Vietnamese Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Surnames in Vietnam

Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Vietnamese last names, also known as family names. This comprehensive guide explores the most common surnames in Vietnam, providing insightful details about their origins, meanings, and cultural implications. Learn about the diverse array of names, from the ubiquitous "Nguyen" to lesser-known but equally significant surnames, and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and identity.
1. **Nguyen:** The most common surname in Vietnam, representing over 38% of the population. It originated from the name of a king in the Ly dynasty and is believed to mean "original" or "first."

2. **Tran:** The second most common surname, representing approximately 11% of the population. It derives from a prominent dynasty that ruled Vietnam from the 13th to the 14th centuries. Its meaning is unclear, but it may relate to a place or a person's name.

3. **Le:** The third most common surname, representing around 9% of the population. It originates from a dynasty that ruled Vietnam for over eight centuries (1428-1788). It is believed to mean "plum" or "apricot."

4. **Phan:** A surname with strong historical significance, representing approximately 4% of the population. It is believed to derive from a clan that migrated from China during the Song dynasty. Its meaning is unclear but may relate to a place or a person's name.

5. **Hoang:** A common surname, representing about 3% of the population. It means "imperial" or "royal," reflecting its historical connection to the imperial court.

6. **Vo:** A surname with strong cultural significance, representing around 2% of the population. It is believed to mean "military" or "warrior," reflecting the historical importance of military prowess in Vietnamese society.

7. **Dang:** A surname representing around 2% of the population. It means "royal" or "noble," reflecting its historical connection to the imperial court.

8. **Duong:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It is believed to mean "sun" or "sunshine," reflecting its association with light and warmth.

9. **Pham:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It is believed to have originated from a village in northern Vietnam and its meaning is uncertain.

10. **Truong:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It means "long" or "extended," reflecting the importance of longevity and continuity in Vietnamese culture.

11. **Ngo:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It is believed to mean "go" or "travel," reflecting the historical significance of trade and travel in Vietnamese society.

12. **Vu:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. Its meaning is unclear but may relate to a place or a person's name.

13. **Bui:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It is believed to mean "dust" or "powder," reflecting the importance of agriculture in Vietnamese society.

14. **Lam:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It means "blue" or "green," reflecting the importance of nature in Vietnamese culture.

15. **Doan:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It is believed to mean "complete" or "whole," reflecting the importance of harmony and unity in Vietnamese society.

16. **Cao:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It means "high" or "tall," reflecting the importance of ambition and achievement in Vietnamese culture.

17. **Huynh:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It means "brother" or "sibling," reflecting the importance of family ties in Vietnamese society.

18. **Ly:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It is believed to mean "plum" or "apricot," reflecting the importance of nature in Vietnamese culture.

19. **Thai:** A surname representing around 1% of the population. It means "great" or "large," reflecting the importance of strength and power in Vietnamese society.

20. **Nguyen Van:** A common compound surname, combining the most common surname "Nguyen" with the common middle name "Van."

21. **Tran Van:** Another common compound surname, combining the second most common surname "Tran" with the common middle name "Van."

22. **Le Van:** A common compound surname, combining the third most common surname "Le" with the common middle name "Van."

23. **Phan Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Phan" with the common middle name "Van."

24. **Hoang Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Hoang" with the common middle name "Van."

25. **Vo Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Vo" with the common middle name "Van."

26. **Dang Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Dang" with the common middle name "Van."

27. **Duong Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Duong" with the common middle name "Van."

28. **Pham Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Pham" with the common middle name "Van."

29. **Truong Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Truong" with the common middle name "Van."

30. **Ngo Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Ngo" with the common middle name "Van."

31. **Vu Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Vu" with the common middle name "Van."

32. **Bui Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Bui" with the common middle name "Van."

33. **Lam Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Lam" with the common middle name "Van."

34. **Doan Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Doan" with the common middle name "Van."

35. **Cao Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Cao" with the common middle name "Van."

36. **Huynh Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Huynh" with the common middle name "Van."

37. **Ly Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Ly" with the common middle name "Van."

38. **Thai Van:** A common compound surname, combining the surname "Thai" with the common middle name "Van."

39. **Nguyen Thi:** A common compound surname, combining the most common surname "Nguyen" with the common middle name "Thi."

40. **Tran Thi:** A common compound surname, combining the second most common surname "Tran" with the common middle name "Thi."