Do you know how Chinese names work?
How Chinese name their kids?
Today, let’s explore something that every Chinese person possesses: their name. How Chinese names work?
While names are not exclusive to Chinese culture, a Chinese name has distinct characteristics.
I have contemplated whether to delve into this subject, as its history and evolutionary context are quite complex, especially in English. I will do my best to simplify the details without making them overly academic, so that readers can grasp the main concepts.
When we ask, “May I know your name?” we are typically inquiring about someone’s surname (姓氏) and given name (名字).
A Chinese name is more complex than many people might realize; the modern interpretation often simplifies its structure and meaning.
Now lets see how Chinese Names work
Before we begin, let’s address a common misconception. In English’s presentation, a Chinese names are typically presented in the format of “Given Name + Surname/Family Name,” such as Bruce Li.
However, in Chinese culture, the correct order is “Surname/Family Name + Given Name”. Where the surname “Li” should come first. I acknowledge that Bruce is not his Chinese name, but this example helps illustrate the point that the surname should be placed at the front.
The "Surname"
Let’s start with the family name or surname (姓氏). In Chinese, it consists of two components that convey different meanings. The early Chinese surname (姓) has been in use for several thousand years, and there are only about 30 of them. Nearly all associated with a feminine symbol, which is believed to reflect a matriarchal society.
As social groups expanded, surnames diversified into clans based on the father’s or male lineage. This led to the addition of the father’s identity (氏) to the surname, transforming it into a two-part surname. It represents both the mother’s origin and the father’s clan division. This marks a possible transition to a patriarchal society.
We refer it as the father’s “identity” because (氏) it does not necessarily indicate the father’s actual name. It can represent the father’s official position in society, a name bestowed by royalty, or a place name associated with the father, among other possibilities. For example, the surname “Sīmǎ”, is the father’s identity (氏), of being an official in charge of carriages and horses for the king.
Are you still with me? That was the surname or family name. Now, let’s move on to the “given name” (名字). Again, it consists of two components that convey different meanings.
The "Given Names"
When a child is born, their parents choose a given name (名) that carries a specific meaning. This name is used until the child reaches adulthood, which is typically around 18 years old, though this can vary depending on historical context.
Once the child turns adulthood, a parent or an elder in the family will give them an additional given name (字). This second name also holds meaning, often representing the family’s hopes or expectations for the child’s future, or reflecting the child’s character, talents, or other attributes.
Elders will only call the first given name (名), while peers and juniors may call the child by the second given name (字). The individual himself can only use his first given name (名). All these naming conventions are important aspects of etiquette.
Todays "Surname" is to follow father
The simplification of surname structures began as early as the Han Dynasty. Today, surnames typically carry only one meaning and often reflect the father’s identity, although there may be exceptions. The first and second given names are usually assigned together at birth rather than waiting until adulthood.
I originally wanted to provide actual examples to help explain my point, but I realized that doing so had the opposite effect. When I translated the ancient names into English, they lost their meaning and identity, resulting in unnecessarily lengthy and confusing sentences. As a result, I have decided to refrain from offering more examples and will instead simplify the entire naming concept. Trust me, the actual history and details are complicated.
Now we know that ancient names in China are often long and meaningful, reflecting a rich history. In contrast, today’s Chinese names have evolved to be simpler while still conveying significant meaning.
Do you remember Huang Di from our previous article about the Descendants of Yan and Huang?
Huang Di‘s full name is : Gong Sun, Ji (姓) You Xiong, Di Hong / Gui Cang (氏) Xuan Yuan (名)
Yes, I apologize for that.
Modern-day Chinese Names
Modern Chinese names typically consist of three components, although there are also two- and four-word names. The three-component structure is the most common; for instance, the name “Li Xiao Long.” In this name, “Li” is the surname, and “Xiao Long” serves as the first and second given names.
For your interest, here are examples of two-component names like “Chen (surname) Kang (given name)” and four-component names such as “Ou Yang” (surname) “Ni Na” (given names). It’s worth noting that there are over 500 surnames in use, some of which are quite rare. A surname can be two words too, such as the “Sīmǎ” that we referred in the above.
How to correctly address a Chinese Name?
I am not referring to pronunciation, but rather the appropriate terms to use when addressing a person. For example, with the name Li Xiao Long, what should we use among the three names? How Chinese names work?
In formal settings, we would say “Mr. Li” or “Ms. Li” However, among friends and family members, we can address the person as “Xiao Long” or simply “Long.” It’s important to remember that “Li” is the family name; calling someone simply “Li” at a family gathering can be confusing since many relatives share that surname, including males & females.
Chinese Name has its Representation
“Li Xiao Long” may sound simple, but it could also have a deeper representation.
“Xiao” may mean modesty or humility, and “Long” symbolizes a dragon, representing power and intelligence. Thus, parents may hope for him to be a modest individual who is intelligent and physically healthy.
Families with a farming background may want their children to be less conspicuous and grow up healthy by giving them names like Cow, Pig, and others. These are real examples from a generation before mine, which are close to my own experience. It can be difficult for us to fully understand their naming choices within the context of their time and living conditions.
Chinese Family Registries or Family Tree Book
What if I told you that a child’s name could be determined even before they are born or before the parents are married? This is the case in some Chinese families due to the existence of genealogy records, also known as family registries or family tree books (族谱). These records document the names of all family members and often include pre-planned names for future generations.
For example, let’s consider the name “Li Xiao Long.” In this name, “Li” is the family surname that applies to every family member, “Xiao” is the generation name, and “Long” is the individual given name. The generation name serves as a marker for all family members of the same generation and is typically the first given name.
Although most of the names has a 1st given name in the middle, some does not necessary serve the actual function of a generation name, rather it is just a given name. The second given name, which is unique to the individual, comes last. Together, these three components create a name that should never be repeated by any family member throughout the family’s history.
Now, let’s explore Family Registry, see how they work.
For demonstration purposes, let’s assume that the first generation consists of a great-grandfather who has three sons and two daughters. Before these children are born, the family registries already have blank spaces prepared for their arrival as the second generation.
Each of their names will be entered in order, and while boys and girls could have different generational names to reflect gender, we will assume all five siblings share the same generation name. The registries will also have several individual given names, some for males and some for females, organized on a first-come, first-served basis.
The interesting part arises with the third generation, where descended from the second generation’s three males and two females. The children of the second-generation female will not be recorded in this family’s registry, as they will belong to their mother’s husband’s registry. Thus, only the third-generation children of the second-generation males will be registered here, again on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s important to remember that each child in the third generation will use the same generation name as their middle name, unique to their generation.
Do you notice a problem with the Family Registry ?
Yes, in order to continue the registry, a family must have Male descendent. This is part of the core family ideology of the Chinese, which I will cover in the coming article.
To clarify the “first-come, first-served” concept: suppose the second generation has three sons. If the youngest son is the first to have a son in the third generation, then his son will take the first boy’s name on the list. Even though he is the youngest among the second generation. The same principle applies to girls’ names.
I hope you’re still following along! This is just one example of the naming methods used in family registries. There are different naming conventions as well; some adhere to the “Eldest Son” privilege principle. Some will based on the respective father’s astrological analysis known as Bazi. Some names may even be predetermined, and subject to individual family traditions. Despite the complexities involved, it’s important to note that each name and word carries its own meaning and significance.
Now, I hope you have better understanding on how Chinese names work, and how the Chinese names their kids.
This is how I named my children
Just to share a bit about how I name my children: I no longer have the family registry since my ancestors left China several generations ago. I have two boys and one girl, and all their names consist of three components, with the surname at the front. I have placed the generation name as the third component where they all 3 shared, leaving the middle word as the individual name, with its meaning.
Some may say that this is not a traditional practice, but perhaps it could become a tradition for our family moving forward. Who knows?