"light, brilliance, radiance"
Origin: Vietnamese
Language: Vietnamese
Anh
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A Vietnamese gem meaning light and radiance
Vietnamese
Southeast Asian
Elegant
Minimalist
Traditional
Sophisticated
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Meaning & Origin
"peace, tranquility"
Origin: Sino-Vietnamese
Language: Vietnamese
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The Story of Anh
Anh (ánh) is a Vietnamese name meaning 'light,' 'brilliance,' or 'radiance.' In Vietnamese, the word ánh refers to the shimmering quality of light — like sunlight on water or the glow of a lamp. The name is widely used for both boys and girls in Vietnam, though in diaspora communities it is more often given to girls. The one-syllable Vietnamese names carry entire worlds of meaning in their tones, and Anh pronounced with a falling tone (sắc) means 'older brother' or 'you' (male), while ánh means light.
Anh is one of the most common Vietnamese names both in Vietnam and in Vietnamese diaspora communities worldwide. Its simplicity and beautiful meaning have made it enduringly popular across generations.
In Vietnamese culture, names carrying the meaning of light are considered auspicious, symbolizing wisdom, clarity, and a bright future. Anh is deeply embedded in Vietnamese identity and has traveled with Vietnamese communities to countries like the US, France, Australia, and Canada.
Historical Record
Anh first appeared in US Social Security records in 1975.
Over 1,562 babies have been named Anh in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Anh is past its peak , currently ranked #6,405 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Anh is one of Vietnam's most common names, used for both males and females
- The Vietnamese language uses tonal pronunciation — the same spelling with different tones creates completely different meanings
- Anh is also the Vietnamese word for 'older brother' and a polite way to address adult males
Anh in Other Languages
French
Anh (used in diaspora)
Korean
안 (An)
Chinese
安 (An, peace)
English
Anh
Vietnamese
Ánh (light/radiance)
Popularity Over Time
#6,405
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1984
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Anh
A
Anh Do
Writer
1977
Vietnamese-Australian comedian, actor, and author of the bestselling memoir 'The Happiest Refugee'
A
Anh Duong
Artist
1962
Vietnamese-American artist and actress known in New York art circles
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #6,405
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Vietnamese Southeast Asian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Anh
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Also a Boy Name
Anh is also used as a boy name, ranked #8361.
View Anh as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anh
What does the name Anh mean?
"light, brilliance, radiance" (from Vietnamese). "peace, tranquility" (from Sino-Vietnamese). Anh (ánh) is a Vietnamese name meaning 'light,' 'brilliance,' or 'radiance.' In Vietnamese, the word ánh refers to the shimmering quality of light — like sunlight on water or the glow of a lamp. The name is widely used for both boys and girls in Vietnam, though in diaspora communities it is more often given to girls. The one-syllable Vietnamese names carry entire worlds of meaning in their tones, and Anh pronounced with a falling tone (sắc) means 'older brother' or 'you' (male), while ánh means light.
What is the origin of the name Anh?
Anh has Vietnamese, Sino-Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian origins. In Vietnamese, it means "light, brilliance, radiance". In Sino-Vietnamese, it means "peace, tranquility".
Is Anh a boy or girl name?
Anh is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6405. As a boy name, it is ranked #8361. Anh is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Anh?
Anh is currently ranked #6405 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Anh?
Popular middle name pairings include Anh Linh, Anh Thu, Anh Ngoc, Anh Mai, Anh Phuong, Anh Huong, and Anh Van.
What are good sibling names for Anh?
Names that pair well with Anh as siblings include Linh, Minh, Thu, Lan, Duc, Tuyen, and Hoa.
How many syllables does Anh have?
Anh has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Anh a common or rare name?
Anh is an uncommon name, ranked #6405 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Anh
Anh is a girl name with Vietnamese and Southeast Asian origins . The name means "light, brilliance, radiance" in Vietnamese .
Is Anh a boy or girl name? Anh is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,405 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #8,361. Anh is more commonly used as a girl name.
Anh is currently ranked #6,405 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Anh has 1 syllable, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis