Nghiên's father was Đán. His paternal grandparents were Tụy and Nghiêm Nguyễn. He had two brothers and two sisters, named Ngải, Yêm, Khuê and Ty. He was the second oldest of the five children. He died due to giỗ 12/7 âm lịch. He was buried in Mả Chùa.