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.
The name Hieu experienced its peak popularity between the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a high of 38 births in 1984 and an average of around 30-35 births per year from 1987 to 1992. However, since the mid-1990s, its popularity has steadily declined, reaching as low as 5 births per year in recent years. In total, there have been 821 babies named Hieu born between 1976 and 2023.