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

Popularity of Nhat by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Nhat is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nhat.

The history of the first name Nhat

The name Nhat has its origins in the Vietnamese language and culture. It is derived from the word "nhat," which means "sun" or "sunlight." This name has been used in Vietnam for centuries and is believed to have originated during the ancient Cham civilization that once ruled parts of central and southern Vietnam.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Nhat can be found in the ancient Vietnamese epic poem "The Tale of Kieu," written by Nguyen Du in the early 19th century. In this literary work, a character named Nhat appears as a symbol of beauty and radiance.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Nhat. One of the earliest was Nhat Tan (1072-1128), a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and scholar who played a significant role in the development of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism. He is renowned for his teachings and for establishing several important temples in Vietnam.

Another prominent figure with the name Nhat was Nhat Liem (1836-1901), a Vietnamese scholar and government official who served as a high-ranking mandarin during the Nguyen Dynasty. He was known for his expertise in Confucian teachings and his contributions to Vietnam's education system.

In the 20th century, Nhat Hanh (born 1926) emerged as a renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist, and writer. He is best known for his teachings on mindfulness and his efforts to promote non-violence and reconciliation during the Vietnam War. Nhat Hanh has authored numerous books and has been a leading figure in the global mindfulness movement.

Another notable individual with the name Nhat was Nhat Tien (1911-1997), a Vietnamese artist and painter who played a significant role in the development of modern Vietnamese art. His works often depicted scenes of everyday life in Vietnam and were celebrated for their vibrant colors and intricate details.

Lastly, Nhat Nguyen (1930-2018) was a prominent Vietnamese-American businessman and philanthropist. He founded several successful companies in the United States and became known for his charitable work, particularly in supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Vietnam.

Through these examples, we can see that the name Nhat has a rich history and has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including religion, literature, art, and business.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!