Chinese Nmaes 1 2 3

Han Chinese names usually comprise of a one character surname and either a one character or 2 characters given name. In the example of Mao ZeDong, Mao is the surname while ZeDong is the two characters given name.

While a 2 characters given name is commonly used, one character given names are not uncommon. An example is Yao Ming. Yao is the 1 character family name while Ming is the one character given name.

Much less prevalent are 2 characters or compound surnames with either a one character or 2 characters given name.

In the example earlier, the two characters given name ZeDong is written as one word in English. This is the convention adopted in China. In others countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, the 2 characters given name is written down separately. For example the former Prime Minster of Singapore’s name is spelt as Lee Kuan Yew. Lee is the surname while Kuan Yew, the 2 characters given name is written separately.

Another major difference between Chinese names in China and others parts of the world is the Romanization convention. In China, names are Romanize in PinYin. In other parts of the world it is the Wade-Giles convention or other systems. A good example is the surname Lin. In China it is written as Lin, but in other parts of the world it may be Lin, Lim, Lam or some other mutation. A favored Chinese name for girls is 'Mei' meaning pretty. While this is written as ‘Mei’ in China, it can be written as ‘Mei’, ‘Mi’, ‘May’, ‘Mee’, ‘Mae’ or even ‘Bee’ elsewhere depending on the dialect and pronunciation.

Unlike western cultures where the family name is written last, Chinese names are always written with the surname in front e.g. Mao ZeDong instead of ZeDong Mao. So it is Mr. Mao rather than Mr. Dong and Mr. Lee rather than Mr. Yew!

Chinese given names are selected based on a number of criteria. They should be pleasant to hear, easy to remember and have a great meaning. They should also be easy to write. Some badly selected Chinese names require over 40 strokes. It can be a pain every time you need to write you name!

Names are also chosen based on their parent’s expectation. It include moral accomplishments, scholarly attainments, good health, money, rank etc for males and feminine morals, good looks, intelligence, grace, charm etc for girls.

Names may also be selected based on to seniority among siblings, after a chronicled event, based on the time, date, month or year of birth or metaphysically using the Ying Yang and the Five Elements.

Henry Fong, Feng Shui Consulting