MallowbyNames

Hien

hee-EN · Of uncertain origin; possibly from Vietnamese meaning 'kind' or 'gentle', or a Sino-Vietnamese character.

Peak popularity
1984
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Hien since 1976

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

102030198020002020Most births 1984GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s237
1980s159122
1990s112103
2000s2861
2010s512
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Hien entered U.S. birth records in 1976, reflecting the wave of Vietnamese immigration after the Vietnam War. The name reached its peak usage in 1984, but has never appeared in the top 1,000 names, maintaining a stable but low profile. Its trajectory has remained flat over the decades, with no significant resurgence. While no top states can be identified from the data, the name is most common in communities with Vietnamese heritage. For parents seeking a name that bridges cultural identity and gentle meaning, Hien offers a subtle, enduring choice.

Hien is a Vietnamese given name that may derive from the word 'hiền' meaning 'kind' or 'gentle' in Vietnamese. It can also be a transcription of various Sino-Vietnamese characters. As a unisex name, it has been used in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora since at least the 20th century. Its adoption in the United States began in the late 1970s following increased immigration from Vietnam.

Sibling names for Hien

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

Sisters: Linh, Mai, Ngoc, Thuy, Trang, Ngan, Quyen, Uyen

Brothers: Duc, Hung, Minh, Phong, Tam, Khang, Khoi, Hau

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

H is for Hien, our favorite little person.

H is for Hien…”

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

Make Hien's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Hien mean?
Hien is a Vietnamese name that often means 'kind' or 'gentle', though it may also be written with various Sino-Vietnamese characters carrying different meanings.
How popular is the name Hien?
Hien first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1976. It has remained uncommon, with its peak usage in 1984, but has never ranked among the top 1,000 names.
Is Hien a boy's or girl's name?
Hien is a unisex name in Vietnamese, used for both boys and girls. In the U.S., it has been given to both males and females.