Pham
The origin of the surname Pham
Phạm derives from the Chinese surname character 范.
How Vietnamese surnames work
Vietnamese names place the family name first, and a remarkably small set of surnames covers most of the population — Nguyễn alone is borne by roughly two-fifths of all Vietnamese, with Trần and Lê also very widespread, all tied to former ruling dynasties. Because so many people share so few surnames, the given name (which comes last) is the primary way individuals are identified and addressed, and a middle name traditionally added further distinction. Vietnamese surnames are usually written as single syllables.
Variants & spellings
- Phạm
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Pham mean?
The surname Pham means An ancient clan name (范). Phạm derives from the Chinese surname character 范.
Where does the surname Pham come from?
Pham is a surname of Vietnamese origin.
What kind of surname is Pham?
Pham is a clan name surname.
How common is the surname Pham in the United States?
Pham is the 498th most common surname in the United States (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 59,949 people.