The 18 Hmong Last Names & Clan Structure Explained

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Learn about Hmong surnames, clan structure & marriage practices

Co-authored by Bailey Cho

Last Updated: April 23, 2026 Fact Checked

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Common Hmong Last Names

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Name Origins

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Clan Structure Explained

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Marriage Practices

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Surnames in Other Countries

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Last Name Generator

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All Hmong last names come from a traditional 18-clan structure, also known as xeem. These names are an important part of Hmong culture, signifying shared ancestry and even prohibiting marriage in some cases. In this article, we’ll provide the ultimate list of Hmong last names, along with common spelling variations. We’ll also break down the origins of Hmong last names and explain the clan structure and marriage practices.

A Quick Guide on Hmong Clan Names

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Hmong last names based on the 18-clan structure include: Chang, Chue, Cheng, Fang, Her, Hang, Khang, Kong, Kue, Lee, Lor, Moua, Pha, Thao, Vang, Vue, Xiong, and Yang. In Hmong culture, last names are passed down from fathers to children, and individuals with the same last name are believed to share a common ancestor.

Section 1 of 5:

Common Hmong Last Names

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The most common Hmong surnames include Vang, Yang, and Xiong. In Hmong culture, there are 18 different clans (known as xeem), and someone’s last name signifies which clan they belong to. Here are the 18 Hmong clan names, along with common spelling variations:^{[1]
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- Faj or Faaj (Alternative English spellings: Fang, Fau, Fa)
- Ham or Haam (Alternative English spellings: Hang, Ha, Tang)
- Hawj (Alternative English spellings: Her, Herr, Heu)
- Kha, Khab, or Khaab (Alternative English spellings: Khang, Kang, Keng)
- Koo or Xoom (Alternative English spellings: Kong, Soung, Ko)
- Kwm (Alternative English spellings: Kue, Ku, Kou)
- Lauj (Alternative English spellings: Le, Lee, Li, Ly, LyFoung, LyNhiavu, LyPayia, LyJalao, LyBlymay)
- Lis (Alternative English spellings: Lor, Lao, Lo, Lau)
- Muas (Alternative English spellings: Moua, Mua, Zag)
- Phab or Phaab (Alternative English spellings: Phang, Pha, Fa)
- Thoj (Alternative English spellings: Thao, Thor, Tao, Toa)
- Tsab or Tsaab (Alternative English spellings: Cha, Chang)
- Tshhej (Alternative English spellings: Cheng)
- Tswb (Alternative English spellings: Chue, Chu, Chou, Cho, Zhu)
- Vaj or Vaaj (Alternative English spellings: Va, Vang, Vaughn, Vong, Wang)
- Vwj (Alternative English spellings: Vue, Vu, Vou)
- Xyooj (Alternative English spellings: Xiong, Song, Xong)
- Yaj or Yaaj (Alternative English spellings: Yang, Young, Ya)

Section 2 of 5:

Origins of Hmong Last Names

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Hmong last names originate from a patrilineal 18-clan system. These clan names are passed down from father to children, and all individuals sharing a clan name are considered part of the same extended family. Clan members recognize they’re related by a common ancestor and feel obligated to help each other, both socially and culturally. When 2 Hmong people meet each other for the first time, it’s common to exchange names, ages, clans, and generations to figure out the best way to address each other!^{[2]
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- There are 18 main clans, but some families add their grandfather’s name to specify their lineage.^{[3]
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- Many Hmong last names sound Chinese because of centuries of assimilation and forced adoption of Chinese surnames while living in China. For administrative, tax, and registration purposes, clan names were adopted to align with Chinese characters. For example, the Hmong “Yaj” corresponds to “Yang,” and “Lis” corresponds to “Lau.”

Section 3 of 5:

Hmong Clan Structure Explained

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The family is a subcomponent of the clan structure. To support the clan structure and receive the clan's support, Hmong people tend to concentrate in geographic locations throughout the country, most notably in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area of Minnesota. There are 2 sides of the family—kwv tij (father or husband’s side) and neej tsa (mother or wife’s side). Traditionally, kwv tij is responsible for the actions and decisions in the family, while neej tsa is available for emotional support, but not financial support or responsibility for their daughter or her children.^{[4]
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- That said, roles between the sides are changing, with more daughters and sons-in-law helping the wife’s family, though the main responsibility still resides with the husband’s family.
- The Hmong family structure is based on interdependence rather than independence. Multiple generations choose to live in the same household, and it’s expected that children take care of aging parents, putting the family unit before their personal desires.

Section 4 of 5:

Hmong Marriage Practices

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People sharing the same clan name cannot marry each other. Clan members consider themselves “brothers” and “sisters” who share a common ancestor, even if they are not closely related by blood. Due to this, Hmong culture prohibits marriage between individuals sharing the same clan name. Upon marriage, women usually adopt their husband’s clan name.^{[5]
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- Membership in a clan is also considered a spiritual designation, since ancestral spirits watch over their family members.

Section 5 of 5:

Surnames in Other Countries

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Want to learn about more surnames around the world? We’ve compiled lists of last names from other cultures across the globe. Check them out below:

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