MallowbyNames

Xuan

SHWEN · Spring or a type of fragrant herb; also used as a feminine given name in Vietnamese.

Peak popularity
1981
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Xuan since 1977

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

51015198020002020Most births 1981GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s110
1980s10511
1990s526
2000s300
2010s448
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Xuan is a Vietnamese name meaning 'spring,' first recorded in the United States in 1977. It reached its highest frequency in 1981 but has remained a rare choice, never ranking in the top 1000. Its trajectory has been stable, reflecting steady but low usage among families seeking a nature-inspired name with cultural ties to Vietnam. The name has no recorded top states, indicating its scattered presence across the country.

Xuan originates from Vietnamese Xuân, meaning 'spring' (the season) or a fragrant herb. It is one of the many Vietnamese names drawn from Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary, often given to girls to evoke freshness and renewal. The name has been used in Vietnam for centuries but gained limited exposure in the United States starting in the late 20th century, particularly among Vietnamese-American families.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Xuan, Xuan

Sibling names for Xuan

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

Sisters: Linh, Mai, Hoa, Anh, Thuy

Brothers: Minh, Duc, Hung, Phong, Tuan

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

X is for Xuan, our favorite little girl.

X is for Xuan…”

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

Make Xuan's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Xuan mean?
Xuan means 'spring' or a type of fragrant herb in Vietnamese.
Is Xuan a popular name?
Xuan is not a common name in the United States. It first appeared in 1977 and peaked in 1981, but it has never ranked among the top 1000 names for any year.
Is Xuan a boy or girl name?
Xuan is primarily used as a feminine name in Vietnamese.