MallowbyNames

Nhu

nyoo · Meaning varies by origin; in Vietnamese, often associated with 'gentle' or 'soft', but the exact meaning depends on the Sino-Vietnamese character used.

Peak popularity
2004
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Nhu since 1980

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

61319198020002020Most births 2004Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s97
1990s123
2000s105
2010s41
2020s6

Meaning & origin

Nhu is a Vietnamese name that has appeared in U.S. birth records since 1980, though it has never broken into the top 1,000. The name saw its peak usage in 2004, reflecting a period of moderate interest. Its trajectory has remained stable, with consistent but low-level usage over the decades. Nhu is almost exclusively given to girls, aligning with its soft, gentle connotations in Vietnamese. The name's meaning is tied to its Sino-Vietnamese characters, which can vary, so the exact meaning may differ from family to family. As a distinctive name with cultural roots, Nhu offers a connection to Vietnamese heritage while remaining uncommon in the broader U.S. naming landscape.

Nhu is a Vietnamese given name with Sino-Vietnamese roots. It is derived from Chinese characters that can convey notions of gentleness, softness, or femininity. The name has been used in Vietnam for generations, often as a feminine name. Its popularity in the United States has been modest, with recorded usage beginning in 1980.

Sibling names for Nhu

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

Sisters: Linh, Mai, Anh, Hoa, Thao, Diem

Brothers: Minh, Quan, Thanh, Tuan, Huy

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

N is for Nhu, our favorite little girl.

N is for Nhu…”

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

Make Nhu's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Nhu mean?
Nhu is a Vietnamese name that can mean 'gentle' or 'soft', depending on the Sino-Vietnamese character used to write it.
How popular is the name Nhu?
Nhu has never ranked among the top 1,000 names in U.S. records. It reached its peak usage in 2004, when it was given to the most babies in a single year.
Is Nhu a boy or girl name?
Nhu is typically given to girls. In U.S. data, it has been used almost exclusively for females since records began in 1980.