Find out how popular the first name Nguyen has been for the last 48 years (from 1975 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nguyen by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Nguyen is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 80% of people named Nguyen being male.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nguyen.

The history of the first name Nguyen

The name Nguyen originated from the Vietnamese language and is believed to have roots dating back to the 16th century. It is derived from the ancient Vietnamese word "Rửa," which means "to bathe" or "to purify." The name was initially associated with individuals who lived near rivers or bodies of water, and it was a common practice to bathe in these water sources for purification purposes.

In ancient Vietnamese culture, names often reflected one's occupation, location, or personal characteristics. The name Nguyen gained popularity among families who resided near rivers or worked in professions related to water, such as fishermen or boatmen. As the name evolved, it became more widely adopted across different regions of Vietnam.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Nguyen can be found in historical documents and records from the 16th century. One notable example is Nguyen Trai, a renowned Vietnamese philosopher, poet, and politician who lived from 1380 to 1442. He is celebrated for his contributions to Vietnamese literature and his influential role in the Lam Son uprising against the Ming Dynasty.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Nguyen is Nguyen Hue, also known as Emperor Quang Trung (1753-1792). He was a celebrated military leader who led the Tay Son rebellion against the Nguyen lords and later became the Emperor of Vietnam. His victory over the Qing Chinese forces at the Battle of Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da in 1789 is considered one of the most significant military achievements in Vietnamese history.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Nguyen became closely associated with the Nguyen lords, a powerful feudal family that ruled over the southern region of Vietnam. Nguyen Phuc Anh, also known as Emperor Gia Long (1762-1820), was the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled over Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

In the realm of literature, Nguyen Du (1766-1820) is celebrated as one of the most influential Vietnamese poets and writers. His masterpiece, "The Tale of Kieu," is considered a pinnacle of Vietnamese literature and has been widely studied and admired for its poetic beauty and profound insights into human nature.

Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Hue, Emperor Gia Long, and Nguyen Du are just a few examples of notable historical figures who bore the name Nguyen and made significant contributions to Vietnamese culture, politics, and literature throughout 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 Nguyen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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