Find out how popular the first name Nghia has been for the last 32 years (from 1981 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nghia by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Nghia is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Nghia being male.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nghia.

The history of the first name Nghia

The name Nghia originates from the Vietnamese language. Its roots can be traced back to the ancient Vietnamese kingdom of Champa, which existed from the 2nd century AD to the late 15th century in what is now central and southern Vietnam. The name Nghia is derived from the Old Vietnamese word "nghĩa," which means "righteousness," "justice," or "moral obligation."

One of the earliest known references to the name Nghia can be found in the Buddhist text "Kinh Trung Bộ" (Middle Length Discourses), which dates back to the 3rd century BC. In this text, the term "nghĩa" is used to describe the concept of righteousness and moral conduct in the teachings of the Buddha.

The name Nghia gained popularity during the Ly Dynasty (1009–1225) and the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400) in Vietnam. During these periods, the name was often given to individuals who were known for their upright character and commitment to justice.

One of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Nghia was Nguyen Nghia Dan (1072-1132), a celebrated Vietnamese military leader and strategist who played a crucial role in defending the country against the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Another notable figure was Tran Nghia Van (1228-1300), a prominent Vietnamese poet and scholar during the Tran Dynasty.

In the 15th century, Nguyen Nghia Nhan (1378-1459) was a renowned Vietnamese Confucian scholar and poet who made significant contributions to the development of Vietnamese literature and philosophy.

During the 19th century, Nguyen Nghia Ngan (1809-1854) was a prominent Vietnamese scholar and reformer who advocated for modernization and social reforms in Vietnam.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Nghia was Ho Nghia (1918-1973), a Vietnamese communist revolutionary and military leader who played a crucial role in the Vietnamese resistance against French colonial rule and later the Vietnam War.

The name Nghia has remained a popular choice among Vietnamese parents throughout history, as it carries the positive connotations of righteousness, justice, and moral integrity. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and values that have shaped Vietnamese society over the centuries.

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

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

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