nhu

Nhu is a Vietnamese surname that originates from the Chinese character "儒" (rú), meaning "Confucian scholar" or "scholar." The name reflects the historical influence of Confucianism in Vietnam, particularly during the imperial era when education and scholarship were highly valued. Over time, the surname evolved into its modern Vietnamese form, "Nhu," and became widely distributed across the country.

The surname is relatively common in Vietnam, particularly among ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh people). It is often associated with families that trace their lineage to scholars, officials, or educated elites from past dynasties. The name may also appear in variations such as "Nguyễn Nhu" when combined with the most common Vietnamese surname, "Nguyễn," indicating a compound surname structure.

In Vietnamese culture, surnames carry significant importance, often linked to ancestral heritage and social status. The surname "Nhu" may also be found in Vietnamese diaspora communities, particularly in countries like the United States, France, and Australia, where Vietnamese immigrants have settled.

While "Nhu" is primarily a surname, it can also appear as a given name in some contexts, though this is less common. The name carries no inherent cultural or linguistic significance beyond its historical and familial associations. Like many Vietnamese surnames, "Nhu" is pronounced with a rising tone in standard Vietnamese pronunciation.