Last Name Phung

Learn more about the origin of the last name Phung

The meaning and origin of the last name Phung

The surname Phung, also spelled Phúng, is of Vietnamese origin. It belongs to the Phú-family of surnames, one of the two most common Vietnamese family names along with Nguyen. The name is believed to have derived from an ancient clan name that was passed down through generations. The original bearers of this surname likely resided in the region now known as Phong Chau, a former district in modern-day Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Over time, variations such as Phong, Fung, and Pun emerged due to different romanization systems and cultural assimilation in various countries where Vietnamese people migrated. Today, the surname Phung can be found among communities of Vietnamese descent worldwide, with varying pronunciations depending on regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Phung

The last name Phung is predominantly found in Vietnam, where it is a common surname among various ethnic groups such as the Kinh, Tay, and Thai. It also appears in significant numbers among Vietnamese communities in other countries, particularly France, the United States, and Canada, due to historical migration patterns. In France, Phung is often found in urban areas like Paris where a large Vietnamese diaspora resides. In North America, it can be found in cities with sizable Vietnamese populations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Vancouver. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other countries with significant Vietnamese communities, including Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. Overall, Phung is a Southeast Asian surname primarily associated with Vietnam and its diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Phung

The surname Phung can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Phong, Fong, Phúng, and Pheng. In Vietnamese, the name is written as Phụng, with the characters for "phủ" (protect) and " ng" (person). However, when transcribed using the Hanyu Pinyin phonetic system, which is often used in Vietnamese diaspora communities, it becomes Feng. Additionally, some individuals may also spell their surname as Phuong or Fung, although these are less common variations. The correct spelling of this name can depend on personal preference and regional influences, making it important to consider multiple possibilities when searching for individuals with this name.

Famous people with the last name Phung

Notable individuals bearing the surname Phung include:

1. Phung Huynh Phu So (1874-1945), a prominent Vietnamese revolutionary who played an instrumental role in the Cần Vương movement, which aimed to establish an independent Vietnam during French colonial rule.

2. Phong Nguyen Phung (born 1983), a Canadian actor known for his roles in television shows such as Degrassi: The Next Generation and films like Goon: Last of the Enforcers.

3. Phuong D. Nguyen Phung (born 1965), an American physician who specializes in infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. She has worked extensively with the World Health Organization (WHO) and is currently a professor at the University of California, San Francisco.

4. Dang Phung, also known as John Phong Phung, is an American martial artist who holds multiple black belts in various martial arts styles and is a Grandmaster in the Viet Vo Dao martial art system. He has been featured on shows like America's Funniest Home Videos and Jimmy Kimmel Live! for his demonstrations of martial arts skills.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning revolution, entertainment, medicine, and martial arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Phung

The surname Phung originates from Vietnam, where it is one of the most common ethnic Chinese family names. Historically, many Vietnamese Chinese families adopted surnames that were part of the Hundred Family Surnames system, which was popular in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). The Phung surname is believed to have been derived from the Chinese character "孛" (Fēng), meaning "to spread," suggesting a family with many descendants. Some Phung families trace their roots to Guangdong Province in Southern China, where they migrated to Vietnam over centuries. Genealogical records show that many Phung families have been influential in various aspects of Vietnamese society, such as business, education, and politics, contributing significantly to the country's development. The surname is common throughout Vietnam, but is particularly concentrated in regions with large Chinese communities like Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and the Mekong Delta.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Phung"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025