Meanings of names are very significant to the Chinese people. Chinese last names are typically passed down from father to children, although they may not have started that way. Origin of Chinese Family Names (Surnames or Last Names)- 中國百家姓氏來源 Searching … Chinese names are mainly made up of a few characters. The given name, or personal name, is known as the ming, while the surname, or family name, is called the xing. Here are lists of common Chinese given names for female and male, boys and girls with meanings. Share with us below which Chinese names you like the most and why you chose this name! Traditional Chinese baby boy names connote strength, prosperity, or characteristics you hope your baby will exhibit—like Quon (meaning "bright, shining"). If the English spelling of your last … Interestingly a feme covert does not use her husband's family name. Thus Mao Zedong is often written as Mao Ze Dong. When transcribed into western writing, the characters of the given name are sometimes written separately. These are lists of the most common Chinese surnames in mainland China (People's Republic of China), Taiwan (Republic of China), and the Chinese diaspora overseas as provided by authoritative government or academic sources. Today, Chinese names consist of a surname and a given name, in that order. A list of Female Chinese Names linked to pages giving Origin and Etymology for each name. Chinese people value their names and family names very much. While there are over 4,000 last names in China today, the ancient tradition of the “old hundred families” is still strong. We hope you were able to learn more about Chinese names for girls, as well as the many meanings associated with their names. Chinese name meanings take on more importance in societies where the family and relationships to the community are more important than the individual, the family name is said first. Most Chinese surnames are “pinyin” romanization of common and popular Chinese surnames. When transcribed into western writing, the characters of the given name are sometimes written separately. (This must be stressed because the Internet is full of sites with "Chinese names" that are something else entirely: Western given names written with Chinese characters that have approximately the same pronounciation in Mandarin. Here are listed the top 10, top 100 common Chinese surnames based on the latest 2016 statistics with their number and distribution in China. Although, the more recent use of westernized names has led to a flip of surnames and given names. Chinese names consist of a surname (xìng 姓) and a given name (míng 名 or míngzì 名字), usually presented in that order. It’s a very rudimentary guide for what Chinese names for boys are like, but they can give you an idea of the different names Chinese people give to boys along with their meaning. In China, you will run into the same surnames again and again, so it helps to become familiar with the most common ones. Names that Fathers and mothers will choose have a wide variety of meanings including Jade, Orchids, and a peaceful way of life. Chinese society progressed through 5 stages: Primitive, Slave, Feudal, Semi-Feudal, and Socialist. Chinese names may be short, but they’re packed with meaning and sometimes even a bit of history. Traditionally, Chinese surnames precede a person's given name. Although, the more recent use of westernized names has led to a flip of surnames and given names. Young people from China spoke out against xenophobia towards their original names and created a video that was spread all over the internet. 2. If the English spelling of your last name is different from that of the table, please send us a note and we will add that to our table. See also about Chinese names. The family name is the first character, followed by the given name. A good example of Chinese people expressing the important of ‘name culture’ happened at Columbia University in New York, the USA. With more than 4,700 Chinese family names in use today, find out how the Chan in Jackie Chan dates back to 1046BC and why Bruce Lee owes his name to a plum tree. Traditional Chinese baby boy names connote strength, prosperity, or characteristics you hope your baby will exhibit—like Quon (meaning "bright, shining"). Chinese last names are typically passed down from father to children, although they may not have started that way.