Phan
The origin of the surname Phan
Phan derives from the Chinese surname character 潘.
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
- Phan
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Phan mean?
The surname Phan means An ancient clan name (潘). Phan derives from the Chinese surname character 潘.
Where does the surname Phan come from?
Phan is a surname of Vietnamese origin.
What kind of surname is Phan?
Phan is a clan name surname.
How common is the surname Phan in the United States?
Phan ranks #1,193 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 26,903 people.