What Are the Most Common Vietnamese Last Names?

Have you ever met someone named Nguyen? If so, you’re not alone! In Vietnam, many people share the same family names, and these names are often passed down from generation to generation. Family names are placed first in Vietnamese culture, followed by the middle and given names. This is different from English-speaking countries—and it’s a fun way to explore how names reflect culture!

According to two researchers, Lauderdale and Kestenbaum (2000), here are the Top 50 most common Vietnamese last names. These names were gathered from data available at that time, so while some may have changed a little, many are still widely used today.

Top 10 Vietnamese Last Names:

1. Nguyen

2. Tran

3. Le

4. Pham

5. Huynh

6. Vu

7. Phan

8. Truong

9. Hoang

10. Ngo

Top 20 Vietnamese Last Names:
11. Dang
12. Do
13. Bui
14. Vo
15. Ly
16. Duong
17. Luong
18. Dinh
19. Trinh
20. Luu

Top 50 Vietnamese Last Names:
21. Doan
22. Dao
23. Thai
24. Mai
25. Van
26. Cao
27. Vuong
28. Phung
29. Quach
30. Ta
31. Diep
32. Ton
33. La
34. Thach
35. Thi
36. Thanh
37. Dam
38. Vong
39. Trieu
40. Buu
41. Phu
42. Vinh
43. Quang
44. Tieu
45. Hoa
46. Trang
47. Giang
48. Luc
49. Banh
50. Nghiem

These names are a great way for children to explore Vietnamese culture and learn about identity, family, and language. Learning even just a few names can help kids better understand how important heritage and respect are in Vietnamese communities.

Learning Vietnamese the Fun Way with Dinolingo

For kids curious about Vietnamese language and culture, Dinolingo offers a fun and interactive way to learn! With over 50 language programs, Dinolingo helps children ages 2 to 14 explore languages like Vietnamese through stories, songs, games, and videos. It’s available on web, iOS, and Android, and includes printable worksheets and a parent dashboard for tracking progress. One subscription can be used for up to 6 learners perfect for families!

Whether your child wants to read a Vietnamese folktale, sing along with traditional songs, or learn common family names like Nguyen and Tran, Dinolingo makes the journey exciting and memorable.