Chinese names are usually made up of three characters. The family name is the first character, and the remaining two characters are the given name. Sometimes, especially in Mainland China, the given name is just one character. Most Chinese characters have a meaning that can be translated into English, but Chinese names are often not fully translatable. Traditionally, parents would consult an astrologer to suggest a good name for their baby. Astrological charts determine which of the five elements (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth) are associated with the time of birth. The astrologer chooses a character that combines the elements and harmonizes with the family name. The number of strokes used to draw the Chinese characters is also considered before suggesting names for the child.

Single-syllable names are often combined to create a complete concept. Many times the names can be used for both girls and boys.

Ai

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Love, affection or friendly, lush Alternative Spellings & Variations: 爱, 蔼Famous Namesakes: Singer Ai Carina UemuraPeak Popularity: Ai is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

An

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Peace, quiet Alternative Spellings & Variations: 安Peak Popularity: An is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

An Na

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Peace, quiet and elegant, graceful, delicateAlternative Spellings & Variations: 安納Peak Popularity: An Na is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

An Ni

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Peace, quietAlternative Spellings & Variations: 安旎Peak Popularity: An Ni has not been in the top 1000 in the U.S.

Bao

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Treasure or budAlternative Spellings & Variations: 宝, 苞Peak Popularity: Bao has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Bi

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Green jadeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 碧Peak Popularity: Bi has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Caihong

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Colorful, rainbowAlternative Spellings & Variations: 彩红Peak Popularity: Cai and Caihong have not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Chun

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Spring seasonAlternative Spellings & Variations: 春Peak Popularity: Chun has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Fen

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Perfume, fragranceAlternative Spellings & Variations: Fēn 芬, Fang 芳, FenfangFamous Namesakes: Olympic badminton player Yao Fen, musician Min XiaofenPeak Popularity: Fen has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Hai Rong

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Coming from the seas, flourishing, prosperousAlternative Spellings & Variations: 海榮Peak Popularity: Hai Rong has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Hua

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Flower, blossomAlternative Spellings & Variations: 花, HualingPeak Popularity: Hua has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Huan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: HappyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 欢, KwanPeak Popularity: Huan has not been in the top 1000 in the U.S.

Huang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: PhoenixAlternative Spellings & Variations: 凰, Wong, Hwang, HwongPeak Popularity: Huan has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Hui

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Intelligent, wiseAlternative Spellings & Variations: 慧Famous Namesakes: Actress Zhang HuiwenPeak Popularity: Hui has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Jìngyi

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Quiet, gentle, joy, harmonyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jìng Yì 靜義, 静怡Famous Namesakes: Olympic swimmer Le JingyiPeak Popularity: Jingyi has not been in the top 1000 in the U.S.

Ju

Origin: ChineseMeaning: ChrysanthemumAlternative Spellings & Variations: 菊Famous Namesakes: Olympic archer Choi Hyeon-juPeak Popularity: Ju has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Juan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Beautiful, gracefulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 娟Peak Popularity: Juan is among the top 200 names for boys in the U.S., reflecting the Spanish name for John rather than a Chinese name for girls. It is a very common female name in China.

Kun

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Earth, femaleAlternative Spellings & Variations: 坤Famous Namesakes: Olympic swimmer Zhao Kun.Peak Popularity: Kun has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Lan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Orchid, elegantAlternative Spellings & Variations: 兰Peak Popularity: Lan has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Lei

Origin: ChineseMeaning: BudAlternative Spellings & Variations: 蕾Peak Popularity: Lei has not been in the top 1000 in the U.S.

Li

Origin: ChineseMeaning: BeautifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 丽Famous Namesakes: Olympic swimmer Lin Li.Peak Popularity: Li has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.

Ling

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Spirit or bellAlternative Spellings & Variations: 灵, 铃Famous Namesakes: Olympic badminton champion Gao LingPeak Popularity: Ling has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Mei

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Beautiful or plumAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美, 梅Famous Namesakes: Actress Mei KurokawaPeak Popularity: Mei has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Mei-hui

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Beautiful and wiseAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美惠Peak Popularity: Mei-hui has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. It is a female name in Taiwan.

Meilin

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Beautiful forestAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美林Famous Namesakes: Pop singer Meilin GrayPeak Popularity: Meilin has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Meiling

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Beautiful spiritAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美灵, Mei-Ling, May-lingFamous Namesakes: Author Meiling Jin, actress Meiling Melançon, First Lady Soong Mei-ling (Madame Chiang Kai-shek)Peak Popularity: Meiling has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Na

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Elegant, delicateAlternative Spellings & Variations: 暖Famous Namesakes: Olympic swimmer Wang NaPeak Popularity: Na has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Ning

Origin: ChineseMeaning: PeacefulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 宁Famous Namesakes: Taiwanese actress Ding NingPeak Popularity: Ning has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Nuan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Warm and genialAlternative Spellings & Variations: 娜Peak Popularity: Nuan has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Qing

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Blue, green, youngAlternative Spellings & Variations: 青, 清Famous Namesakes: Olympic figure skater Pang QingPeak Popularity: Qing has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Qiuyue

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Autumn moonAlternative Spellings & Variations: 秋月Famous Namesakes: Olympic volleyball player Qei QiuyuePeak Popularity: Qiuyue has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Shu

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Good, virtuousAlternative Spellings & Variations: 淑Peak Popularity: Shu has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Shufen

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Good fragranceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 淑芬Peak Popularity: Shufen has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Shu-hui

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Good intelligenceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 淑惠Peak Popularity: Shu-hui has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Shun

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Obey, submitAlternative Spellings & Variations: 顺Peak Popularity: Shun has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Su

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Plain and simple, or respectfulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 素, 肃Peak Popularity: Su has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Wei

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Feminine forms mean small or fernAlternative Spellings & Variations: 微, 薇Famous Namesakes: Olympic badminton player Yang WeiPeak Popularity: Wei has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Xiu

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Luxuriant, elegant, beautifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 秀Peak Popularity: Xiu has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Xiulan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Beautiful orchidAlternative Spellings & Variations: 秀兰Peak Popularity: Xiulan has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Xiuying

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Beautiful flower or petalAlternative Spellings & Variations: 秀英Peak Popularity: Xiulan has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Xue

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Snow or learningAlternative Spellings & Variations: 雪, 学Famous Namesakes: Olympic figure skater Shen XuePeak Popularity: Xue has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Ya

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Elegant, gracefulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 雅Peak Popularity: Ya has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: BeautifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 艳Famous Namesakes: Chinese actress Chen Yanyan, sculptor Chen YanyinPeak Popularity: Yan has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Ya-ting

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Elegant and gracefulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 雅婷Famous Namesakes: Olympic archer Tan Ya-tingPeak Popularity: Ya-ting has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yawen

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Graceful cloudsAlternative Spellings & Variations: 雅雯Famous Namesakes: Olympic badminton player Zhang YawenPeak Popularity: Yawen has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yi

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Feminine versions mean joy or ceremonyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 怡, 仪Famous Namesakes: Olympic swimmer Tang YiPeak Popularity: Yi has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yin

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Many meanings including silver, sound, and shelterAlternative Spellings & Variations: 银, 音, 荫Peak Popularity: Yin has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yu

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Many meanings including jade, pleasant, and rainAlternative Spellings & Variations: 玉, 愉, 雨Famous Namesakes: Olympic swimmer Yang YuPeak Popularity: Yu has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yun

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Cloud or allowAlternative Spellings & Variations: 云, 允Famous Namesakes: Olympic swimmer Nian YunPeak Popularity: Yun has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Zhen

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Several meanings including precious, real, virtuousAlternative Spellings & Variations: 珍, 真, 贞Peak Popularity: Zhen has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

These given names are used singly and in combination. Many of them are also used for girls.

Aiguo

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Love of countryAlternative Spellings & Variations: 爱国Famous Namesakes: Atmospheric scientist Aiguo DaiPeak Popularity: Aiguo has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Bai

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Several meanings including white, pure, many, cypress treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 白, 百, 柏Famous Namesakes: 8th-century poet Li Bai, Chinese communist spy Li BaiPeak Popularity: Bai has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Bo

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Ocean waveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 波Famous Namesakes: Blues musician Bo Diddley, athlete Bo JacksonPeak Popularity: Bo has been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. since 1977, with a recent high at 537 in 2020.

Bowen

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Abundant, rich, literateAlternative Spellings & Variations: 博文Famous Namesakes: Chinese football player Huang BowenPeak Popularity: Bowen is a newly popular male name in the U.S., debuting in the top 1000 in 2011 and reaching 394 in 2020.

Chang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Several meanings including prosper, good, sunlight, smooth, longAlternative Spellings & Variations: 昌, 畅, 长Famous Namesakes: 10th-century emperor Liu Chang of the Southern Han dynasty.Peak Popularity: Chang has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Chao

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Surpass or tideAlternative Spellings & Variations: 超, 潮Peak Popularity: Chao has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Chen

Origin: ChineseMeaning: MorningAlternative Spellings & Variations: 晨, 辰Famous Namesakes: Chinese actor Li ChenPeak Popularity: Chen has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Cheng

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Finished or sincereAlternative Spellings & Variations: 成, 诚Peak Popularity: Cheng has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Chih-Cheng

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Accomplishing your life’s goalsAlternative Spellings & Variations: 志成Peak Popularity: Chih-cheng has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. However, it is a popular male name in Taiwan.

Chia-Hao

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Having a great objective in lifeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 家豪Famous Namesakes: Baseball player Sung Chia-haoPeak Popularity: Chia-hao has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. However, it is a popular male name in Taiwan.

Chih-Ming

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Having a clear goal in lifeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 志明Famous Namesakes: Scientist Chih-Ming HoPeak Popularity: Chih-ming has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Chun-Chieh

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Spring, youthful, lifeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 俊傑Famous Namesakes: Scientist Chun-chieh WuPeak Popularity: Chun-chieh has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Da

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Attainment, intelligence, or great, bigAlternative Spellings & Variations: 达, 大Famous Namesakes: First-century Emperor Zhang of Han (given name Da)Peak Popularity: Da has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

De

Origin: ChineseMeaning: VirtueAlternative Spellings & Variations: 德Peak Popularity: De has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Dong

Origin: ChineseMeaning: East, or pillarAlternative Spellings & Variations: 东, 栋, Donghai (eastern sea)Famous Namesakes: Olympic trampoline gymnast Dong DongPeak Popularity: Dong has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Feng

Origin: ChineseMeaning: SummitAlternative Spellings & Variations: 东Peak Popularity: Feng has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Fang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Fragrant, virtuousAlternative Spellings & Variations: 芳, 方Famous Namesakes: Chinese politician Wang FangPeak Popularity: Fang has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Fu

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Multiple, including wealthy, hibiscus, man or father.Alternative Spellings & Variations: 富, 芙, 甫Famous Namesakes: Eighth-century poet Du FuPeak Popularity: Fu has not been in the top 1000 names in the U.S.

Gang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: StrongAlternative Spellings & Variations: 剛Famous Namesakes: Mathematician Tian GangPeak Popularity: Gang has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Guo

Origin: ChineseMeaning: CountryAlternative Spellings & Variations: 国Peak Popularity: Guo has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Hai

Origin: ChineseMeaning: SeaAlternative Spellings & Variations: 海Famous Namesakes: Vietnamese poet Thanh Hải (pen name of Pham Ba Ngoan)Peak Popularity: Hai has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Haoran

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Grand in mannerAlternative Spellings & Variations: 浩然 Hao-Ran, Hao RanFamous Namesakes: Writer Hao Ran (pen name of Liang Jinguang)Peak Popularity: Haoran has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Hao-Yu

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Grand houseAlternative Spellings & Variations: 浩宇Peak Popularity: Hao-yu has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

He

Origin: ChineseMeaning: River or harmonyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 河, 和Famous Namesakes: Explorer Zheng He, first-century Emperor He of HanPeak Popularity: He has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Heng

Origin: ChineseMeaning: ConstantAlternative Spellings & Variations: 恒Famous Namesakes: 8th-century Emperor Zuzong of Tang (personal name Li Heng), 10th-century Emperor Zhenzong of Song (personal name Zhao Heng)Peak Popularity: Heng has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Hong

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Multiple, including rainbow, expand, vast, wild swanAlternative Spellings & Variations: 虹, 红, 弘, 鸿, 宏Famous Namesakes: Second-century Emperor Houshao of Han (personal name Liu Hong)Peak Popularity: Hong has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Jia

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Auspicious, home, familyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 佳, 家Famous Namesakes: Chinese activist Hu JiaPeak Popularity: Jia has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Jian

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Build, establish or strong, healthyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 建, 健Famous Namesakes: Sixth-century Emperor Wen of Sui (personal name Yang Jian), founder of the Sui DynastyPeak Popularity: Jian has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Jin

Origin: ChineseMeaning: GoldAlternative Spellings & Variations: 金, ChinPeak Popularity: Jin has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Jing

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Several meanings including quiet, spirit, crystal, capital cityAlternative Spellings & Variations: 静, 精, 晶, 京Famous Namesakes: Mountaineer Xu JingPeak Popularity: Jian has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Kai

Origin: Chinese Meaning: Victory or start Alternative Spellings & Variations: 凯, 开, 開, 啟 Famous Namesakes: Olympic and World Champion gymnast Zou Kai Peak Popularity: Kai has been in the top 1,000 boy names in the U.S. since 1979. It had a recent high of 93 in 2020.

Lin

Origin: ChineseMeaning: ForestAlternative Spellings & Variations: 林, LimPeak Popularity: Lin has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Liang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Bright, brilliantAlternative Spellings & Variations: 亮Peak Popularity: Liang has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Ming

Origin: ChineseMeaning: BrightAlternative Spellings & Variations: 明Famous Namesakes: Architect I. M. Pei (Ieoh Ming Pei)Peak Popularity: Ming has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Ping

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Stable, levelAlternative Spellings & Variations: 平Famous Namesakes: Chinese-American Actor Ping WuPeak Popularity: Ping has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Qiang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: StrongAlternative Spellings & Variations: 强Famous Namesakes: Martial artist Wang QiangPeak Popularity: Qiang has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Qiu

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Autumn, hillAlternative Spellings & Variations: 秋, 丘Famous Namesakes: Qiu is the given name of the fifth-century Chinese philosopher Confucius.Peak Popularity: Qiu has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Rong

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Multiple meanings include prosperous, glory, harmonize, and appearanceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 荣, 融, 容Peak Popularity: Rong has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Shi

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Multiple including generation, honest, history, stoneAlternative Spellings & Variations: 时, 实, 史, 石Famous Namesakes: Given name of first-century Emperor Yuan of Han and 13th-century Emperor Duanzong of SongPeak Popularity: Shi has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Tao

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Large wavesAlternative Spellings & Variations: 涛Famous Namesakes: Singer and actor Huang Zitao (stage name Z.Tao)Peak Popularity: Tao has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Wei

Origin: ChineseMeaning: GreatnessAlternative Spellings & Variations: 伟Famous Namesakes: Olympic gymnast Yang Wei, businessman Yang WeidongPeak Popularity: Wei has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Wen

Origin: ChineseMeaning: LiterateAlternative Spellings & Variations: 文Famous Namesakes: Chinese filmmaker Jiang Wen, nuclear scientist Wen Ho LeePeak Popularity: Wen has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Wu

Origin: ChineseMeaning: MilitaryAlternative Spellings & Variations: 武, WooFamous Namesakes: Actor Yung Woo Kwang (Woo on “Survivor”)Peak Popularity: Wu has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Xiang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Soaring like a bird or good luckAlternative Spellings & Variations: 翔 (soar), 祥 (good luck)Famous Namesakes: First-century Chinese scholar and poet Liu XiangPeak Popularity: Xiang has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yang

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Ocean or sunny, maleAlternative Spellings & Variations: 洋, 阳Famous Namesakes: Actor Yang YangPeak Popularity: Yang has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Ying

Origin: ChineseMeaning: BraveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 英, YongFamous Namesakes: Soccer player Lee YongPeak Popularity: Ying has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yuze

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Rain or friend, pool or brillianceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 雨泽Famous Namesakes: Soccer player Lee YongPeak Popularity: Yuze has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Yuxuan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: High houseAlternative Spellings & Variations: 宇轩Peak Popularity: Yuxuan has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Zihan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Child, tolerateAlternative Spellings & Variations: 子涵Famous Namesakes: Filmmaker Loo ZihanPeak Popularity: Zihan has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Zixuan

Origin: ChineseMeaning: Child, highAlternative Spellings & Variations: 子轩Peak Popularity: Zixuan has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.