Let’s Be Honest: You Need a Better Chinese Name

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If you’re in desperate need of a Chinese name and all you can come up with is something like 安吉拉 ān jí lā – i.e. a homophonic translation of your English name, in this case, Angela – you’re not alone. And if you still think you can get away with something like 小红 xiǎo hóng or 小明 xiǎomíng, basically the Chinese equivalents of Anna and Bob, then it’s time to come up with a better Chinese name for yourself.

宇涵 yǔ hán

The female name, Yuhan, has a beautiful meaning. The word yu represents grace, heaven, and earth, while han represents inclusivity and moisture. The five lines of yu are earth (土), symbolizing confidence and sentimentalism. But the five lines of han are water (水), symbolizing the wisdom of the lord, intelligence, and kindness. Therefore, the person bearing this name is confident, sentimental, intelligent, and kind, and he/she will enjoy a prosperous life free from hardship.

梓淇 zǐ qí

The interpretation of zi refers to deciduous trees and often implies respect and obedience towards your parents and elders. Qi refers to various water sources which signify the intelligence and gift of the child. Together, Ziqi represents precious talent and beauty. The person bearing this name is thought to possess outstanding talents and cherish his/her hometown. Lastly, Ziqi can be used for both boys and girls alike.

欣怡 xīn yí

This name is common among girls and features prominently in Chinese dramas. Xinyi symbolizes joy, excitement, and happiness. When used as a name it expresses a parent’s wish that their child will be happy and carefree. It also means that the girl will grow up to be lucky, beautiful, generous, and happy.

梦瑶 mèng yáo

Mengyao is a beautiful female name with rich Chinese roots. The word meng means dream and refers to the innate psychological phenomenon. Meanwhile, yao comes from the ancient Chinese adage: “The beauty of stone.” The meaning of this word refers to precious gems such as jade and is used as a metaphor to suggest that the girl will be very outstanding and bright. Girls bearing this name are prophesied to have successful futures and will have the courage to pursue their dreams.

浩宇 hào yǔ

Haoyu is a popular name for boys. The word hao comes from an old Chinese saying, “In the vastness of man, and in the midst of a great crowd.” It symbolizes greatness, being handsome, and having good manners. Yu is commonly used for a boy’s name, which highlights his demeanor. Therefore, the person bearing this name is thought to be extraordinary, just, courageous, open-minded, inclusive, generous, and elegant.

俊杰 jùn jié

When taken together, the two words Junjie mean handsome in Chinese, making it the perfect name for a boy. The five lines of jun are fire (火) meaning that he has a hot temper and is overly confident in his abilities. The five lines of jie are wood (木), signifying that the person is very sentimental, accepting, and a lover of the world. Therefore, the person bearing this name is kind, optimistic, sincere, organized, and inclusive. They are patient with others and work hard.

Images: Baidu Hanyu, Unsplash

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