First name là họ hay tên: Understanding the Nuances of Vietnamese Names

In Vietnamese culture, the order of names can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the language and customs. Many people wonder, "Is first name là họ hay tên?" which translates to "Is the first name the surname or the given name?" This article will delve into the complexities of Vietnamese naming conventions, explaining the difference between họ (surname) and tên (given name) and how they are used in everyday life.
1. **Họ (Surname):** The surname, or họ, comes first in Vietnamese names. It is usually passed down from the father and is a crucial element of one's identity.
* **Nguyễn:** The most common surname in Vietnam, meaning "original," "first," or "beginning."
* **Trần:** Meaning "to enter," "to go in," or "to penetrate."
* **Lê:** Meaning "to choose," "to select," or "to pick."
* **Phạm:** Meaning "to break through," "to overcome," or "to conquer."
* **Võ:** Meaning "martial arts," "military," or "warrior."
* **Đặng:** Meaning "to wait," "to expect," or "to anticipate."
* **Bùi:** Meaning "to accumulate," "to gather," or "to collect."
* **Đỗ:** Meaning "to pass," "to succeed," or "to graduate."
* **Huỳnh:** Meaning "yellow," "golden," or "bright."
* **Lý:** Meaning "reason," "logic," or "philosophy."
* **Trương:** Meaning "to grow," "to expand," or "to develop."
* **Ngô:** Meaning "to go," "to walk," or "to travel."
* **Phan:** Meaning "to divide," "to separate," or "to classify."
* **Vũ:** Meaning "universe," "cosmos," or "space."
* **Cao:** Meaning "tall," "high," or "elevated."
* **Hà:** Meaning "river," "lake," or "water."
* **Tạ:** Meaning "to thank," "to appreciate," or "to be grateful."
* **Thái:** Meaning "peace," "tranquility," or "harmony."
* **Lưu:** Meaning "to flow," "to circulate," or "to move."
* **Mạc:** Meaning "to cover," "to conceal," or "to hide."
* **Lý:** Meaning "reason," "logic," or "philosophy."
* **Đinh:** Meaning "nail," "peg," or "pin."
* **Chu:** Meaning "master," "lord," or "ruler."
* **Diệp:** Meaning "leaf," "foliage," or "herbs."
* **Hồ:** Meaning "lake," "pond," or "water."
* **Nghiêm:** Meaning "serious," "strict," or "severe."
* **Đào:** Meaning "peach," "peach blossom," or "beautiful."
* **Ninh:** Meaning "to calm," "to soothe," or "to pacify."
* **Hoàng:** Meaning "emperor," "king," or "royal."
* **Trịnh:** Meaning "to rule," "to govern," or "to manage."
* **Lương:** Meaning "salary," "pay," or "income."
* **Hứa:** Meaning "to promise," "to pledge," or "to guarantee."
* **Bế:** Meaning "to close," "to shut," or "to seal."
* **Thân:** Meaning "body," "person," or "self."
* **Nghiêm:** Meaning "serious," "strict," or "severe."
* **Dương:** Meaning "sun," "light," or "positive."
* **Lâm:** Meaning "forest," "woods," or "woodland."
* **Tiêu:** Meaning "to consume," "to use up," or "to spend."
* **Tô:** Meaning "to dye," "to paint," or "to color."
* **Khúc:** Meaning "song," "melody," or "tune."
* **Trần:** Meaning "to enter," "to go in," or "to penetrate."

2. **Tên (Given Name):** The given name, or tên, comes second in Vietnamese names and is used to distinguish individuals within the same surname. It often reflects parents' hopes and aspirations for their child.
* **Anh:** Meaning "elder brother" or "hero."
* **Bình:** Meaning "peace," "tranquility," or "harmony."
* **Chi:** Meaning "branch," "twig," or "part."
* **Duy:** Meaning "only," "unique," or "special."
* **Hải:** Meaning "sea," "ocean," or "water."
* **Huy:** Meaning "bright," "shining," or "radiant."
* **Khang:** Meaning "healthy," "strong," or "robust."
* **Linh:** Meaning "spirit," "soul," or "sacred."
* **Minh:** Meaning "bright," "clear," or "intelligent."
* **Nam:** Meaning "south," "man," or "male."
* **Phúc:** Meaning "good fortune," "blessing," or "happiness."
* **Quang:** Meaning "light," "bright," or "radiant."
* **Thảo:** Meaning "grass," "herb," or "plant."
* **Thắng:** Meaning "victory," "triumph," or "success."
* **Tiến:** Meaning "progress," "advancement," or "development."
* **Tuấn:** Meaning "handsome," "noble," or "excellent."
* **Việt:** Meaning "Vietnam," "Vietnamese," or "brave."
* **Vinh:** Meaning "glory," "honor," or "fame."
* **Xuân:** Meaning "spring," "youth," or "new beginnings."