Chinese Names with Meanings – Boys and Girls
Choosing a Chinese name is a significant process rich in history and symbolism. Whether for a newborn or a language student, understanding the structure of Chinese names provides insight into a longstanding culture. Chinese names, in contrast to Western ones, typically begin with the family surname and then a given name. And each name usually reflects the parents’ aspirations, virtues, or aspects of nature and philosophy.
The ten most popular Chinese surnames will be discussed today, followed by the most well-liked Chinese names for boys and girls. Furthermore, we will explore its profound symbolic meanings. Every Chinese name has a backstory, which makes them distinctive. Each of these qualities—beauty, strength, wisdom, or peace—is what parents wish for their kids. Come along as we explore the meaning, philosophy, and strength underlying some of the most well-known Chinese names.
Chinese Surnames | Chinese name list
Unlike in America or Europe, Chinese people write their surname at the front (surname + name). Additionally, most Chinese surnames consisted of one character, like Wang 王, Li 李, or Chen 陈. However, some people have double-character surnames, commonly known as 复姓 fùxìng, such as Ouyang 欧阳 or Yiyang 易烊.
Chinese surnames are a significant part of identity, passed down through the generations, and have deep cultural and historical meaning. They frequently reflect historical political power and cultural influence, dating back to ancient states and dynasties. In addition, a lot of surnames have their origins in virtues or natural elements, signifying things like justice, prosperity, or resilience.
1. 王 (Wáng)
Literal Meaning: “king”
The surname Wáng literally means “king,” reflecting a majestic, authoritative lineage. With its strong roots in royal and governing ancestry, it evokes a feeling of leadership, dignity, and responsibility. Families bearing this surname may feel a strong sense of pride, honor, and connection to China’s historical dynasties.
2. 李 (Lǐ)
Literal Meaning: “plum”
Lǐ means “plum,” a fruit that represents resiliency, purity, and rebirth because plum blossoms flourish in the bitter cold of winter. Because of this auspicious imagery—beauty emerging in hardship—the name is particularly treasured. Its status is further enhanced by its prominence in imperial history, such as the Tang dynasty.
3. 张 (Zhāng)
Literal Meaning: “to stretch” (a bow)
Zhāng, which originally meant to draw a bow, literally means “to stretch.” It evokes feelings of protection, strength, accuracy, and preparedness. Moreover, being one of the most common surnames in the world, it carries a poised yet strong aura. Moreover, it carried an ancient craftsmanship and ancestors’ strength.
4. 刘 (Liú)
Literal Meaning: “battle axe” (archaic)
“Battle axe,” a weapon that represents the strength to defend and assert authority, was what Liú originally meant. These days, it is associated with the founding emperors of the Han dynasty and denotes fortitude, leadership, and historical nuance. Therefore, bearing this name is akin to honoring a protective, warrior-like legacy.
5. 陈 (Chén)
Literal Meaning: “to display, arrange”
Chén has roots in the name of the ancient State of Chen. The character includes concepts of maturity, arrangement, and display. This name evokes ideas of elegant organization and enduring history. Besides, it’s linked to a lengthy lineage of structured, cultured heritage.
6. 杨 (Yáng)
Literal Meaning: “poplar tree”
Yáng refers to the poplar tree, which is prized for its height, resilience, and straightness. These tree-like traits—steadiness, fortitude, and serene demeanor—are embodied in the surname. It’s a lovely surname inspired by nature that conjures solid character and ageless growth.
7. 黄 (Huáng)
Literal Meaning: “yellow”
In Chinese tradition, the character huáng literally translates to “yellow.” In ancient times, only people of certain status are allowed to wear yellow. Therefore, it is connected to nobility, strength, and the earth (world). Because of its imperial significance, which identifies the name with royal legitimacy, it is a distinguished surname. It carries with it associations of natural authority, brightness, and richness.
8. 赵 (Zhào)
Literal Meaning: Name of the ancient State of Zhao
Zhào originates from the State of Zhao, a powerful Warring States period kingdom. There are overtones of nobility, authority, and historical distinction in the name. Moreover, it echoes honor, tradition, and elite origins and has strong political and cultural overtones.
9. 吴 (Wú)
Literal Meaning: Named after the State of Wu
Wú stems from the ancient State of Wu, known for its military and cultural influence. It connotes regional strength, adaptability, and historical independence. This surname connects bearers to a legacy of fortitude and strategic prowess.
10. 周 (Zhōu)
Literal Meaning: “circle” or “all-encompassing”
Zhōu signifies “circle”—a shape representing unity, inclusion, and continuity. It also represents dynastic power and cultural sophistication and is associated with the prestigious Zhou dynasty. The surname conveys a feeling of historical foundation, universality, and ingrained heritage.
Top 10 Chinese Girl Names | Chinese names for Female
- 爱 (Ài)
Literal Meaning: love
Ài means “love” or “affection.” This name carries warmth and emotional depth right from childhood. It also signifies that the daughter is loved and adds affection to the family and the community. Thus, the name Ài had a positive and ageless connotation.
- 芳 (Fāng)
Literal Meaning: fragrance; virtuous
Fāng evokes the gentle sweetness of blooming flowers and virtuous character. It suggests an elegant and morally pure girl—a scent of virtue in her social circle—and alludes to her inner beauty and grace.
- 静 (Jìng)
Literal Meaning: quiet; calm
Jìng represents calm, quiet, and inner serenity. It is ideal for mental peace and stability, reflecting the culture’s value of self-control and serenity. Thus, the name Jìng represents a peaceful presence that everyone finds admirable.
- 丽 (Lì)
Literal Meaning: beautiful; pretty
Lì means “beautiful” or “elegant.” It’s classic because of its simplicity and vivid imagery. Parents choosing Lì wish their daughter to shine with outward beauty and inner elegance—a classic choice across generations.
- 敏 (Mǐn)
Literal Meaning: clever; quick
Mǐn conveys swiftness in mind or reflexes. Typically, parents pick this name in an attempt to gauge their kids’ intelligence. It represents wit, resourcefulness, and flexibility—qualities that parents hope will help her succeed and be nimble in life.
- 燕 (Yàn)
Literal Meaning: swallow (bird)
Yàn refers to the swallow, a bird that heralds spring. Therefore, it conveys ideas of lightness, freedom, and rebirth. Naming a girl Yàn may suggest a joyful spirit that uplifts others, like the birds of spring.
- 秀 (Xiù)
Literal Meaning: elegant; outstanding
Xiù implies excellence and elegance. It’s perfect for a stylish girl who is accomplished on the inside and beautiful on the outside. It evokes traditional Chinese praise: “卓越秀雅 zhuóyuè xiùyǎ,” excellence and refinement.
- 雅 (Yǎ)
Literal Meaning: elegant; refined
Yǎ signals cultural sophistication. According to its meaning, this character exudes sophistication and education. This resulted in using Yǎ in a name become popular with families who appreciate culture and well-groomed conduct—a lovely name choice.
- 花 (Huā)
Literal Meaning: flower
Huā simply means “flower.” It symbolizes beauty, growth, and abundance. When naming a daughter, Huā compares her to blossoms in bloom, vibrant and full of color, ready to infuse her surroundings with happiness and energy.
- 芬 (Fēn)
Literal Meaning: scent; aroma
Fēn suggests subtlety of scent—gentle yet pervasive. It suggests a subtle yet enduring presence, signifying a persona that is friendly, enjoyable, and subtly influential in her social circles.
Top 10 Chinese Boy Names | Chinese names for Men
- 博 (Bó)
Literal Meaning: broad; learned
Bó means “extensive” or “learned.” It is frequently selected for boys who are expected to have broad horizons and excel academically. In short, it’s a name that promotes intellectual diversity and cultural sophistication.
- 成 (Chéng)
Literal Meaning: accomplish; succeed
Chéng signifies “to complete” or “achieve.” It is a strong motivator that promotes ambition and lifetime achievement. To sum it up, this name implied success and goal fulfillment.
- 晨 (Chén)
Literal Meaning: morning
Chén captures the freshness and hope of dawn. It is a poetic choice that symbolizes vitality and fresh starts. Therefore, this name implied that each day of his life may hold new possibilities and optimism.
- 超 (Chāo)
Literal Meaning: surpass; exceed
Chāo means “to surpass” or “transcend.” This is a name that encourages excellence. It conveyed the parents’ hope that their son would break down barriers, surpass expectations, and succeed in everything he does.
- 强 (Qiáng)
Literal Meaning: strong; powerful
Qiáng stands for physical or moral strength. It is a simple and empowering name that suggests resilience and perseverance. To sum it up, these are the two traits necessary for overcoming challenges in life.
- 健 (Jiàn)
Literal Meaning: healthy; robust
Jiàn denotes health and vitality—parents wishing robust bodies and strong character for their son. It is a literal and symbolic blessing for longevity and well-being.
- 伟 (Wěi)
Literal Meaning: great; mighty
Wěi means “great” or “magnificent.” The name signifies that the bearer is destined for greatness and moral stature, and it embodies lofty aspirations and admirable qualities.
- 浩 (Hào)
Literal Meaning: vast; grand
Hào evokes expansiveness, like the ocean or the sky. It exudes unbounded ambition and vision, fitting for a boy who is destined to have big dreams and seize enormous opportunities.
- 海 (Hǎi)
Literal Meaning: sea; ocean
Hǎi, meaning “sea,” symbolizes depth, freedom, and openness. Reflecting the vastness and mystery of the ocean, this name fosters a spirit of adventure and a broad perspective.
- 志 (Zhì)
Literal Meaning: will; aspiration
Zhì stands for strong will and intent. This name embodies ambition, purpose, and moral commitment—qualities that are valued throughout life. Thus, this is perfect for a child who is focused and determined.
Why Chinese Names?
If you ever intend to work or study in China, having a Chinese name has clear benefits. Furthermore, they are both straightforward and symbolic, expressing multiple levels of meaning, which facilitates pronunciation and a distinct identity. Also, these names frequently represent virtue, beauty, and tenacity—all of which are considered auspicious in Chinese culture. Additionally, names with characters like 美 (Mei), 晨 (Chen), or 强 (Qiang) show versatility. Thus, they frequently appear in both statistics and literature, showing their wide popularity and enduring relevance.
How to Choose a Chinese Name
Chinese names often tell stories about ancestry, history, values, social structure, and hopes for the future. A Chinese name can carry the memory of an ancient kingdom. It can reflect Confucian values and express what parents wish for their child. It can also show a family’s place within their lineage.
Behind every Chinese name is a system shaped by history, philosophy, family traditions, and even astrology.
This article explains:
- How chinese names are structured
- Where chinese surnames come from
- Why chinese male names and chinese female names follow different cultural patterns
- How to choose a Chinese name for yourself!
How Chinese Names Are Structured
A traditional chinese name structure follows this format:
surname + given name
Example: 王伟 (Wáng Wěi)
王 = chinese surname
伟 = chinese given name
Key characteristics:
- The chinese family name always comes first
- Most chinese last names are one character
- Chinese given names are usually one or two characters
- A full chinese name usually has 2–3 characters
This structure reflects Confucian values where the family and lineage come before the individual.
In traditional families, one character is even shared among siblings or cousins.
Example:
- 李祖阳
- 李祖丽
Both share the generation character 祖. It’s less common today, but still upheld by traditional households.
Where Chinese Surnames Come From
Origins of Chinese surnames did not appear randomly. Chinese family names emerged through historical and social processes over thousands of years. Most Chinese last names fall into five origin types.
Surnames from Ancient States and Kingdoms
In ancient China, rulers divided land into feudal states during the Zhou, Spring and Autumn, and Warring States periods. Noble families ruled these states.
When those states were conquered, dissolved, or absorbed into larger empires, families often used the old state’s name as their Chinese surname to preserve lineage and identity.
This preserved political ancestry, territorial origin, and social prestige.
Examples
| Surname | Origin State | Dynasty | Why it became a surname |
| 陈 (Chén) | State of Chen | Spring & Autumn | Citizens adopted “Chen” after the state fell |
| 宋 (Sòng) | State of Song | Zhou Dynasty | Descendants preserved state name |
| 郑 (Zhèng) | State of Zheng | Zhou Dynasty | Royal lineage marker |
| 魏 (Wèi) | State of Wei | Warring States | Former ruling clan |
| 韩 (Hán) | State of Han | Warring States | Noble descent |
| 秦 (Qín) | State of Qin | Qin Dynasty | First imperial dynasty |
In early society, lineage equaled legitimacy. A Chinese surname connected a person to ancestral territory, political authority, and historical continuity.
Surnames from Royal and Dynastic Families
When a dynasty ruled, the imperial family’s surname became prestigious. Loyal subjects or entire clans sometimes received the surname from the emperor.
Examples
| Surname | Dynasty | Meaning | Why it spread |
| 李 (Lǐ) | Tang Dynasty | Plum tree | Royal surname |
| 刘 (Liú) | Han Dynasty | Kill / destroy | Imperial lineage |
| 杨 (Yáng) | Zhou Dynasty | Willow | Royal clan |
| 王 (Wáng) | Various | King | Symbolic adoption |
Imperial association meant elevation and prestige.
Surnames from Geography and Nature
Families took surnames from natural features or places they lived near.
Examples
| Surname | Meaning | Origin |
| 林 (Lín) | Forest | Wooded areas |
| 江 (Jiāng) | River | River regions |
| 田 (Tián) | Field | Farming families |
| 石 (Shí) | Stone | Rocky land |
Surnames from Occupations and Social Roles
Some surnames came from professions and then passed down to generations.
Examples
| Surname | Meaning | Origin |
| 马 (Mǎ) | Horse | Cavalry |
| 傅 (Fù) | Tutor | Imperial teacher |
| 钱 (Qián) | Money | Treasury |
| 曹 (Cáo) | Manage | Administration |
Surnames from Personal Traits or Symbols
Some surnames came from traits or symbolic meanings.
Examples
| Surname | Meaning | Symbolism |
| 高 (Gāo) | Tall | Elevation |
| 白 (Bái) | White | Purity |
| 朱 (Zhū) | Red | Fortune |
| 龙 (Lóng) | Dragon | Power |
Chinese Male Names Emphasize Strength and Virtues
Traditional Chinese society assigned men the role of:
- family protector
- lineage continuer
- public representative
Therefore, Chinese boy names often invoke those expectations.
1. Confucian Ideals
Men were expected to embody:
- 德 (dé) — moral virtue
- 忠 (zhōng) — loyalty
- 仁 (rén) — benevolence
- 勇 (yǒng) — courage
These names are very common to reinforce this moral programming.
2. Patriarchal Lineage System
Sons carried the family name forward. Their personal name was expected to strengthen:
- family reputation
- social standing
- ancestral honor
Hence characters like these appearing very often in Chinese boy names:
- 伟 (great)
- 强 (strong)
- 成 (success)
- 博 (abundant)
Chinese Female Names Emphasize Beauty and Grace
1. Yin–Yang Philosophy
Women in China are often associated with Yin qualities:
- softness
- beauty
- receptiveness
- harmony
- emotional refinement
Chinese girl names often reflect these ideals.
2. Social Role Expectations
Historically, women were expected to maintain:
- family harmony
- domestic stability
- emotional cohesion
This is why you see many of these characters used in Chinese girl names:
- 静 (calm)
- 雅 (elegant)
- 芳 (fragrant)
- 玉 (jade, purity)
How to Choose a Chinese Name for Yourself!
Your Chinese name can affect how people perceive you, and decide their first impressions of you.
So make sure to do it carefully!
Below is a step by step of how to choose a Chinese name for yourself.
1. Choose the Right Surname (If You Need One)
If you are a foreigner choosing a Chinese name, you usually:
- Keep your original surname, and
- Choose a Chinese given name only, or
- Choose a Chinese surname that sounds similar to your real surname
Why this matters:
Chinese surnames are tied to ancestry and lineage. Picking one randomly can feel strange to native speakers unless you have a reason (marriage, adoption, cultural integration, etc.).
Common approaches:
- Similar sound (Johnson → 强生 Qiángshēng)
- Similar meaning (King → 王 Wáng)
- Neutral common surname (李 Lǐ, 林 Lín, 王 Wáng)
2. Pick Characters Based on Meaning First, Sound Second
In Chinese, meaning is more important than pronunciation.
Each character carries:
- A dictionary meaning
- A cultural meaning
- A symbolic or emotional meaning
For example:
| Character | Meaning | Cultural implication |
| 安 (Ān) | Peace | Calm life |
| 明 (Míng) | Bright | Intelligence |
| 德 (Dé) | Virtue | Moral integrity |
| 玉 (Yù) | Jade | Purity, nobility |
Choose characters that express your wishes and aspirations, like:
- Health
- Intelligence
- Kindness
- Success
- Happiness
- Moral character
Your name becomes a blessing written in characters.
3. Consider Birth Time, Zodiac, and the Five Elements (Optional but Traditional)
Some families consult fortune tellers or feng shui masters using a system called:
生辰八字 (Shēngchén Bāzì) — “The Eight Characters of Birth”
This is based on:
- Year
- Month
- Day
- Hour of birth
Each contributes an element:
- Wood
- Fire
- Earth
- Metal
- Water
If your time of birth lacks one element, you can choose characters associated with that element to create “balance”.
Example:
If you lack “water,” you may use characters with the water radical (氵).
This is why you’ll often see names connected to:
- Rivers
- Rain
- Light
- Fire
- Mountains
- Trees
4. Avoid Taboos and Social Mistakes
Things you should not do when choosing a Chinese name:
- Avoid characters with unlucky meanings (death, illness, disaster)
- Avoid names that sound like rude words or jokes
- Avoid names that accidentally form funny phrases
Example:
- 钱多 (Qián Duō) — “Too much money”
- 周末 (Zhōu Mò) — “Weekend”
They sound funny but feel unserious.
5. Ask Native Speakers for Feedback
Always ask a Chinese speaker before finalizing a name.
They can tell you:
- If it sounds natural
- If it sounds old-fashioned, childish, or strange
- If it accidentally has slang or joke meanings
A name that looks beautiful on paper may feel awkward in daily conversation.
FAQs About Chinese Names
What are common chinese names?
Common names often combine surnames like 王, 李, 张 with given names like 明, 安, 伟.
What is a chinese girl’s name?
A girl’s name often uses characters for beauty, nature, or harmony such as 美, 雅, 芳.
What is a chinese boy’s name?
A boy’s name often uses characters for strength, success, or virtue such as 强, 成, 德.
What’s a cool chinese name?
Cool names are modern and poetic, often using 云 cloud, 星 star, or 晨 morning.
Do Chinese people change surnames after marriage?
No, women usually keep their birth surname.
Can children take their mother’s surname?
Yes, in modern China they can.
Are Chinese names gender-specific?
Some are, but many characters are neutral.
Is it okay for foreigners to choose a Chinese name?
Yes, many foreigners do.
Do Chinese people believe names affect destiny?
Traditionally yes, especially with astrology and the Five Elements.
Can two people share the same full name?
Yes, duplicates are common due to limited surnames and popular given names.
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