Vietnamese Boy Names
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
Choosing a name for a baby can be an exciting yet challenging decision.
With many influences such as countries and cultures, Vietnamese names offer a distinctive and meaningful choice.
Whether you have a personal connection to Vietnam or appreciate its culture, these names can provide unique and attractive options for your little boy.
This collection features a mix of popular Vietnamese names, modern and uncommon selections, as well as some that are simply cool and cute.
Explore these strong contenders to find the perfect name for your son.
Selecting Vietnamese Names for Boys
Huy
The name Huy means “brightness.” It reflects qualities of intelligence and clarity, making it a popular choice for parents who want their child to embody these traits.
Tung
Tung means “pine tree.” It symbolizes strength and resilience. This name is often chosen to convey steadfastness and endurance.
Quang
Quang translates to “clear” or “bright.” Parents who select this name often wish for their child to have a future full of clarity and success.
Bao
Bao means “precious” or “treasure.” This name is used to show the immense value and love parents hold for their child.
Minh
Minh means “bright” or “clear.” It’s a name that suggests intelligence and a promising future.
Lam
Lam refers to the color “blue” or “forest.” It can represent calmness or a strong connection to nature.
Son
Son means “mountain.” This name is associated with strength, stability, and protection.
Additional Considerations
When choosing a Vietnamese name, consider the meanings and how they reflect the traits you wish for the child.
Names in Vietnam follow the order: family name, middle name, given name. Family names often come from the father, but combining both parents’ family names is becoming more common.
Given names can be gender-neutral and may be composed of one or two words.
Remember the regional differences in pronunciation due to Vietnam’s diverse dialects.
Northern, central, and southern regions may pronounce names differently. Also, Vietnamese is a tonal language, so the same word can have varied meanings based on its tone.
Popular Vietnamese Boy Names
Tuân
This Vietnamese boy’s name means “obey,” “follow,” or “honor.” It is pronounced TWUN.
Hùng
One of the most masculine Vietnamese names, Hùng means “brave” or “manly.” It’s pronounced HUWNGM.
Nam
Nam means “south” and is a common boy’s name in Vietnam. It is also a part of the country’s name.
Huy
The name Huy means “brightness.” A boy with this name is said to bring light into life.
Long
Common in both Vietnamese and Chinese cultures, the name Long means “dragon” or “prosperous, abundant.” It is pronounced LOWNGM in Vietnamese.
Hai
This name translates to “sea” or “ocean” and is popular for both boys and girls.
Hieu
Hieu means “filial piety” in Vietnamese, reflecting respect and devotion to one’s parents.
Son
For nature lovers, the name Son simply means “mountain.”
Hoang
Pronounced HWANG, Hoang can mean “expanse of water,” like a lake or pond, or “bright, shining, luminous,” depending on the characters used.
Duy
Pronounced ZWEE, this name means “to maintain, preserve” or “tie, fasten.”
Unique Vietnamese Boy Names
Bắc
In Vietnamese, this boy’s name simply means “north.” If someone is looking for twin names, Bắc would pair well with Nam, which means “south.”
Cẩn
Depending on the characters used, Cẩn might mean “fine jade” or “cautious, careful.” If a different name that still signifies “jade” is preferred, Ji-Min is a Korean alternative.
Khắc
For those who have athletic aspirations for their child or wish for him to overcome life’s obstacles, Khắc, which means “overcome, win,” could be a fitting name.
Lễ
Short and sweet, Lễ means “propriety” in Vietnamese. It’s a name that conveys a sense of being prim and proper.
Mậu
Mậu might be an ideal name for a baby boy born with thick, lush hair, as it translates to precisely that. It can also mean “talented.”
Nhất
Being the first child or first son could inspire the choice of Nhất, which means “one” or “first” in Vietnamese.
Oanh
For those who love nature, especially birds, Oanh, which means “oriole”—a beautiful black and yellowish-orange bird—would be a lovely name.
Tài
Parents who have high hopes for their children’s futures, perhaps as musicians or athletes, might choose Tài, meaning “talented, ability.”
Vĩnh
Welcoming a newborn boy may fill parents’ hearts with unconditional love. Vĩnh, meaning “perpetual, eternal,” could symbolize that endless affection.
Xương
The name Xương has three appealing meanings: “flourish, prosper,” “good,” or “sunlight.” Any of these meanings make it an attractive choice for a little boy.
Strong Vietnamese Boy Names
Cung
This name has two different meanings in Vietnamese. One option is “hard, rigid, strong” and the other is “respectful, polite.” Whichever meaning you choose, the name still suggests strength and resilience.
Đăng
Đăng offers a couple of interpretations. It can mean “rise, ascend,” implying power and growth. It can also mean “lamp, light, lantern,” which works well for a boy who brings light into your life.
Hiền
Strength isn’t always physical. Hiền is a name that means “virtuous, worthy, wise,” making it a great choice for parents who hope their child will grow up to be insightful and ethical.
Kiệt
If you want a name that literally means “hero,” Kiệt is a solid pick. It emphasizes bravery and valor, traits often admired in many cultures.
Lực
For a name that directly translates to “power,” consider Lực. This name clearly signifies strength and energy.
Mạnh
Mạnh, similar to Lực, means “strong, powerful.” It’s a straightforward choice for parents wanting to highlight their son’s fortitude.
Sĩ
Parents who value intellectual strength might like the name Sĩ, which means “scholar, expert.” It’s fitting for a child who may grow up to excel in any field he chooses.
Thắng
Thắng means “victory, excel,” suggesting that your little boy is destined to achieve great things. It’s a name that inspires confidence and success.
Trí
Another great option for intellectual strength is Trí, meaning “wisdom, intellect.” It’s perfect for a boy who will grow up to be clever and knowledgeable.
Vương
For those who see their child as royalty, Vương is ideal. It translates to “king,” a name fit for someone expected to be a leader. Plus, starting with the letter V adds a modern touch.
Cute Vietnamese Boy Names
Bảo
Bảo, pronounced as BOW, means “treasure” or “jewel.” This name is perfect for the precious new addition to your family.
Đào
Đào translates to “peach.” The sweet and cute meaning makes it a lovely choice for a little boy.
Diệp
Diệp means “leaf.” This name is ideal for nature lovers who appreciate the beauty of greenery.
Giang
Giang stands for “river.” The name brings to mind peaceful and meandering rivers, offering a sense of calm and tranquility.
Khiêm
Khiêm means “humble” or “modest.” Parents seeking a name with a virtuous meaning might find this one appealing.
Lộc
Lộc translates to “blessing,” “prosperity,” or “bud.” It is a great choice for parents who view their child as a blossoming and fortunate gift.
Lý
Lý means “plum” or “plum tree,” and it can also signify “common sense” or “reasoning.” The choice offers a mix of cute imagery and practical insight.
Sâm
Sâm stands for “forest.” It evokes the beauty and serenity of nature and can be a charming choice for nature enthusiasts.
Thanh
Thanh translates to “blue,” “green,” “young,” or “sound.” The name captures lovely colors and soothing tones, making it a beautiful choice for a boy.
Tới
Tới means “small,” “tiny,” or “little.” This name is apt for a cute and tiny newborn, celebrating their small and delicate size.
More Cute Vietnamese Boy Names
Maintaining the theme of cuteness, here are more names:
Anh
Anh is a common Vietnamese name that means “intelligent” or “bright.” It can be a charming name for a boy known for his quick wit and brightness.
Cường
Cường means “strength” or “force.” This name is a strong and powerful choice, yet still sweet for a young boy.
Đức
Đức stands for “virtue” or “moral.” It’s a name that embodies good character and moral values.
Hùng
Hùng means “hero” or “brave.” This name can give a boy a sense of courage and heroism from a young age.
Nam
Nam translates to “south.” It’s simple and has a lovely geographical connection, making it unique and cute.
Thái
Thái means “peaceful” or “calm.” It’s an ideal name for a boy who brings tranquility and peace to those around him.
Tú
Tú stands for “elegant” or “luxurious.” This name gives off a refined and sophisticated vibe while still being cute for a little boy.
Cool Vietnamese Boy Names
Binh
In Eastern cultures, it’s common for names to reflect temperament. Binh is a great name for a calm baby, as it means “peaceful, calm, serene.”
Chinh
Every life is a journey, and this name captures that message perfectly. Chinh means “journey, trip, expedition.”
Hải
For those who love water, Hải is a fitting choice. This name translates to “sea, ocean.”
Linh
Linh means “spirit, soul.” It’s a name that guarantees a spirited individual.
Mẫn
Mẫn translates to “quick, clever.” It’s an ideal name for an inquisitive child.
Sơn
If mountains are more inspiring to you than beaches, Sơn is perfect. The name means “mountain.”
Thăng
This name means “rise, soar.” It’s for those who wish their child to overcome obstacles in life.
Thiên
For those who love the image of a child daydreaming under the sky, Thiên is ideal. It means “sky, heaven.”
Thọ
Hoping for a long life for your child? Thọ means “long life, longevity, lifespan.”
Trác
Names in Eastern cultures often match a child’s physical features.
Trác, meaning “tall” or “elevated,” is great if tall stature runs in the family.
Even More Vietnamese Boy Names
Ái
Simple and unique, this name expresses affection and love.
Ân
A name that conveys grace and gratitude.
Bá
A traditional choice, often meaning “elder brother” or “leader.”
Bảy
This name translates to “seven,” often given to the seventh-born child.
Cà
A friendly, conversational name that is easy to say.
Chí
Stands for ambition and will, a name representing strong character.
Chim
A name meaning “bird,” symbolizing freedom and flight.
Cường
A name that represents strength and power.
Đại
Meaning “large” or “great,” this name is full of grandeur.
Danh
A name that signifies fame and reputation.
Diễm
This name translates to “beautiful” and is often used to convey elegance.
Doãn
An uncommon name, Doãn suggests leadership and strength.
Hạnh
A name that symbolizes happiness and good fortune.
Hiệp
This name stands for unity and harmony.
Hoàng
A royal name, often translating to “yellow” or “emperor.”
Huyên
A melodious name with a gentle sound.
Khuyến
This name is associated with encouragement and guidance.
Kính
A name that means respect and reverence.
Lập
This name signifies establishment and independence.
Luân
A name that captures the essence of the wheel, symbolizing motion and progress.
Lục
A name that translates to “green” and represents nature and growth.
Lượng
This name stands for measure and moderation.
Mây
A name that means “cloud,” symbolizing softness and grace.
Minh
A popular name signifying brightness and clarity.
Năm
This name means “five,” often chosen for the fifth-born child.
Nang
A unique name that conveys light and shining.
Ngải
This name represents herbal scents and healing properties.
Ngọc
Meaning “jade,” a name full of precious value.
Nguyễn
A common and widely recognized surname in Vietnam.
Nhạc
A name that symbolizes music, harmony, and melody.
Nhiệm
This name signifies responsibility and duty.
Nhuận
A name associated with smoothness and clarity.
Nhựt
A name that refers to the sun, symbolizing brightness and warmth.
Oánh
A melodious name with a unique sound.
Phát
This name stands for growth and development.
Phiên
A name that means “edition” or “translation.”
Phong
Meaning “wind,” symbolizing freedom and movement.
Quốc
A name that translates to “nation,” embodying patriotism.
Sáng
This name means “bright” and is often associated with intelligence.
Sáu
A name that translates to “six,” often given to the sixth-born child.
Sinh
A name symbolizing life and birth.
Tâm
A name that stands for heart and soul.
Tất
A name that signifies completeness and fulfillment.
Thian
A unique and lyrical name with a soft sound.
Thủy
This name means “water,” symbolizing purity and flow.
Trung
A name that stands for loyalty and faithfulness.
Vân
A name symbolizing clouds and a sense of tranquility.
Xuân
This name means “spring,” representing youth and renewal.
Yến
A name that refers to the swallow. It symbolizes swiftness and grace.