Vietnamese Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Vietnamese last names, also known as họ, are an integral part of Vietnamese culture and tradition. They are typically passed down from father to child, playing a vital role in family lineage and identity. This guide provides a comprehensive list of common Vietnamese last names, along with their detailed meanings, offering insights into the rich history and cultural significance behind these names.
1. **Nguyễn:** The most common Vietnamese last name, meaning "origin" or "source," indicating a connection to the ancient Nguyễn dynasty.
2. **Trần:** Another prevalent last name, signifying "ruler" or "emperor," reflecting the historical importance of the Trần dynasty.
3. **Lê:** A widespread surname, meaning "plum tree" or "plum blossom," symbolizing longevity, beauty, and resilience.
4. **Phạm:** A common last name meaning "crime" or "offense," potentially indicating a historical connection to law enforcement or judicial roles.
5. **Vũ:** A significant surname, meaning "dance" or "martial arts," reflecting a connection to artistry, warfare, or physical prowess.
6. **Hoàng:** A prominent last name meaning "emperor" or "king," signifying royalty and leadership.
7. **Đặng:** A prevalent surname meaning "lamp" or "light," symbolizing enlightenment, knowledge, and guidance.
8. **Bùi:** A common last name meaning "ash" or "ashes," potentially reflecting a historical connection to agriculture or blacksmithing.
9. **Hồ:** A significant surname meaning "lake" or "pond," indicating a connection to water, nature, or serenity.
10. **Ngô:** A prevalent surname meaning "mulberry tree" or "mulberry silk," reflecting a historical connection to textile production or silk cultivation.
11. **Lý:** A significant surname meaning "reason" or "logic," symbolizing intellect, wisdom, and understanding.
12. **Cao:** A common surname meaning "tall" or "high," reflecting a connection to leadership, stature, or elevation.
13. **Đỗ:** A prevalent surname meaning "to pass" or "to succeed," symbolizing achievement, accomplishment, and success.
14. **Phan:** A common surname meaning "to divide" or "to separate," potentially reflecting a historical connection to trade or commerce.
15. **Đinh:** A significant surname meaning "nail" or "pin," symbolizing strength, determination, and resilience.
16. **Lưu:** A prevalent surname meaning "to save" or "to preserve," reflecting a connection to protection, conservation, or inheritance.
17. **Vương:** A significant surname meaning "king" or "ruler," signifying royalty, leadership, and authority.
18. **Trương:** A common surname meaning "to stretch" or "to extend," potentially reflecting a historical connection to architecture or construction.
19. **Huỳnh:** A prevalent surname meaning "yellow" or "golden," symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
20. **Mạc:** A significant surname meaning "to cover" or "to conceal," potentially reflecting a historical connection to secrecy or protection.
21. **Tạ:** A common surname meaning "thankful" or "grateful," reflecting a connection to gratitude, appreciation, and humility.
22. **Mai:** A prevalent surname meaning "plum" or "plum blossom," symbolizing beauty, longevity, and resilience.
23. **Thái:** A significant surname meaning "great" or "grand," signifying power, authority, and magnificence.
24. **Đại:** A common surname meaning "big" or "large," reflecting a connection to scale, magnitude, or importance.
25. **Tăng:** A prevalent surname meaning "to increase" or "to multiply," symbolizing growth, abundance, and prosperity.
26. **Lương:** A common surname meaning "salary" or "pay," potentially reflecting a historical connection to finance or administration.
27. **Hà:** A significant surname meaning "river" or "stream," indicating a connection to water, nature, or flow.
28. **Chu:** A prevalent surname meaning "master" or "lord," reflecting a historical connection to leadership or authority.
29. **Hứa:** A common surname meaning "promise" or "vow," symbolizing commitment, faithfulness, and trust.
30. **Dương:** A significant surname meaning "sun" or "yang," reflecting a connection to light, energy, and vitality.
31. **Thái:** A significant surname meaning "peace" or "tranquility," symbolizing harmony, serenity, and contentment.
32. **Nghiêm:** A common surname meaning "strict" or "serious," reflecting a connection to discipline, responsibility, and integrity.
33. **Bình:** A prevalent surname meaning "peaceful" or "calm," symbolizing tranquility, harmony, and stability.
34. **Quách:** A common surname meaning "to enclose" or "to protect," potentially reflecting a historical connection to security or defense.
35. **Lý:** A significant surname meaning "to understand" or "to comprehend," symbolizing intelligence, wisdom, and knowledge.
36. **Trịnh:** A significant surname meaning "upright" or "righteous," signifying honesty, fairness, and justice.
37. **Từ:** A common surname meaning "from" or "since," potentially reflecting a historical connection to origin or ancestry.
38. **Lại:** A prevalent surname meaning "again" or "once more," potentially reflecting a historical connection to repetition or renewal.
39. **Võ:** A significant surname meaning "martial arts" or "military," reflecting a connection to warfare, combat, or physical prowess.
40. **Thân:** A common surname meaning "body" or "self," reflecting a connection to identity, individuality, and existence.