Khiem
A boy's name of Vietnamese origin with 129 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Khiem peaked during the Gen Z era, when 10 babies received this name in a single year (1997). That era was defined by globally influenced, diversity-driven naming, and Khiem has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Khiem is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Khiem is a boy's baby name of Vietnamese origin, meaning 'humble, modest.' In Vietnamese culture humility is considered a core virtue, making Khiem a name that expresses deep values — the kind of name that feels like a quiet promise about the person your child will grow to be.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Khiem belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At one syllable, it has a punchy, memorable cadence that makes an immediate impression.
Within the Vietnamese naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Vietnamese names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Khiem’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Khiem has 22+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1981.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 23 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 33 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 41 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 32 | — |
The Story of Khiem
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 1997, Khiem is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Khiem are most likely born between 1987 and 2007.
How rare is Khiem?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Khiem is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1981, peaked in the 1990s with 41 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Khiem by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(22 years, 1981–2019)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | #13193 |
| 2015 | 6 | #11460 |
| 2013 | 6 | #11516 |
| 2012 | 6 | #11589 |
| 2009 | 6 | #11793 |
| 2005 | 6 | #10854 |
| 2004 | 5 | #12376 |
| 2003 | 5 | #11918 |
| 2001 | 5 | #11558 |
| 2000 | 6 | #9766 |
| 1998 | 7 | #8063 |
| 1997 | 10 | #5895 |
| 1996 | 5 | #9842 |
| 1992 | 6 | #7987 |
| 1991 | 8 | #6251 |
| 1990 | 5 | #8861 |
| 1989 | 5 | #8625 |
| 1987 | 5 | #7603 |
| 1986 | 5 | #7311 |
| 1984 | 5 | #6871 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khiem a boy's or girl's name?
When was Khiem most popular?
How popular is the name Khiem?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1981–2019