phú

Phú is a Vietnamese term and given name element derived from Sino-Vietnamese 富, meaning wealth or prosperity. In Vietnamese, phú can function as a standalone word meaning rich or prosperous, and it also appears as a component in various compound names. The word carries an auspicious connotation and is frequently used in cultural and historical contexts to evoke abundance and good fortune.

As a personal name, Phú is commonly used as part of masculine given names and, less frequently, as a stand-alone given name or in compound forms. It is often chosen for its positive meaning, and it may appear alongside other components that convey good fortune, health, or longevity. In Vietnamese naming practices, the element phú participates in a wide range of names across different generations, reflecting traditional hopes for prosperity.

Phú is also a frequent element in Vietnamese toponyms (place names). It appears in multiple provinces, districts, towns, and communes, contributing to names that evoke abundance or favorable geography. Notable examples include Phú Thọ, a northern province; Phú Quốc, an island district of Kiên Giang Province; and Phú Yên, a central coastal province. The morpheme is commonly combined with other terms to form broader place-name meanings, such as landscapes, rivers, or administrative units.

In cultural and linguistic contexts, phú remains associated with wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Its use in names and places reflects longstanding Vietnamese naming conventions that favor positive, aspirational meanings.