Vietnamese have first, last, and usually middle names. They give their last name first, then middle name, then first. Last names are not commonly used. People are usually addressed as Mr., Mrs., or Miss followed by their first names. Married women retain their own last name, but may be referred to as Mrs. and the husband's first name. Children have the father's last name. Middle name 'Van' is for men; 'Thi' is for women. Common last names are Nguyen, Tran, Le, and Pham.
Cambodians give their last name first, then perhaps a middle name (though rare), then first name. They often go by both last and first names together, or by middle and first. Married women retain their last name, but may be referred to as Mrs. and husband's first name.
Laotians give first name first, then last name; no middle name. Last names are rarely used--some people actually have none. Married women take their husband's last name. Laotian names are long.
Hmong give their last name first, then first name. Some men have a middle name. People are often known or addressed by both names together. Married women retain their own last names which are monosyllabic. The most common Hmong last names (or clan names) are Chang, Chue, Fanf, Her (Heu), Khing, Kue, Lor (Lo), Ly (Les), Moua, Thao (Thor), Vang, Vue, Xiong, Yang.
In each group (except Hmong) kinship terms are used extensively in addressing family and friends. People are referred to as 'big sister X', 'aunt Y' or 'uncle Z' or simply as sister, aunt, uncle according to their age and status, even if the person is not a blood relative. Some refugees who are aware of the American system of naming may have already changed their names around accordingly, and will give their name to Americans contrary to their traditional manner.
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