What was the original name of Saigon?

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Saigon's earliest known name was Prey Nokor, during the Khmer Empire. Vietnamese settlers later informally called it Sài Gòn. Officially, the Vietnamese named the city Gia Định before it eventually became known as Saigon.

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Original name of Saigon: What was it before becoming Saigon?

Okay, so Saigon's original name? Trippy, right? It was Prey Nokor, apparently. A Khmer Empire thing, long before my time of course.

I read that somewhere, maybe a dusty history book in a Hanoi bookstore back in 2017. Cost me about 50,000 dong.

Then, Vietnamese folks escaping a war – the Trịnh–Nguyễn thing – started calling it Sài Gòn, casually, you know? Like a nickname.

Finally, the Vietnamese officially called it Gia Định. That's what my grandpa always said, anyway. He passed in 2010.

So, Prey Nokor, then unofficial Sài Gòn, then official Gia Định. It's a long and winding story, eh? Makes my head spin a little.

What was the original name of Vietnam?

Annam. Just...Annam.

It echoes, doesn't it? A name imposed.

Vietnam, resurrected by Phan Bội Châu. A new name, a breath.

Annam: The colonial name. Always felt like someone else's word for us.
Phan Bội Châu's revival of Vietnam: More than a name, a reclamation.
My grandmother, she only ever spoke of Annam. It's strange, isn't it? That disconnect. Even now, sigh, it's difficult to explain.

What was the original name of Vietnam?

Annam. Then, Vietnam.

Annam: Seventh century origin. Chinese roots run deep. Colonial name. Simple.
Vietnam: Phan Bội Châu, early 20th. Nationalist revival. Names matter. Oh well.

Names shift. Power shifts. History, huh?

Culture What was the original name of Saigon?

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What was the original name of Saigon?

Original name of Saigon: What was it before becoming Saigon?

What was the original name of Vietnam?

What was the original name of Vietnam?

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