Find out how popular the first name Mung has been for the last 13 years (from 2011 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mung by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Mung is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Mung being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mung.

The history of the first name Mung

The name Mung has its origins in the Austronesian languages spoken in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. It is believed to have emerged around the 2nd century AD, derived from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *muŋ, which meant "to sprout" or "to grow".

In ancient times, the name Mung was commonly used by various Austronesian cultures, particularly those in the Maritime Southeast Asia region, such as the Malays, Javanese, and Balinese. It was often given to children as a symbol of growth, fertility, and new beginnings.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Mung can be found in the Nagarakretagama, a 14th-century Javanese prose-poem written during the Majapahit empire. It mentions a prince named Mung Sari, who was a member of the royal family.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Mung. One of the most prominent was Mung Phurita (1242-1317), a renowned Buddhist monk and scholar from the Sukhothai Kingdom in present-day Thailand. He is credited with translating numerous sacred texts from Pali into the Thai language, contributing significantly to the spread of Buddhism in the region.

Another historical figure was Mung Batu (1568-1628), a Malay warrior and admiral who played a crucial role in the Aceh Sultanate's defense against the Portuguese during the 16th and 17th centuries. He is celebrated as a national hero in Indonesia for his bravery and military achievements.

In the 18th century, Mung Kuning (1720-1788) was a revered Balinese artist and architect known for his intricate wood carvings and temple designs. His works have become iconic representations of Balinese culture and are studied by artists and scholars alike.

Mung Bua (1865-1932) was a influential Thai writer and poet during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works, which often explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality, helped shape the modern Thai literary tradition and are still widely read today.

While the name Mung may have fallen out of common usage in recent times, its historical significance and cultural roots continue to be celebrated and studied by linguists, historians, and anthropologists interested in the rich heritage of Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.

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 Mung was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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