Tu

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Tu

Pronounced too /ˈtuː/High

Meaning: Tu is most often a Vietnamese given name, from Tu, carrying senses of 'elegant, refined' or 'star, talented,' depending on the underlying tone and character. It also exists as a Chinese surname. In United States records it typically marks families of Vietnamese heritage. It is a single crisp syllable, said like the English 'too.'Low

In 30 seconds: Tu is a Vietnamese given name meaning 'elegant' or 'refined,' also a Chinese surname, a single crisp syllable (said too).

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Origin LowVietnamese, Chinese

MeaningTu is most often a Vietnamese given name, from Tu, carrying senses of 'elegant, refined' or 'star, talented,' depending on the underlying tone and character. It also exists as a Chinese surname. In United States records it typically marks families of Vietnamese heritage. It is a single crisp syllable, said like the English 'too.'

U.S. rank (2011)#12165 ↗ Rising

2011 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1987

Total births (all-time)≈ 313

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

Tu appears in United States records from the late 1970s, most often among families of Vietnamese heritage arriving in that era. As a Vietnamese given name it carries meanings like 'elegant' or 'refined'; it also exists as a Chinese surname, and is said simply like 'too.'

It was never common, reaching only a couple dozen boys a year around its late-1980s high and lingering into the 2010s, tied to the settlement of Vietnamese families. A Tu from that peak is around forty now.

Did you know? In Vietnamese, Tu can carry senses of elegance, refinement or talent, depending on its tone and character.

Overall data confidence 40%

References - Tu — Vietnamese given name Tu 'elegant/refined'; also Chinese surname

Variations

TúTuanAnh Tu

Nicknames

TuTcommy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tu mean?

It is a Vietnamese given name carrying senses of 'elegant,' 'refined' or 'talented,' and also exists as a Chinese surname.

How do you pronounce Tu?

It's said too /ˈtuː/, a single syllable.

Is Tu a boy or girl name?

Tu is used here as a boy's name.

Is Tu a popular name?

No, it has always been rare in the United States, given to only a few boys a year, mainly in Vietnamese families.