The Chinese naming system is not only extremely ancient, it is used widely across Asia, infact, in virtually all countries in Eastern Asia. Generally speaking, the system or culture of naming is quite different from western formats. Most notably, surnames or family names are written first, followed by the first name or given name. Interestingly, these are sometimes reversed for exposure to Western culture or even a western name is added as a prefix. (Common in Hong Kong).
Family name or Surname
With such little variety among family names, the first name or given name ends up being the most distint part of a name rather than the family name. Mostly, they contain one or two characters. Majority have only one character, some two. Because the family name is written first, this often causes confusion among other cultures or tradition where the reverse is the norm. Married women today keep their maiden names, children usually take fathers family name or surname
Given Names or First Name
Again, they generally, have one or two characters, and is written after the family name. For babies, parents often give a nickname (“milk name” or “little name”) for the first few weeks or months, and then chose a first name, often in close collaboration with grandparents. The meanings of first names often reflect masculine or feminine themes and sometimes even periods of history. If you want to avoid offending your relatives, don’t chose a name after a living elder relative or even a famous person!
Meaning: Peace |
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Meaning: Great, Vast |
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Meaning: autumn |
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Meaning: gold |
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Meaning: |
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Meaning: gold; truth, treasure, pearl |
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Meaning: truth |
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Meaning: glade; poet; plum |
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Meaning: strength |
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Meaning: the graceful willow |
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Meaning: the graceful willow |
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Meaning: lotus |
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Meaning: smart, beautiful |
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Meaning: spiritual, deep-thinking |
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Meaning: victory |
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Meaning: peach, symbol of long life |
