Vu
The origin of the surname Vu
Vũ derives from the character 武, “military.”
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
- Vo
- Võ
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Vu mean?
The surname Vu means Military, martial (武). Vũ derives from the character 武, “military.”
Where does the surname Vu come from?
Vu is a surname of Vietnamese origin.
What kind of surname is Vu?
Vu is a clan name surname.
How common is the surname Vu in the United States?
Vu ranks #1,247 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 25,828 people.