Find out how popular the first name Vi has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vi by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Vi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 87% of people named Vi being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Vi.

The history of the first name Vi

The given name Vi has its origins in the Vietnamese language, where it is a shortened form of the name Vỹ. The name Vỹ is derived from the Sino-Vietnamese word 威, meaning "power" or "might." This etymology suggests that the name Vi was historically associated with strength, authority, and leadership qualities.

In Vietnam, the name Vi has been in use for centuries, with records indicating its presence as early as the 12th century during the Lý Dynasty. It was a popular name among the Vietnamese nobility and ruling class, often given to princes and nobles to symbolize their power and influence.

One of the earliest and most notable historical figures bearing the name Vi was Trần Hưng Vỹ, a prominent general and military strategist who lived in the 13th century. He played a crucial role in the victories of the Trần Dynasty against the Mongol invasions, earning him a revered place in Vietnamese history.

Another notable figure was Vi Văn Hiến (1515-1595), a renowned Confucian scholar and poet during the Lê Dynasty. His works and teachings left a lasting impact on Vietnamese literature and philosophy.

In the 19th century, Vi Tân Bửu (1810-1873) was a celebrated Vietnamese scholar and mandarin who made significant contributions to the cultural and educational spheres of his time.

Moving into the 20th century, Vi Quốc Thanh (1889-1965) was a prominent Vietnamese nationalist and journalist who played a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence from French colonial rule.

More recently, Vi Văn Hiếu (1938-2022) was a highly respected Vietnamese writer and poet, known for his poignant works that explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

While the name Vi has its roots in Vietnamese culture, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, particularly in Scandinavia, where it is sometimes considered a diminutive form of the name Viktoria or Viola.

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

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

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