Chinese Baby Names

Choosing Chinese baby names typically involves more than selecting a name that simply sounds good.

Tradition plays a prominent role, but Chinese parents often seek out a name that will be a unique moniker for their child. This name should echo the special qualities that they hope their baby will exhibit. While people in America often choose names for their children based on the popularity of the word, copying someone else's exact name is often frowned upon in the Chinese culture.

Because the order of Chinese names are pronounced in the reverse of many other cultures, including American names, those unfamiliar with this Chinese tradition often become confused regarding which name is the actual surname. In the Chinese culture, the surname is presented prior to the given name. Hoping to dispel some of the confusion, especially in the business world, Chinese-Americans often take on a more American first name, introducing themselves by their adopted first name and Chinese surname instead.

How can Chinese parents continue to find unique Chinese baby names for their children? If you are even vaguely familiar with the Chinese language, you know that it is comprised of characters, and these characters literally number into the thousands. Chinese characters have numerous connotations as well, with some taking inspiration from nature, while others reflecting historical events. While Americans often give their children family names that have been passed down from one generation or another, the Chinese choose characters for given names.

Although much care is used when selecting a given name for a Chinese baby, that name is more of a formality and often not even used in the typical Chinese home. Brothers and sisters generally refer to each other based on their place within the family, such as "first sister" or "third brother", depending upon their birth order. Parents may give their children "pet names" that are used only by the family. In other more formal environments, however, the child's given name would be used.

With so many options regarding Chinese names, why do you often hear the same Chinese name? While given names are chosen with uniqueness in mind, surnames are family names, just as in Western cultures. These surnames are repeated within the family, from generation to generation, although surnames are often steeped in tradition and history as well. Chinese families may have numerous members of the extended family with the same surname, and this is why it is doubly important to choose a special given name. It is rare for two or more family members to have the exact given name and surname.

Whether you are of Chinese ancestry or simply love the idea of giving your baby a Chinese name, your first step would be to familiarize yourself with a variety of Chinese characters, including their pronunciations and meanings. If you want a name with historical significance, you might want to do some genealogical research. There may be significant events in your family's history that you would like to honor by naming your child after the character that signifies that event. Some Chinese characters have mystical significance, so selecting a Chinese character that relates this may be what you prefer instead.

Because you will want your baby's name to be special and unique, copying a name from a book or computer site may not be in your best interest. If you simply want a few ideas for inspiration, the following is a list of girls' and boys' names for you to view. Keep in mind that this is only a very small list of the possible names you could select for your baby, however.

An

Cong

Fang

Fen

Feng

Jiao

Jin

Jing

Juan

Jun

Lee

Lei

Li

Lian

Lien

Lin

Ling

Lixue

Mei

Mulan

Park

Ping

Qi

Qiao

Qing

Rong

Shan

Shu

Shuang

Ting

Wan

Wei

Xia

Xiang

Xiao

Xiu

Xue

Yan

Yi

Yu

Yue

Zhen

Zhi

Zi

Chen

Cheng

Chi

Dewei

Fai

Guang

Ho

Jun

Kong

Lee

Lei

Li

Lian

Lok

Long

On

Park

Shaiming

Shen

Shing

Sying

Ye

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