MallowbyNames

Duy

Zwee · Of uncertain meaning; likely derived from Vietnamese words suggesting virtuous or intelligent, but debated.

Peak popularity
1984
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1985

Declining since 1985.

Popularity of Duy since 1978

Babies named Duy per year in U.S. Social Security records.

203959198020002020Most births 1984Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s28
1980s364
1990s238
2000s138
2010s49
2020s10

Meaning & origin

Duy is a Vietnamese given name that entered U.S. naming records in 1978, reflecting immigration from Vietnam after the Vietnam War. Its popularity peaked in 1984 and has been declining since 1985, with recent figures showing fewer than 5 male births per year. The name never ranked among the top 1000 names nationally, and its meaning remains debated among etymologists. While clearly tied to Vietnamese heritage, its use spans Vietnamese communities worldwide. The name's trajectory mirrors that of many culturally specific names that enjoy a concentrated period of use and then become less common.

Duy is a Vietnamese given name, typically masculine. Its meaning is not firmly established; it may be derived from the Sino-Vietnamese element 維 (duy) meaning 'to hold, to maintain' or from other characters with similar sounds. The name has been in use in Vietnam for many generations and gained modest popularity among Vietnamese diaspora communities.

Sibling names for Duy

Names that share Duy's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Linh, Mai, Hoa, Anh, Thao

Brothers: Minh, Huy, Quang, Long, Khanh

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Duy, our favorite little boy.

“D is for Duy…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Duy's letter becomes Duy's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Duy's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Duy mean?
The meaning is uncertain. It may derive from Sino-Vietnamese characters suggesting 'to maintain' or 'virtuous,' but this is debated.
Is Duy a boy's name?
Yes, Duy is predominantly a masculine name in Vietnam, though it is occasionally used for girls.
How popular is the name Duy?
In U.S. Social Security data, Duy first appeared in 1978. It peaked at rank closest to the top 1000 around 1984 and has been declining in use since the mid-1980s. Recent data shows fewer than 5 births per year.