Hieu is a Vietnamese given name that is quite popular in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora around the world. It is a name of Chinese origin, derived from the Chinese name "Xiao He" (小和). The meaning of Hieu varies depending on the Chinese character used to write it.
One common interpretation of the name Hieu is "small river," which is associated with the Chinese character "河" (hé), meaning river. Another interpretation is "peaceful and calm," associated with the Chinese character "和" (hé), meaning peace or harmony.
The name Hieu has a rich history in Vietnam, with many notable individuals bearing this name throughout different periods of Vietnamese history. One famous historical figure named Hieu was Hieu Ngoc, a talented poet who lived during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400). He was known for his exceptional literary skills and is still celebrated today as one of Vietnam's greatest poets.
In modern times, Hieu continues to be a popular choice among Vietnamese parents. It is often given to children in the hopes that they will grow up to be peaceful, calm, and wise, much like the river or the historical figures who bore this name.
Based on the provided statistics, the name "Hieu" has seen varied popularity over the past four decades in the United States. The highest number of births recorded for the name "Hieu" was 38 in 1984, indicating that it was particularly popular during that year. However, this number has since declined significantly.
Over the years, the total number of births with the name "Hieu" has fluctuated considerably. For instance, there were only 5 births recorded in both 1976 and 2013, while the most recent data from 2023 shows a total of 5 births as well.
Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that the name "Hieu" has been present in the U.S. baby naming landscape for quite some time. It will be interesting to see how its popularity trends in the coming years based on future data.