Last Names

Surnames / V

Vu

What is the origin of the last name Vu?

Vietnamese originOccupational (a trade or role)Rank #962 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Vu has its origins in Vietnam. This surname is of Vietnamese origin and is derived from the Sino-Vietnamese character 'Vu', meaning "dew" or "wetness". The name Vu is relatively common among the Vietnamese population and has been historically passed down through generations, representing a connection to the country's cultural heritage.

The longer story

The last name Vu is of Vietnamese origin and is relatively common in Vietnam. It is derived from the Vietnamese word "vũ" which means "feather" or "peacock". The name Vu can also be found in other regions of Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia and Laos, due to historical migration patterns and shared cultural influences.

One possible meaning of the name Vu is related to the symbolic significance of feathers, which are often associated with qualities such as beauty, grace, and freedom. The peacock, in particular, is regarded as a majestic bird with vibrant and impressive plumage, representing pride and dignity.

In Vietnamese culture, last names often have deep historical and cultural significance. They can be traced back several centuries and may be associated with noble lineages, geographic regions, or even specific occupations. However, there is limited information available about the specific origins and associations of the Vu surname beyond its linguistic meaning.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#962

Vu was the 962nd most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 36,179 people, about 12 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)1.0%
  • Hispanic or Latino0.6%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)<0.1%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander96.6%
  • Two or more races1.7%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native<0.1%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Vu.

Surnames like Vu

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.