Phung
Primarily a girl's name of Vietnamese origin with 163 recorded births. Also given to 16 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Vietnamese [in turn from Chinese].
Phung is a girl's and boy's baby name of Vietnamese origin, from the Vietnamese Phụng (鳳), meaning 'phoenix' — the mythical firebird that rises from its own ashes, symbolizing renewal, beauty, and immortal resilience.
The phoenix is one of the most powerful symbols in both Vietnamese and Chinese culture, representing dignity, grace, and the ability to be reborn stronger than before. Phung carries all of that mythological power in a single, elegant syllable.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Phung is a girl's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (1980–2003). Its Vietnamese roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 163 total births, Phung exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Phung has 16+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1980.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 14 | #13145 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 37 | #9776 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 112 | #6602 | — |
The Story of Phung
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1986, Phung is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Phung are most likely born between 1980 and 1996.
How rare is Phung?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Phung is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1980, peaked in the 1980s with 112 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Phung by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(16 years, 1980–2003)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | #13479 |
| 2000 | 7 | #12810 |
| 1996 | 6 | #13034 |
| 1993 | 10 | #8532 |
| 1991 | 7 | #11162 |
| 1990 | 14 | #6376 |
| 1989 | 8 | #9411 |
| 1988 | 10 | #7528 |
| 1987 | 14 | #5533 |
| 1986 | 16 | #4896 |
| 1985 | 11 | #6336 |
| 1984 | 9 | #7237 |
| 1983 | 11 | #6106 |
| 1982 | 14 | #5128 |
| 1981 | 9 | #7214 |
| 1980 | 10 | #6634 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Phung as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Phung has also been given to 16 boys in the U.S. since 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phung a boy's or girl's name?
When was Phung most popular?
How popular is the name Phung?
Can Phung be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1980–2003