Last Name Vu

The surname Vu (or Pham Vu, Nguyen Vu, etc.) is primarily of Vietnamese origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Vũ" or "Phạm Vũ", which means "tiger" in Vietnamese. The "Vu" family was one of the Four Great Clans (Tú Trưởng) of ancient Vietnam, ruling over the regions that correspond to modern-day northern Vietnam. This surname is common among the Kinh ethnic group, who are the majority ethnic group in Vietnam.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vu

The meaning and origin of the last name Vu

The surname Vu is of Vietnamese origin, derived from the Chinese character "Wú" (武), which translates to "military" or "arms". It was originally used as a given name, but over time, it evolved into a surname in Vietnam due to Chinese influence. The use of surnames became more prevalent during the Lý Dynasty (1010-1225), when the Chinese feudal system was adopted by the Vietnamese. Today, Vu is one of the most common surnames in Vietnam, ranking fourth in terms of frequency. It is pronounced "Vū" in the Southern tone and "Vú" in the Northern tone. Notably, there are several other similar-sounding Vietnamese surnames such as Vũ (pronounced "Vum"), which has a different meaning (professional skill or talent) and origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vu

The surname Vu is predominantly found in Vietnam, its origin being the Vietnamese language word for "son" or "descendant." It ranks among the most common Vietnamese family names and is distributed widely throughout Vietnam, with significant concentrations in the Red River Delta region and the Mekong Delta. Beyond Vietnam, individuals carrying the surname Vu can also be found in other parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia, due to historical migrations and diaspora. There are also Vietnamese communities in France, the United States, Canada, and Australia, where the name Vu is present as well. In summary, while the Vu surname has its roots in Vietnam, it is now a globally dispersed family name with the highest concentration in Southeast Asia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vu

The surname Vu, of Vietnamese origin, has various spellings and pronunciations in English due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include: Vo, Pho, Du, Duy, Tuy, Tu, and Hue. These variations can also be found with diacritical marks (Vượng, Vũ) or without them. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a Vietnamese name may depend on the individual's preference, regional dialect, or family tradition. To avoid misunderstandings and respect cultural differences, it is always best to ask for the preferred spelling when encountering individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Vu

Amongst notable individuals bearing the surname Vu, one stands out: Trần Đức Lương (born Vũ Quang Dương), a renowned Vietnamese diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of Vietnam from 1997 to 2006. During his tenure, he played a significant role in implementing economic reforms that opened Vietnam's economy to the world. Another notable figure is Vu Le Thanh Kiem, a Vietnamese-American physicist who made significant contributions to condensed matter physics and quantum computing. In 2008, he was awarded the National Medal of Science by President George W. Bush. Furthermore, Vu Thi Trang, a Vietnamese actress, gained prominence for her roles in various films, such as "The Quiet American" (1958) and "Full Moon in Paris" (2002). These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments and impact of those bearing the surname Vu across fields including diplomacy, science, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Vu

The surname Vu originates from Vietnam, where it is a common surname. Historically, the Vietnamese system of surnames was established during the Hundred-family Surname System in ancient China, which was adopted by the Vietnamese during their rule by Chinese dynasties. The Vu surname can be traced back to the Trung Dynasty (39 - 43 A.D.), one of the three great clans that ruled the country before the Han Dynasty's conquest in 111 B.C. During the later Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, the Vu clan held important positions in the imperial court and regional administration. Today, the Vu surname is found predominantly among the ethnic Kinh Vietnamese, with significant populations in regions such as the Red River Delta and the Central Highlands. Genealogical research on the Vu surname continues to uncover fascinating historical details about this prominent Vietnamese clan.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vu"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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