Than

The name means 'brave' or 'heroic'. — Associated with positive attributes such as bravery
Vietnam origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#558US 2023
1.6kBirths / yr
Stable
36All-time births
📅 Since 195600
How to pronounce Than
THAN
/ˈðæn/ · stress on THAN · 1 syllable
The name means 'brave' or 'heroic'.
Associated with positive attributes such as bravery · Vietnam origin

What does Than mean and where does it come from?

Than is a name commonly found in Vietnamese context, often assigned to boys and associated with positive attributes such as bravery. In Thai culture, it carries meanings related to wisdom. Variations and spellings may exist in different regions, reflecting local languages and dialects. Notable indiv

Cultural significance
Than has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Vietnam-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the name means 'brave' or 'heroic'..
Peak popularity
Reached #4444 in 1956 — currently #558 in the US.
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Related Reading
Vietnam-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

What middle names flow best with Than?

Than works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Than Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Than Rose
Floral · soft ending
Than Mae
Sweet · timeless
Than Claire
French influence · crisp
Than Jane
Literary · strong
Than Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Than
Browse ideas →

How popular is Than right now?

Holding steady — currently #558 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20212023#558 · Top 0.41%
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#5581,642▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022#5631,622▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021#5681,592

The story of Than

Than entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. With 36 total births recorded, Than remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #568 in 2021 to #558 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Than in 1956:

Than by decade

Than peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

DecadeBirths
1950s5
1980s19
1990s7
2010s5
💎Than has only 36 total recorded births since 1956 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Than?

Common
ThanieThany

Common questions about the name Than

What does the name Than mean?
Than means "The name means 'brave' or 'heroic'." — a name rooted in Vietnam tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Than?
Than is currently ranked #558 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Than?
Than originates from Vietnam tradition. Vietnam names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Than?
Than is a one-syllable name pronounced DH AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Than sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Than flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Than ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.