Find out how popular the first name Kiet has been for the last 40 years (from 1980 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kiet by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Kiet is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kiet.

The history of the first name Kiet

The name Kiet has its origins in the Vietnamese language and culture, dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old Vietnamese word "kiet," which means "outstanding" or "excellent." This name was often given to male children as a representation of the parents' hopes and aspirations for their son to grow up to be an exceptional individual.

In ancient Vietnamese literature, the name Kiet is mentioned in various texts and folktales, often associated with heroic figures and warriors. One such notable example is the epic poem "The Tale of Kieu," written in the early 19th century by the revered poet Nguyen Du, which features a character named Kiet who embodies bravery and loyalty.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Kiet can be traced back to the 11th century, during the Ly Dynasty, a period of significant cultural and literary development in Vietnam. One of the most famous historical figures bearing this name is Ngo Quyen Kiet, a renowned military commander who led the Vietnamese forces to victory against the invading Chinese armies in the 10th century, establishing the first independent Vietnamese state.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have carried the name Kiet. In the 15th century, Kiet Nhi was a highly respected Confucian scholar and poet who served as a mandarin in the royal court of the Le Dynasty. During the 18th century, Kiet Luu was a prominent general who played a crucial role in defending Vietnam against the Siamese invasion.

In more recent times, Kiet Oprok (1925-2008) was a celebrated Cambodian writer and poet, renowned for his contributions to modern Khmer literature. Additionally, Kiet Van Huynh (born 1946) is a Vietnamese-American artist and sculptor, known for his large-scale public artworks that celebrate the cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Another notable figure is Kiet Nguyen (born 1973), a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded the technology company AuthenTec, which was later acquired by Apple Inc. in 2012.

The name Kiet has transcended its Vietnamese origins and has been adopted by various cultures around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it has gained popularity as a symbol of strength, excellence, and resilience.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kiet was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kiet, please contact us.

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