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

Popularity of Tien by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Tien is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 61% of people named Tien being male.

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

The history of the first name Tien

The name Tien has its origins in the Vietnamese language and culture. It is a unisex name that can be used for both males and females. The name is believed to have derived from the word "tien," which means "before" or "ahead" in Vietnamese.

In ancient Vietnamese culture, the name Tien was often given to children born during auspicious times or to those who were considered to be ahead of their peers in terms of intelligence or skill. The name was seen as a symbol of good fortune and a desire for the child to excel in life.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Tien can be found in the "Annals of Dai Viet," a historical text that dates back to the 13th century. The text mentions a nobleman named Tien Ngo who served as a high-ranking official during the Tran Dynasty.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Tien. One famous example is Tien Ong Kiat (1907-1939), a prominent Singaporean businessman and philanthropist who founded the Ong Tien Group, a successful trading company in Southeast Asia.

Another notable figure is Tien Phuoc (1759-1822), a Vietnamese general and military strategist who played a crucial role in the Tay Son Rebellion against the Nguyen Dynasty in the late 18th century.

In the field of literature, Tien Chueh (1501-1587) was a renowned Chinese scholar and playwright who lived during the Ming Dynasty. He is best known for his contributions to the development of the kunqu opera form.

Tien Hung (1932-2012) was a Vietnamese-American artist and sculptor who gained recognition for his intricate wood carvings depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore and history.

Finally, Tien Sokhoeun (born 1965) is a Cambodian politician and member of the National Assembly, serving as the leader of the Cambodian National Rescue Movement party.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Tien. The name has endured across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its deep cultural significance and historical roots.

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

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

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