its meaning is ‘to praise.’

This last name of Chinese descent is well-liked by immigrant Chinese communities residing abroad. The significance of the name signifies separation, as it translates to ‘tree branch.’

Khanh

The name is well-known in Vietnam and translates to ‘resembling a valuable gem.’

Khong

The last name Khong is widely used in Vietnam. It is reminiscent of the Chinese and Korean surname Kong, which is associated with the meaning of ‘peaceful.’

Khuu

Khuu originates from the Chinese last name Qiu, which translates to ‘fall’.

Kien

The surname Kien in Sien-Vietnamese culture translates to ‘resilient.’

Kieu

Even though Kieu is commonly used as a first name for women, it is also recognized as a surname that is not specific to a particular gender. Its origin is Vietnamese and it translates to ‘graceful.’

This last name originates from Korea and also has a variation known as Keum. The name signifies the meaning of ‘gold.’

The last name Ky originates from Vietnam and translates to ‘good luck.’

Lac, a widely used Vietnamese last name with Chinese roots, is particularly popular among Chinese emigrants, as it translates to ‘camel’ in English.

This Chinese surname is popular in various East-Asian nations and translates to ‘reliable’ in English.

This last name means ‘to gather’ and derives from the Chinese surname Luo.

Lavan

This name of Hebrew origin signifies ‘white.’

The last name Le has its roots in Vietnam, originating from the renowned Le Dynasty.

Liang

The name Liang is derived from an ancient Chinese dynasty and is also commonly used as a Vietnamese surname with the meaning of ‘bridge.’

Lieu

This common last name, originating from Vietnam, signifies ‘willow tree.’ It is often used as a first name for Vietnamese female infants.

Linh

Originating from Vietnamese, this popular surname signifies ‘spirit.’

In Chinese, the word ‘lo’ translates to ‘to sift.’

It signifies the sound of thunder and is a frequently used surname in China and Vietnam.

It is a last name of Chinese origin that translates to ‘path.’

Luong

The last name Luong has mixed Vietnamese and Chinese roots. It is comparable to the Chinese surname Long, which signifies ‘dragon.’

It is a version of the Chinese last name Liu and is well-liked in East Asia. This last name is derived from a term meaning ‘battle-ax.’

The meaning of the Vietnamese last name Ly is ‘logic.’

The last name is widely used in both China and Vietnam and translates to ‘horse.’

The last name Mac has roots in both Vietnamese and Scottish heritage. In the Gaelic language, Mac translates to ‘son.’ This name is well-liked in Vietnam because of the Mac clan’s rule over Northern Vietnam in the 16th century.

Mai, which originates from Vietnam, translates to ‘show off.’

Manh

The last name is well-known among Chinese immigrants in Vietnam, and it signifies the oldest brother in a family.

Minh

Like the Chinese Ming surname, this Vietnamese last name also signifies the meaning of ‘bright.’

Nam is a popular Korean surname that comes from the word meaning ‘south.’

This last name means ‘to fall through’ has its roots in China.

The last name Ngo originates from Chinese roots and is a variation of the Chinese surname Ao, which translates to ‘squad of five soldiers.’

Ngoc

Ngoc is a last name that originates from both Chinese and Vietnamese languages, and its meaning is ‘precious.’

This common Vietnamese last name of Chinese origin translates to ‘to expect’ or ‘to foresee.’

Nguy

Nguy is derived from Chinese and signifies putting in jeopardy.

Nguyen

Originating from the Chinese word Ruan, Nguyen is the title of a Vietnamese ruling family. Numerous Vietnamese citizens adopted the surname Nguyen as a gesture of allegiance to the ruling Nguyen dynasty. The surname itself is associated with a traditional musical instrument.

Nhan

The name is well-known as a surname and middle name, originating from China and translating to ‘former.’

This name, which is widely used as both a first name and a last name in Vietnam, translates to “similar” in English.

Nong

Nong is a popular Vietnamese surname of Chinese origin that translates to ‘peasant.’

The well-known surname O has been passed down through the prestigious clans of Vietnam. It is derived from the Chinese Wu and the Korean Oh.

On, a Vietnamese surname derived from Ahn, translates to ‘peace.’

It is a Chinese last name that is a variation of Vuong, which signifies the color yellow.

Peng

The Vietnamese surnames Pe and its variation Peng are common in Vietnam and have Chinese origins, both translating to ‘long.’

Pham

This last name originates from Vietnamese and Chinese origins, with the meaning of ‘extensive.’

Phan

The surname Phan, also spelled as Fan, has Chinese roots and translates to ‘fence.’

Phong

The name Phong comes from Vietnamese and means ‘wind.’ It is commonly used as a given name.

Phoung

This surname of Vietnamese origin signifies the mythical bird known as the Phoenix.’

Phung

This surname of Chinese origin, also known as Pung and Fung, is translated to mean ‘great.’

Quach

Quach is a Vietnamese last name that has different forms in Chinese, Cantonese, and Japanese. Its other Asian variations include Guo, Kuoko, and Gwak. This surname is derived from a habitational term that describes someone who resides close to the outer city wall.

Alternatively known as Sohn or Shon, this surname has Korean roots and was originally used to identify a specific clan that derived their name from the Sun.

The name originates from China and signifies ‘group of stars.’

This last name was chosen by individuals from Southern China who relocated to Vietnam.

This surname originates from China and translates to ‘to show’ in English.’

Thai

This is a surname that indicates the person is from Thailand.

Tham

It signifies being well-known and is a name of Vietnamese descent.

Than

Than is a Burmese name that is well-liked in various Asian countries. The name signifies the meaning of ‘million.’

Thang

The last name Thang, which has Chinese origins, translates to ‘rushing current’ in Vietnamese.

Thanh

The last name Thanh is recognized in Chinese and Vietnamese circles, symbolizing ‘sound.’

The last name is of Chinese and Vietnamese origin and it signifies ‘poetry.’

Thong

The last name Thong, originating from China, signifies ‘smart.’ It seems like there is a misunderstanding regarding your request.

Thu is a surname of Sino-Vietnamese origin, commonly found in Vietnam and carries the meaning of ‘autumn’.

Thuy

The surname Thuy originates from Vietnam and signifies the element ‘water.’

Tein

According to the Vietnamese people, Tien is considered as a supernatural being known as a ‘fairy.’

Ton
This last name means ‘Descendant’ which is derived from the Chinese community that resides in Malaysia.
Tong

Tong is a name derived from the landscape, referring to an individual residing in the middle of the country.

Tran

Tran is the Vietnamese equivalent of the Korean Jin and the Chinese Chen, signifying ‘ancient.’

Trang

This last name is commonly used by Vietnamese people of Chinese descent. It signifies ‘serious.’

The last name originates from Indonesia and it signifies the word ‘third.’

Trieu

Trieu is the Vietnamese equivalent of the Chinese surname Zhao, which originated from one of the seven states during the Warring States period.

Trinh

The commonly used Chinese and Vietnamese last name Trinh translates to ‘to rule.’

Troung

This surname of Chinese origin denotes ‘a piece of paper.’

Trung

This name is derived from Vietnamese and signifies ‘center.’

The surname Zoutu originates from the Chinese military city of Zoutu, leading to the formation of the surnames Zou and Tu. This surname is common in China and is comparable to the surname Du, which signifies ‘capital.’

Tuan

This Vietnamese last name, derived from Chinese, signifies ‘brave and honorable.’

Quang

The name originates from Vietnam and signifies ‘transparent.’

Quoc

Quoc has its roots in both Chinese and Vietnamese languages, and it translates to ‘country.’

Its roots can be traced back to Dutch and is often added as a prefix to last names. This surname is descriptive, indicating a place of origin or association.

Vi is a Chinese surname widely recognized internationally, with a meaning of ‘soft leather’.

Vo is a well-known name within the Chinese and Vietnamese populations. It symbolizes harmony and unity as it translates to ‘harmonious.’

Vu is a form of the Chinese last name Wu and translates to ‘shaman.’

Voong

This last name from Vietnam signifies ‘royalty.’

Vuong

This last name originates from the Chinese word Wang and signifies ‘to govern.’

Originating from China, this Vietnamese name means to ‘calm’ or ‘peaceful.’

Frequently Asked Questions

1. In Vietnam, is the last name usually written before the first name?

In Vietnam, people typically list their family name first, then their middle name and personal name. The surname may not necessarily have a direct link to the family’s past.

2. Is it common for Vietnamese women to adopt their husbands’ surnames?

In Vietnamese culture, it is common for women to keep their own family name instead of taking on their husband’s after getting married. This tradition reflects the importance of family lineage. On the other hand, there are also Vietnamese women who choose to follow the Western custom of taking their husband’s surname. This decision may depend on personal preference, cultural influence, or societal expectations. Ultimately, whether a Vietnamese woman changes her last name or not is a personal choice that varies among individuals.

3. What is the origin of Vietnamese surnames?

Vietnamese surnames possess a varied history and origins that have developed over many centuries. The influence of Chinese culture on Vietnam’s history can be seen in various aspects of Vietnamese culture, such as language and naming customs. Despite this, Vietnam also had its own traditional ways of naming, including a matrilineal system that decreased in importance over time due to Chinese influence. Furthermore, social shifts, differences in regions, and past events contributed to the creation of unique Vietnamese last names. Presently, Vietnamese family names showcase a diverse mix of linguistic, cultural, and historical influences, highlighting the intricate heritage of the country.

4. How do Vietnamese individuals refer to one another by using their surnames?

In Vietnamese society, individuals commonly use first names instead of last names when referring to each other. Nevertheless, in formal or work-related situations, Vietnamese individuals usually address one another with the appropriate title before using the given name.

Vietnamese names typically consist of three components: a family name that is passed down patrilineally, a middle name, and a given name. In Vietnamese culture, women retain their family name even after marriage. Some well-known Vietnamese individuals include Ho Chi Minh, Nguyen Hue (Emperor Quang Trung), Bao Dai, Bich Minh Nguyen, and Bui Bich Phuong. If you are not set on choosing a distinct Vietnamese name for your child, you may consider using one of the suggested names based on your customs and preferences.