Nga

♀ Girl

Pronounced NGAH /ˈŋɑː/Medium

Meaning: Nga is a Vietnamese given name, commonly understood as 'elegant' or 'graceful' (as in the moon-lady Hang Nga); the same word can also mean 'Russia'. It reached American records with post-1975 Vietnamese families.Low

In 30 seconds: Nga is a Vietnamese girl's name, often read as 'elegant' or 'graceful' (said 'NGAH').

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Origin MediumVietnamese

MeaningNga is a Vietnamese given name, commonly understood as 'elegant' or 'graceful' (as in the moon-lady Hang Nga); the same word can also mean 'Russia'. It reached American records with post-1975 Vietnamese families.

U.S. rank (1997)#15413 ↘ Falling

1997 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1981

Total births (all-time)≈ 349

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Nga is a single-syllable Vietnamese name, generally glossed 'elegant, graceful' and tied to the lunar figure Hang Nga. It entered the American record chiefly through the Vietnamese community that settled after 1975.

It has always been rare in the U.S., concentrated among Vietnamese-American families from the late nineteen-seventies. For English speakers the initial 'ng-' sound is its main challenge, which is why the spoken form is given as 'NGAH'.

Did you know? Nga carries a graceful image in Vietnamese, linked to Hang Nga, the moon lady of legend; English speakers often need the sound spelled out, as the opening 'ng-' is unfamiliar.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Nga — Vietnamese given name; 'elegant/graceful'

Variations

Nga

Nicknames

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nga mean?

Nga is a Vietnamese name usually read as 'elegant' or 'graceful'; the same word can also mean 'Russia'.

How do you pronounce Nga?

It's said NGAH /ˈŋɑː/ — one syllable, beginning with the 'ng' sound as in 'sing'.

Is Nga a boy or girl name?

Nga is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Nga?

Nga is rare in the U.S., seen chiefly among Vietnamese-American families since the late nineteen-seventies.