Lễ

Lễ is a Vietnamese given name derived from Sino-Vietnamese roots. The term 'Lễ' itself is a direct borrowing from Chinese characters (禮, pinyin: lǐ), which carry a rich cultural and philosophical significance. In Chinese culture, 'lǐ' refers to a complex system of ritual norms and propriety that determines how a person should act in everyday life. It encompasses etiquette, ceremonies, and moral conduct, playing a central role in Confucian philosophy.

When adopted into Vietnamese, the meaning largely retained its core connotations of ceremony, ritual, and proper conduct. As a given name, it often reflects a parent's hope for their child to embody these virtues – to be respectful, well-mannered, and to live a life guided by appropriate social and moral principles. It is used for both males and females, reflecting the gender-neutral nature of many Vietnamese names derived from Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary.