Phong first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Phong has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Phong

A Vietnamese name meaning "prosperous", "flourishing", or "wealthy".

Popularity of Phong by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Phong is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Phong being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Phong.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 9 0
2022 5 0
2020 7 0
2019 10 0
2018 8 0
2017 11 0
2016 8 0
2015 6 0
2014 11 0
2013 10 0
2012 20 0
2011 6 0
2010 5 0
2009 12 0
2008 9 0
2007 8 0
2006 12 0
2005 8 0
2004 12 0
2003 19 0
2002 21 0
2001 11 0
2000 12 0
1999 14 0
1998 16 0
1997 17 0
1996 24 0
1995 29 0
1994 23 0
1993 35 0
1992 47 0
1991 43 0
1990 34 0
1989 30 0
1988 49 0
1987 41 0
1986 38 0
1985 49 5
1984 51 0
1983 45 0
1982 49 0
1981 41 0
1980 34 0
1979 20 0
1978 8 0
1977 5 0
1976 9 0
1975 7 0

The history of the first name Phong

The name Phong has its origins in the Vietnamese language and culture. It is derived from the Vietnamese word "phong," which means "wind" or "breeze." The name is believed to have been in use since ancient times in Vietnam, symbolizing freedom, energy, and vitality.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Phong can be found in the ancient Vietnamese epic poem "The Tale of Kieu," which dates back to the early 19th century. In this literary masterpiece, one of the characters is named Phong, although it is unclear whether this was a first name or a surname.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Phong. One of the most famous was Phong Kha (1892-1964), a Vietnamese teacher and revolutionary who played a significant role in the struggle for independence from French colonial rule. He was a close associate of Ho Chi Minh and served as the Minister of Education in the first government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Another notable figure was Phong Le (1907-1967), a Vietnamese painter and sculptor who is considered one of the pioneers of modern art in Vietnam. His works often depicted scenes from rural life and traditional Vietnamese culture, and he is celebrated for helping to establish a distinct Vietnamese artistic identity.

In the field of literature, Phong Nguyen (1923-2007) was a prominent Vietnamese poet and writer. He is best known for his collection of poems titled "The Bamboo Hut," which explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Phong Nguyen's works were widely acclaimed and helped to shape the literary landscape of Vietnam in the 20th century.

The name Phong has also been borne by several notable athletes. Phong Luu (born 1975) is a Vietnamese-American professional pool player who has won multiple world championships and is regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. Phong Tran (born 1980) is a Vietnamese-American mixed martial artist who has competed in various organizations, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

While the name Phong is primarily associated with Vietnamese culture, it has also been adopted by individuals of other ethnic backgrounds, particularly in Southeast Asia and among the Vietnamese diaspora communities around the world. The name's connection to the natural elements and its symbolic representation of freedom and energy have contributed to its enduring popularity.

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

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

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"Phong first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 28, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/phong-meaning-and-history/.

"Phong first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/phong-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 28 April, 2025

Phong first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/phong-meaning-and-history/.

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