Holding steady.
Popularity of Tu since 1978
Babies named Tu per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 8 | 17 |
| 1980s | 59 | 166 |
| 1990s | 37 | 91 |
| 2000s | 5 | 33 |
| 2010s | 5 | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tu is a short, unisex name with uncertain origins. First recorded in the United States in 1978, it reached its highest usage in 1987 and has remained steadily rare since, not appearing in the top 1000. The name's simplicity allows it to transcend cultural boundaries, possibly deriving from Vietnamese (meaning 'star'), Chinese surnames, or Indigenous American languages. Without a clear etymology, Tu appeals to parents seeking a minimal, modern name that feels both familiar and distinctive. Its peak in 1987 suggests a brief period of curiosity, and its continued but infrequent use today makes it an uncommon choice.
Tu is a short name with multiple potential origins. It may be a simplified spelling of names like Tú (Vietnamese, meaning 'star') or a rare Chinese surname used as a given name. In some cases it could be a respelling of the French name 'Tû' or an Indigenous American name. Its usage in the United States, first recorded in 1978 with a peak in 1987, suggests modern adoption as a simple, unisex name.
Sibling names for Tu
Names that share Tu's style, for a brother or sister.
