On April 24, 2025, significant changes in naming conventions for administrative units were announced in several provinces of Vietnam, reflecting a shift towards honoring local history and culture over numerical designations. This move comes in response to public outcry over proposed naming schemes that many residents found impersonal and disconnected from their heritage.
In An Giang province, the Provincial Party Committee's Standing Committee issued Notice No. 770-TB/TU, which outlined plans to adjust the names of several communes and wards following a proposed administrative reorganization. The committee emphasized the importance of linking new names to local historical traditions and explicitly stated that cardinal directions—Central, East, West, South, and North—should not be used in naming these units. This decision aims to preserve the cultural identity of the region.
According to the notice, the specific names will be proposed by local districts, cities, and towns, ensuring they do not duplicate existing names in An Giang and neighboring Kien Giang province. The implementation process is expected to be transparent and objective, with a strong stance against corruption and group interests. This announcement follows a wave of criticism from An Giang residents who expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of naming communes based on directional indicators, which they felt overlooked the rich historical and cultural significance of traditional names.
Meanwhile, in Nam Dinh province, a similar sentiment led to a reversal of an earlier proposal to name new administrative units using ordinal numbers. The initial draft for the 2025 administrative arrangement suggested names like Nam Dinh 1 and Nam Dinh 2, which sparked concern among the local population. After considering public feedback, the Nam Dinh Provincial People's Committee decided to retain names that reflect the area's culture and history instead.
The updated plan, also announced on April 24, will reduce the number of administrative units from 175 to 57, including 14 wards, 49 communes, and 15 towns. The new names will either preserve the original names of the units prior to merging or adopt names that resonate with local cultural and historical significance, such as Thiên Trường and Thành Nam.
Phạm Trọng Tuấn, the former Chairman of the People's Committee of Yên Tiến commune, articulated the importance of names in his community, stating, "The name of a village or commune is the soul of the whole region. It is not just a name to call, but also to remember and to love." His sentiment echoes the views of many locals who believe that names carry cultural identity and pride.
In Vinh Phuc province, the Provincial People's Committee has also taken a proactive approach in renaming administrative units. Following directives from the Provincial Party Committee, an urgent document was issued on April 23, 2025, calling for public input on renaming 23 communes and wards that were initially slated to be designated by ordinal numbers. This decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that new names are easy to read, memorable, and culturally appropriate.
The Vinh Phuc authorities have set a deadline for collecting public opinions by 10:00 AM on April 24, 2025, and require reports on the results to be submitted by 5:00 PM on April 25. Proposed name changes from Binh Xuyen district include renaming Binh Xuyen commune to Binh Nguyen and Binh Xuyen 1 to Xuan Lang, among others. The intent is to ensure that new names honor local traditions and do not conflict with names from neighboring provinces.
In Phuc Yen city, the plan includes renaming Phuc Yen 1 ward to Xuan Hoa ward, while Vinh Tuong district plans to change Vinh Tuong 1 to Vinh Hung and so forth. Similar initiatives are being undertaken in Song Lo and Tam Dao districts, where community engagement is prioritized to ensure that the new names reflect the unique characteristics of each locality.
These decisions across various provinces illustrate a growing recognition of the importance of cultural heritage in administrative naming practices. As local governments strive to balance modernization with tradition, the voices of residents are playing a crucial role in shaping the identity of their communities.
In a broader context, these changes are part of a larger trend throughout Vietnam aimed at enhancing local governance and community engagement. By prioritizing cultural significance in naming conventions, authorities hope to foster a stronger sense of belonging and identity among residents.
As the country continues to evolve, the significance of names remains a poignant reminder of the deep connections between people and their history. The emphasis on cultural heritage in naming practices not only honors the past but also lays a foundation for future generations to cherish and remember their roots.
Overall, the recent announcements from An Giang, Nam Dinh, and Vinh Phuc provinces highlight a collective effort to prioritize local identity and history in administrative naming processes. As communities actively participate in these discussions, it is clear that the names chosen will carry profound meaning, reflecting the rich tapestry of Vietnam's diverse cultural landscape.
