Vannak
A boy's name of Khmer origin with 50 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Vannak is a two-syllable boy's name with a sharp, distinct sound — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. With only 50 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Vannak is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Vannak is a boy's baby name of Khmer origin, from the Cambodian Khmer language, where it can mean 'color' or relate to concepts of beauty and form. It is a traditional Cambodian name widely used in Cambodia and among Cambodian communities worldwide.
In Cambodian-American communities, Vannak is a recognized name that connects families to their Southeast Asian roots. Cambodia's rich cultural heritage — Buddhist tradition, ancient Khmer civilization, and the Angkor era — informs names like Vannak with quiet cultural significance. It has a clean, two-syllable sound that works naturally in English-speaking contexts.
EtymologyShow more
Vannak is cataloged under the Khmer naming tradition. Names from the Khmer tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Vannak has been recorded as a boy's name since 1983, with 50 total births. Browse the Khmer names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Vannak has 7+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1983.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 11 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 39 | — |
The Story of Vannak
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1987, Vannak is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Vannak are most likely born between 1983 and 1997.
How rare is Vannak?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Vannak is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1983, peaked in the 1980s with 39 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Vannak by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(7 years, 1983–1997)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 | #9208 |
| 1993 | 5 | #10091 |
| 1987 | 11 | #4225 |
| 1986 | 9 | #4831 |
| 1985 | 7 | #5751 |
| 1984 | 5 | #7293 |
| 1983 | 7 | #5454 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vannak a boy's or girl's name?
When was Vannak most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1983–1997