Tinh
A boy's name of Vietnamese origin with 15 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Among U.S. boy's names, Tinh is not in the current national top 1,000. In fact, it is among the rarest names in the SSA dataset — a choice that signals bold individuality.
With records spanning 1987 to 1991, Tinh has a focused history that reflects a particular moment in naming culture rather than a centuries-old tradition.
Tinh is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Tinh is a Vietnamese masculine name — and occasionally feminine — carrying the meaning "pure," "clear," or "essence." In Vietnamese naming tradition, Tinh (tĩnh or tinh depending on tone) reflects values of clarity, purity of spirit, and intellectual refinement. It is a single-syllable name of genuine cultural depth.
In American records, Tinh appears among Vietnamese immigrant communities and their descendants. Its brevity and clean sound make it work across cultural contexts, though its meaning and tone are fully rooted in Vietnamese language and tradition.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Tinh is rooted in the Vietnamese tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1987 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Tinh’s rarity (15 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Tinh has 3+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1987.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 10 | — |
The Story of Tinh
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1987, Tinh is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Tinh are most likely born between 1987 and 1991.
How rare is Tinh?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Tinh is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1987, peaked in the 1980s with 10 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(3 years, 1987–1991)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 5 | #9510 |
| 1989 | 5 | #9114 |
| 1987 | 5 | #8044 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When was Tinh most popular?
How popular is the name Tinh?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1987–1991