Ngân

Ngân is a Vietnamese given name, typically feminine, derived from the Sino-Vietnamese word for silver. The meaning reflects qualities associated with silver, such as value, brightness, and beauty, and the name is used for girls in many Vietnamese-speaking communities. Ngân can appear as a standalone given name or as part of compound names, such as Ngân Hà, a well-known Vietnamese expression for the Milky Way.

The name is common in Vietnam and among Vietnamese diaspora communities. It rose in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries and remains a familiar choice today. While most often given to girls, there are examples of broader usage in contemporary naming, including unisex instances in some families.

In Vietnamese, Ngân is written with a circumflexed vowel and carries a tone determined by the full name. In non-Vietnamese contexts, it is sometimes transliterated without diacritics as Ngan. The use of Ngân in compound names often carries poetic or symbolic associations, as with Ngân Hà meaning the Milky Way in Vietnamese.

Notable usage: The name appears in Vietnamese literature, media, and among public figures, reflecting its continued presence in contemporary Vietnamese culture. As with many Vietnamese names, its meaning can shift slightly depending on the accompanying elements in a full name.