Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (2024)

Ready to meet new people and introduce yourself in Chinese? Then let’s talk about Western and Chinese names in Mandarin!

Learning Mandarin is a little bit different than learning other languages. If you’re learning Spanish or French, then you probably won’t have to think twice about how to introduce yourself in your target language — you’d simply use your given name.

However, names are significantly different in Chinese, so some learners choose to adopt a Chinese name to use when speaking Chinese. That means that you’d be giving yourself a whole new name, which may sound similar to your given name or may be completely different. This can be an exciting opportunity to adopt a new persona, as learning a new language definitely impacts your personality!

But don’t worry, you don’t need to rush into making any major decisions if you’re just starting to learn Mandarin Chinese. You can start with a simple transliteration of your name and pick a more legitimate Chinese name once you feel ready to do so.

In this handy guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Western names in Chinese, and we’ll show you how to choose your own Chinese name!

Table of contents

  • Introducing and asking for names in Chinese
    • Chinese name essentials
    • My name is in Chinese
    • What is your name in Chinese
  • Learning how to translate a Western name into Chinese
    • Top 100 most common male English names in Chinese
    • Top 100 most common female English names in Chinese
    • Most common Spanish names in Chinese
    • Most common French names in Chinese
    • Most common German names in Chinese
    • Most common Italian names in Chinese
    • Most common Portuguese names in Chinese
    • Most common celebrity names in Chinese
  • Understanding the basics of Chinese names
    • Chinese name components
    • Common Chinese family names
    • Common Chinese given names
  • How to pronounce Chinese names
    • Understanding pinyin
    • The four tones
    • Chinese name pronunciation tips
  • How to choose a Chinese name
  • FAQs about Chinese names
  • Conclusion

Introducing and asking for names in Chinese

Learning how to introduce yourself in Chinese is one of the first things you’ll want to master. Not only does “my name is” typically come right after saying hello in Chinese, but it’s also an important part of writing emails and doing business in China. Plus, as a learner, you’ll often be in situations where you’ll have to introduce yourself in Chinese, like at the start of the semester or when you visit China to travel, study, or work.

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (1)

Chinese name essentials

Let’s start by covering the absolute essentials. Chinese names usually consist of a family name followed by a given name, with the family name being mostly just one character and the given name one or two characters. Unlike in the West, a name often holds precedence and is a key part of one’s identity. Chinese names are chosen with careful consideration to convey specific qualities or blessings that families wish upon their children, as names come with deep meanings and aspirations.

When introducing yourself or asking for someone’s name, it’s crucial to recognize the structure and significance of Chinese names. The cultural emphasis on respect and formality means addressing someone properly is extremely important.

How to say first name in Chinese

The first name in Chinese, or given name, is referred to as 名 (míng).

The order of the names is reversed in Chinese, so people would typically mention their first name after stating their family or last names. While introducing yourself by your full name may be seen as cold or formal in the West, that is generally not the case in Chinese, as introducing yourself with your given and family name is very common. However, in more casual contexts, particularly among friends or younger people, introducing yourself with just your given name is acceptable too.

How to say last name in Chinese

The last name in Chinese, or the family name, is called 姓 (xìng).

It holds particular importance in Chinese society, as it often carries the weight of familial heritage and lineage. It precedes the given name in the Chinese naming convention. Because of this, asking for someone’s family name during a formal introduction is especially important, as it highlights respect for one’s family background and heritage. In less formal situations, this level of detail might not be necessary, but it’s always better to err on the side of formality when unsure.

My name is in Chinese

Although introducing yourself in a new language can be stressful the first few times, you’ll have no problem once you learn a handful of phrases to say my name is in Chinese. The good news is that most of your basic characteristics, like your name, nationality, and Chinese zodiac sign won’t change at all, so you can just memorize a few of them and be set!

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciationFormality
Hello, I am called ______.你好,我叫______。nǐ hǎo , wǒ jiào ______。nii hao woo jiawInformal
My name is ______.我的名字是______。wǒ de míng zi shì ______。woo de ming tzyh shyhNeutral
Hello everyone, my name is called ______.大家好,我的名字叫______。dà jiā hǎo , wǒ de míng zi jiào ______。dah jia hao woo de ming tzyh jiawInformal
Hello, my surname is ______, and my given name is ______.您好,我姓______,名______。nín hǎo , wǒ xìng ______, míng ______。nin hao woo shinq mingFormal
Hello everyone, I am called ______.大家好,我叫______。dà jiā hǎo , wǒ jiào ______。dah jia hao woo jiawInformal
I myself am named ______.本人名叫______。běn rén míng jiào ______。been ren ming jiawFormal
Hello everyone, I am called ______.各位好,我叫______。gè wèi hǎo , wǒ jiào ______。geh wey hao woo jiawFormal
Please allow me to introduce myself, I am called ______.请允许我自我介绍一下,我叫______。qǐng yǔn xǔ wǒ zì wǒ jiè shào yí xià , wǒ jiào ______。chiing yeun sheu woo tzyh woo jieh shaw yi shiah woo jiawFormal
My Chinese name is ______.我的中文名是______。wǒ de zhōng wén míng shì ______。woo de jong wen ming shyhNeutral
My English name is ______.我的英文名是______。wǒ de yīng wén míng shì ______。woo de ing wen ming shyhNeutral
My full name is ______.我的全名是______。wǒ de quán míng shì ______。woo de chyuan ming shyhNeutral
Hello everyone, you can call me ______.大家好,你们可以叫我______。dà jiā hǎo , nǐ men kě yǐ jiào wǒ ______。dah jia hao nii mhen kee yii jiaw wooInformal
My nickname is ______.我的昵称是______。wǒ de nì chēng shì ______。woo de nih cheng shyhInformal
Pleased to meet you, my name is ______.幸会,我叫______。xìng huì , wǒ jiào ______。shinq huey woo jiawFormal
Hello there, you can call me ______.你好,可以叫我______。nǐ hǎo , kě yǐ jiào wǒ ______。nii hao kee yii jiaw wooInformal
Let me introduce myself to everyone, I am called ______.向大家介绍一下,我叫______。xiàng dà jiā jiè shào yí xià , wǒ jiào ______。shianq dah jia jieh shaw i shiah woo jiawNeutral

What is your name in Chinese

Besides learning how to introduce yourself in Chinese, you’ll also want to learn how to ask people for their names. Not only will this allow you to be polite after someone asks for your name in Chinese, but you’ll also be able to make the first move and meet new people! After all, making friends and practicing constantly is one of the best ways to learn Chinese, so don’t be shy!

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (2)

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciationFormality
What's your name?你叫什么名字?nǐ jiào shén me míng zi ?nii jiaw shern me ming tzyhInformal
What is your honorable surname?您贵姓?nín guì xìng ?nin guey shinqFormal
May I ask, how should I address you?请问您怎么称呼?qǐng wèn nín zěn me chēng hu ?chiing wenn nin tzeen me cheng huFormal
What is your full name?你的全名是什么?nǐ de quán míng shì shén me ?nii de chyuan ming shyh shern meNeutral
Can you tell me your name?能告诉我你的名字吗?néng gào sù wǒ nǐ de míng zi ma ?neng gaw suh woo nii de ming tzyh mhaInformal
What are you called?你叫什么?nǐ jiào shén me ?nii jiaw shern meVery informal
Your name is?您的姓名是?nín de xìng míng shì ?nin de shinq ming shyhFormal
How may I address you?您怎么称呼?nín zěn me chēng hu ?nin tzeen me cheng huFormal
How should I address this gentleman/lady?怎么称呼这位先生/女士?zěn me chēng hu zhè wèi xiān sheng/ nǚ shì ?tzeen me cheng hu jeh wey shian sheng neu shyhFormal
May I ask what your nickname is?请问你的小名是什么?qǐng wèn nǐ de xiǎo míng shì shén me ?chiing wenn nii de sheau ming shyh shern meInformal
Hello, may I ask what your name is?你好,可以问一下你叫什么吗?nǐ hǎo , kě yǐ wèn yí xià nǐ jiào shén me ma ?nii hao kee yii wenn i shiah nii jiaw shern me mhaInformal
How should I properly address you?我怎样称呼您比较合适?wǒ zěn yàng chēng hu nín bǐ jiào hé shì ?woo tzeen yanq cheng hu nin bii jiaw her shyhFormal
I heard you are ______, so what is your full name?听说您叫______,那您的全名是?tīng shuō nín jiào ______, nà nín de quán míng shì ?ting shuo nin jiaw nah nin de chyuan ming shyhNeutral to formal

Learning how to translate a Western name into Chinese

Now that you know how to say your name in Chinese, you might be wondering, “Wait, how do I say my name in Chinese?” Fortunately, you can easily translate your name into Chinese by finding characters that sound similar to your given name. To do this, you have three options:

  1. Find characters that are phonetic matches to your name’s syllables.
  2. Plug your name into Google Translate to get a quick translation!
  3. Find your name in one of our lists below.

Almost all foreign names have a “set” translation into Chinese, which is helpful when speaking about foreign people or fictional characters in Chinese. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio is 莱昂纳多 · 迪卡普里奥 (lái áng nà duō · dí kǎ pǔ lǐ ào) and Harry Potter is 哈利·波特 (hā lì · bō tè).

However, keep in mind that translating names like this into Chinese doesn’t really match local names. It’ll be very evident that it’s a foreign name, so keep this in mind if you’re thinking about choosing your Chinese name. We’ll cover how to pick an authentic Chinese name later in the article, but, for now, let’s dive into our lists of the most common foreign names in Chinese!

Top 100 most common male English names in Chinese

If you have a relatively common English name, then you’ll likely be able to find a direct “translation” into Chinese. You can use one of these if you’ll just be visiting China for a little while or don’t have any long-term plans in China or interacting with Chinese society. If you do plan to live in China or work with Chinese colleagues long-term, however, you can consider creating your own Chinese name from scratch, but more on that later.

Here are the 100 most common male English names in Chinese:

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (3)

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Aaron亚伦yà lúnyah luen
Adam亚当yà dāngyah dang
Alan阿伦ā lúna luen
Albert阿尔伯特ā ěr bó tèa eel bor teh
Alexander亚历山大yà lì shān dàyah lih shan dah
Andrew安德鲁ān dé lǔan der luu
Anthony安东尼ān dōng nían dong ni
Arthur亚瑟yà sèyah seh
Austin奥斯汀ào sī tīngaw sy ting
Benjamin本杰明běn jié míngbeen jye ming
Billy比利bǐ lìbii lih
Bobby博比bó bǐbor bii
Brandon布兰登bù lán dēngbuh lan deng
Brian布莱恩bù lái ēnbuh lai en
Bruce布鲁斯bù lǔ sībuh luu sy
Bryan布莱恩bù lái ēnbuh lai en
Carl卡尔kǎ ěrkaa eel
Charles查尔斯chá ěr sīchar eel sy
Christian克里斯蒂安kè lǐ sī dì ānkeh lii sy dih an
Christopher克里斯托弗kè lǐ sī tuō fúkeh lii sy tuo fwu
Daniel丹尼尔dān ní ěrdan ni eel
David大卫dà wèidah wey
Dennis丹尼斯dān ní sīdan ni sy
Donald唐纳德táng nà détarng nah der
Douglas道格拉斯dào gé lā sīdaw ger lha sy
Dylan迪伦dí lúndyi luen
Edward爱德华ài dé huáay der hwa
Elijah伊利亚yī lì yài lih yah
Eric埃里克āi lǐ kèai lii keh
Ethan伊桑yī sāngi sang
Eugene尤金yóu jīnyou jin
Frank弗兰克fú lán kèfwu lan keh
Gabriel加布里埃尔jiā bù lǐ āi ěrjia buh lii ai eel
Gary加里jiā lǐjia lii
George乔治qiáo zhìchyau jyh
Gerald杰拉德jié lā déjye lha der
Gregory格里高利gé lǐ gāo lìger lii gau lih
Harold哈罗德hā luó déha luo der
Henry亨利hēng lìheng lih
Jack杰克jié kèjye keh
Jacob雅各布yǎ gè bùyea geh buh
James詹姆斯zhān mǔ sījan muu sy
Jason杰森jié sēnjye sen
Jeffrey杰弗里jié fú lǐjye fwu lii
Jeremy杰里米jié lǐ mǐjye lii mii
Jerry杰瑞jié ruìjye ruey
Jesse杰西jié xījye shi
Joeqiáochyau
John约翰yuē hàniue hann
Johnny约翰尼yuē hàn níiue hann ni
Jonathan乔纳森qiáo nà sēnchyau nah sen
Jordan乔丹qiáo dānchyau dan
Jose约瑟yuē sèiue seh
Joseph约瑟夫yuē sè fūiue seh fu
Joshua约书亚yuē shū yàiue shu yah
Juan胡安hú ānhwu an
Justin贾斯汀jiǎ sī tīngjea sy ting
Keith凯斯kǎi sīkae sy
Kenneth肯尼斯kěn ní sīkeen ni sy
Kevin凯文kǎi wénkae wen
Kyle凯尔kǎi ěrkae eel
Larry拉里lā lǐlha lii
Lawrence劳伦斯láo lún sīlau luen sy
Logan罗根luó gēnluo gen
Louis路易斯lù yì sīluh yih sy
Mark马克mǎ kèmaa keh
Matthew马修mǎ xiūmaa shiou
Michael迈克尔mài kè ěrmay keh eel
Nathan内森nèi sēnney sen
Nicolas尼古拉斯ní gǔ lā sīni guu lha sy
Noah诺亚nuò yànuoh yah
Patrick帕特里克pà tè lǐ kèpah teh lii keh
Paul保罗bǎo luóbao luo
Peter彼得bǐ débii der
Philip菲利普fēi lì pǔfei lih puu
Ralph拉尔夫lā ěr fūlha eel fu
Randy兰迪lán dílan dyi
Raymond雷蒙德léi méng délei meng der
Richard理查德lǐ chá délii char der
Robert罗伯特luó bó tèluo bor teh
Roger罗杰luó jiéluo jye
Ronald罗纳德luó nà déluo nah der
Roy罗伊luó yīluo i
Russel罗素luó sùluo suh
Ryan瑞恩ruì ēnruey en
Samuel塞缪尔sài miù ěrsay miow eel
Scott斯科特sī kē tèsy ke teh
Sean肖恩xiāo ēnshiau en
Stephen史蒂芬shǐ dì fēnshyy dih fen
Steven史蒂文shǐ dì wénshyy dih wen
Terry特里tè lǐteh lii
Thomas托马斯tuō mǎ sītuo maa sy
Timothy蒂莫西dì mò xīdih moh shi
Tyler泰勒tài lètay leh
Vincent文森特wén sēn tèwen sen teh
Walter沃尔特wò ěr tèwoh eel teh
Wayne韦恩wéi ēnwei en
William威廉wēi liánuei lian
Willie威利wēi lìuei lih
Zachary扎克瑞zhā kè ruìja keh ruey

Top 100 most common female English names in Chinese

And here are the most common female English names in Chinese:

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (4)

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Abigail阿比盖尔ā bǐ gài ěra bii gay eel
Alexis亚历克西斯yà lì kè xī sīyah lih keh shi sy
Alice爱丽丝ài lì sīay lih sy
Amanda阿曼达ā màn dáa mann dar
Amber安伯尔ān bó ěran bor eel
Amy艾米ài mǐay mii
Andrea安德莉亚ān dé lì yàan der lih yah
Angela安吉拉ān jí lāan jyi lha
Annānan
Anna安娜ān nàan nah
Ashley阿什莉ā shí lìa shyr lih
Barbara芭芭拉bā bā lāba ba lha
Betty贝蒂bèi dìbey dih
Beverly贝弗莉bèi fú lìbey fwu lih
Brenda布兰达bù lán dábuh lan dar
Brittany布里特妮bù lǐ tè nībuh lii teh nhi
Carol卡萝尔kǎ luó ěrkaa luo eel
Carolyn卡洛琳kǎ luò línkaa luoh lin
Catherine凯瑟琳kǎi sè línkae seh lin
Charlotte夏洛特xià luò tèshiah luoh teh
Cheryl谢丽尔xiè lì ěrshieh lih eel
Christina克里斯蒂娜kè lǐ sī dì nàkeh lii sy dih nah
Cynthia辛西娅xīn xī yàshin shi yah
Danielle丹妮尔dān nī ěrdan nhi eel
Deborah黛博拉dài bó lāday bor lha
Delia迪莉娅dí lì yàdyi lih yah
Denise丹妮丝dān nī sīdan nhi sy
Diana戴安娜dài ān nàday an nah
Donna唐娜táng nàtarng nah
Dora朵拉duǒ lāduo lha
Doris多丽丝duō lì sīduo lih sy
Dorothy多萝西duō luó xīduo luo shi
Elizabeth伊丽莎白yī lì shā báii lih sha bair
Emily艾米莉ài mǐ lìay mii lih
Emma艾玛ài mǎay maa
Evelyn伊芙琳yī fú líni fwu lin
Frances弗朗西丝fú lǎng xī sīfwu laang shi sy
Gloria格罗丽娅gé luó lì yàger luo lih yah
Grace格雷丝gé léi sīger leei sy
Hannah汉娜hàn nàhann nah
Heather希瑟xī sèshi seh
Helen海伦hǎi lúnhae luen
Isabella伊莎贝拉yī shā bèi lāi sha bey lha
Jacqueline杰奎琳jié kuí línjye kwei lin
Janet珍妮特zhēn nī tèjen nhi teh
Janice珍妮丝zhēn nī sījen nhi sy
Jeanzhēnjen
Jennifer詹妮弗zhēn nī fújen nhi fwu
Jessica杰西卡jié xī kǎjye shi kaa
Joanqióngchyong
Joyce乔伊斯qiáo yī sīchyau i sy
Judith朱迪思zhū dí sīju dyi sy
Judy朱迪zhū díju dyi
Julia茱莉亚zhū lì yàju lih yah
Julie朱莉zhū lìju lih
Karen凯伦kǎi lúnkae luen
Katherine凯瑟琳kǎi sè línkae seh lin
Kayla凯拉kǎi lākae lha
Kelly凯丽kǎi lìkae lih
Kennedy肯尼迪kěn ní díkeen ni dyi
Kimberly金伯莉jīn bó lìjin bor lih
Laura劳拉láo lālau lha
Lauren劳伦láo lúnlau luen
Leighton莱顿lái dùnlai duenn
Linda琳达lín dálin dar
Lisa丽莎lì shālih sha
Madison麦迪逊mài dí xùnmay dyi shiunn
Maggie玛吉mǎ jímaa jyi
Margaret玛格丽特mǎ gé lì tèmaa ger lih teh
Maria玛丽亚mǎ lì yàmaa lih yah
Marie玛丽mǎ lìmaa lih
Marilyn玛丽莲mǎ lì liánmaa lih lian
Martha玛莎mǎ shāmaa sha
Mary玛丽mǎ lìmaa lih
Megan梅根méi gēnmei gen
Melissa梅丽莎méi lì shāmei lih sha
Michelle米歇尔mǐ xiē ěrmii shie eel
Nancy南希nán xīnan shi
Natalie娜塔莉nà tǎ lìnah taa lih
Nicole妮可nī kěnhi kee
Olivia奥利维亚ào lì wéi yàaw lih wei yah
Pamela帕梅拉pà méi lāpah mei lha
Patricia帕特里西娅pà tè lǐ xī yàpah teh lii shi yah
Rachel瑞秋ruì qiūlruey chiou
Rebecca丽贝卡lì bèi kǎlih bey kaa
Rose露丝lù sīlih bey kaa
Ruth露丝lù sīluh sy
Samantha萨曼莎sà màn shāsah mann sha
Sandy桑迪sāng dísang dyi
Sandra桑德拉sāng dé lāsang der lha
Sara莎拉shā lāsha lha
Sharon莎伦shā lúnsha luen
Shirley雪莉xuě lìsheue lih
Sophia索菲亚suǒ fēi yàsuoo fei yah
Stephanie史黛芙妮shǐ dài fú nīshyy day fwu nhi
Susan苏珊sū shānsu shan
Taylor泰勒tài lètay leh
Tate泰特tài tètay teh
Teresa特蕾莎tè lěi shāteh leei sha
Victoria维多利亚wéi duō lì yàwei duo lih yah
Virginia弗吉尼亚fú jí ní yàfwu jyi ni yah

Most common Spanish names in Chinese

Here, you’ll find a cozy list of the 100 most common Spanish names translated into Chinese, maintaining their unique charm and sounding just right in both languages:

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Abril阿布里尔ā bù lǐ ěra buh lii eel
Alejandro亚历杭德罗yà lì háng dé luóyah lih harng der luo
Alexander亚历山大yà lì shān dàyah lih shan dah
Benjamín本杰明běn jié míngbeen jye ming
Camila卡米拉kǎ mǐ lākaa mii lha
Carlos卡洛斯kǎ luò sīkaa luoh sy
Catalina卡塔琳娜kǎ tǎ lín nàkaa taa lin nah
Daniel丹尼尔dān ní ěrdan ni eel
Daniella丹妮埃拉dān nī āi lādan nhi ai lha
Diego迭戈dié gēdye ge
Emmanuel埃曼努埃尔āi màn nǔ āi ěrai mann nuu ai eel
Fernanda费尔南达fèi ěr nán dáfey eel nan dar
Gabriela加布里埃拉jiā bù lǐ āi lājia buh lii ai lha
Isabella伊莎贝拉yī shā bèi lāi sha bey lha
Jesús赫苏斯hè sū sīheh su sy
Joaquín华金huá jīnhwa jin
Jorge豪尔赫háo ěr hèhaur eel heh
José何塞hé sàiher sai
Juan胡安hú ānhwu an
Julieta茱莉塔zhū lì tǎju lih taa
Lucas卢卡斯lú kǎ sīlu kaa sy
Lucía露西亚lù xī yàluh shi yah
Luciana露西安娜lù xī ān nàluh shi an nah
Luis路易斯lù yì sīluh yih sy
Manuel曼努埃尔màn nǔ āi ěrmann nuu ai eel
María Fernanda玛丽亚·费尔南达mǎ lì yà · fèi ěr nán dámaa lih yah · fey eel nan dar
María José玛丽亚·何塞mǎ lì yà · hé sàimaa lih yah · her sai
Mariana玛丽安娜mǎ lì ān nàmaa lih an nah
Martín马丁mǎ dīngmaa ding
Martina玛蒂娜mǎ dì nàmaa dih nah
Mateo马特奥mǎ tè àomaa teh aw
Matías马蒂亚斯mǎ dì yà sīmaa dih yah sy
Mía米亚mǐ yàmii yah
Natalia娜塔莉亚nà tǎ lì yànah taa lih yah
Nicolás尼古拉斯ní gǔ lā sīni guu lha sy
Nicole妮可nī kěnhi kee
Pablo巴勃罗bā bó luóba bor luo
Paula宝拉bǎo lābao lha
Pedro佩德罗pèi dé luópey der luo
Samantha萨曼莎sà màn shāsah mann sha
Samuel塞缪尔sài miù ěrsay miow eel
Santiago圣地亚哥shèng dì yà gēshenq dih yah ge
Sara莎拉shā lāsha lha
Sebastián塞巴斯蒂安sài bā sī dì ānsay ba sy dih an
Sofía索菲亚suǒ fēi yàsuoo fei yah
Tomás托马斯tuō mǎ sītuo maa sy
Valentina瓦伦蒂娜wǎ lún dì nàwaa luen dih nah
Valeria瓦莱里娅wǎ lái lǐ yàwaa lai lii yah
Victoria维多利亚wéi duō lì yàwei duo lih yah
Ximena西梅娜xī méi nàshi mei nah

Most common French names in Chinese

Let’s take a look at how some of the most popular French names translate into Chinese. The following list aims to maintain the essence of French names while adapting them to Chinese phonetics:

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Alain阿兰ā lána lan
Andre安德烈ān dé lièan der lieh
Anne安妮ān nīan nhi
Bernard伯纳德bó nà débor nah der
Bruno布鲁诺bù lǔ nuòbuh luu nuoh
Catherine凯瑟琳kǎi sè línkae seh lin
Christian克里斯蒂安kè lǐ sī dì ānkeh lii sy dih an
Christine克里斯蒂娜kè lǐ sī dì nàkeh lii sy dih nah
Christophe克里斯托弗kè lǐ sī tuō fúkeh lii sy tuo fwu
Claude克劳德kè láo dékeh lau der
Daniel丹尼尔dān ní ěrdan ni eel
David大卫dà wèidah wey
Didier迪迪埃dí dí āidyi dyi ai
Dominique多米尼克duō mǐ ní kèduo mii ni keh
Eric埃里克āi lǐ kèai lii keh
Francis弗朗西斯fú lǎng xī sīfwu laang shi sy
Georges乔治qiáo zhìchyau jyh
Guy盖伊gài yīgay i
Isabelle伊莎贝尔yī shā bèi ěri sha bey eel
Jacqueline杰奎琳jié kuí línjye kwei lin
Jacques雅克yǎ kèyea keh
Jeanràngranq
Jean-Claude让·克劳德ràng · kè láo déranq · kè láo dé
Jean-Pierre让·皮埃尔ràng · pí āi ěrranq · pyi ai eel
Joseph约瑟夫yuē sè fūiue seh fu
Laurent劳伦特láo lún tèlau luen teh
Marc马克mǎ kèmaa keh
Marcel马塞尔mǎ sài ěrmaa say eel
Marie玛丽mǎ lìmaa lih
Martine玛蒂娜mǎ dì nàmaa dih nah
Michel米歇尔mǐ xiē ěrmii shie eel
Monique莫妮克mò nī kèmoh nhi keh
Nathalie娜塔莉nà tǎ lìnah taa lih
Nicolas尼古拉斯ní gǔ lā sīni guu lha sy
Nicole妮可nī kěnhi kee
Olivier奥利维尔ào lì wéi ěraw lih wei eel
Pascal帕斯卡pà sī kǎpah sy kaa
Patrick帕特里克pà tè lǐ kèpah teh lii keh
Philippe菲利普fēi lì pǔfei lih puu
Pierre皮埃尔pí āi ěrpyi ai eel
Rene雷内léi nèilei ney
Robert罗伯特luó bó tèluo bor teh
Roger罗杰luó jiéluo jye
Sandrine桑德琳sāng dé línsang der lin
Serge塞尔吉sài ěr jísay eel jyi
Sophie索菲suǒ fēisuoo fei
Sylvie西尔维xī ěr wéishi eel wei
Thierry蒂埃里dì āi lǐdih ai lii
Valerie瓦莱丽wǎ lái lìwaa lai lih
Yves伊夫yī fūi fu

Most common German names in Chinese

Below, you’ll find a list of the top 100 most common German names translated into Chinese, focused on maintaining phonetic resemblance:

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (5)

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Andrea安德莉亚ān dé lì yàan der lih yah
Andreas安德烈亚斯ān dé liè yà sīan der lieh yah sy
Barbara芭芭拉bā bā lāba ba lha
Bernd伯恩德bó ēn débor en der
Birgit比吉特bǐ jí tèbii jyi teh
Brigitte布丽奇特bù lì qí tèbuh lih chyi teh
Christa克丽斯塔kè lì sī tǎkeh lih sy taa
Christian克里斯蒂安kè lǐ sī dì ānkeh lii sy dih an
Christine克里斯蒂娜kè lǐ sī dì nàkeh lii sy dih nah
Claudia克劳迪娅kè láo dí yàkeh lau dyi yah
Dieter迪特尔dí tè ěrdyi teh eel
Elisabeth伊丽莎白yī lì shā báii lih sha bair
Elke埃尔克āi ěr kèai eel keh
Erika艾莉卡ài lì kǎay lih kaa
Frank弗兰克fú lán kèfwu lan keh
Franz弗兰兹fú lán zīfwu lan tzy
Gerhard格哈德gé hā déger ha der
Gisela吉塞拉jí sài lājyi say lha
Günter君特jūn tèjiun teh
Hans汉斯hàn sīhann sy
Heike海可hǎi kěhae kee
Heinz海因茨hǎi yīn cíhae in tsyr
Helga海尔格hǎi ěr géhae eel ger
Helmut赫尔穆特hè ěr mù tèheh eel muh teh
Herbert赫伯特hè bó tèheh bor teh
Horst霍斯特huò sī tèhuoh sy teh
Ingrid英格丽yīng gé lìing ger lih
Josef约瑟夫yuē sè fūiue seh fu
Jürgen尤尔根yóu ěr gēnyou eel gen
Karin卡琳kǎ línkaa lin
Karl卡尔kǎ ěrkaa eel
Karl-Heinz卡尔·海因茨kǎ ěr · hǎi yīn cíkaa eel · hae in tsyr
Klaus克劳斯kè láo sīkeh lau sy
Manfred曼弗雷德màn fú léi démann fwu lei der
Maria玛丽亚mǎ lì yàmaa lih yah
Martin马丁mǎ dīngmaa ding
Michael迈克尔mài kè ěrmay keh eel
Monika莫妮卡mò nī kǎmoh nhi kaa
Peter彼得bǐ débii der
Petra佩特拉pèi tè lāpey teh lha
Renate蕾娜特lěi nà tèleei nah teh
Sabine萨比娜sà bǐ nàsah bii nah
Stefan史蒂芬shǐ dì fēnshyy dih fen
Susanne苏珊娜sū shān nàsu shan nah
Thomas托马斯tuō mǎ sītuo maa sy
Ursula厄休拉è xiū lāeh shiou lha
Uwe乌韦wū wéiu wei
Walter沃尔特wò ěr tèwoh eel teh
Werner维尔纳wéi ěr nàwei eel nah
Wolfgang沃夫冈wò fū gāngwoh fu gang

Most common Italian names in Chinese

Here are 50 popular Italian names and their phonetic translations into Chinese:

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Alessandro亚历桑德罗yà lì sāng dé luóyah lih sang der luo
Alice爱丽丝ài lì sīay lih sy
Andrea安德烈ān dé lièan der lieh
Angela安吉拉ān jí lāan jyi lha
Angelo安杰洛ān jié luòan jye luoh
Anna安娜ān nàan nah
Antonio安东尼奥ān dōng ní àoan dong ni aw
Aurora奥萝拉ào luó lāaw luo lha
Beatrice比阿特丽斯bǐ ā tè lì sībii a teh lih sy
Carlo卡罗kǎ luókaa luo
Carmela卡梅拉kǎ méi lākaa mei lha
Caterina卡特琳娜kǎ tè lín nàkaa teh lin nah
Edoardo爱德华多ài dé huá duōay der hwa duo
Emma艾玛ài mǎay maa
Flavio弗拉维奥fú lā wéi àofwu lha wei aw
Francesca弗朗切丝卡fú lǎng qiè sī kǎfwu laang chieh sy kaa
Francesco弗朗切斯科fú lǎng qiè sī kēfwu laang chieh sy ke
Gabriele加布里埃尔jiā bù lǐ āi ěrjia buh lii ai eel
Gianna吉安娜jí ān nàjyi an nah
Ginevra吉妮弗拉jí nī fú lājyi nhi fwu lha
Giorgia乔治娅qiáo zhì yàchyau jyh yah
Giovanna乔凡娜qiáo fán nàchyau farn nah
Giovanni乔瓦尼qiáo wǎ níchyau waa ni
Giuseppe朱塞佩zhū sài pèiju sai pey
Giuseppina朱塞平娜zhū sài píng nàju sai pyng nah
Greta格蕾塔gé lěi tǎger leei taa
Guilia茱莉亚zhū lì yàju lih yah
Laura劳拉láo lālau lha
Leonardo莱昂纳多lái áng nà duōlai arng nah duo
Lorenzo洛伦佐luò lún zuǒluoh luen tzuoo
Luca卢卡lú kǎlu kaa
Lucia露西亚lù xī yàluh shi yah
Luigi路易吉lù yì jíluh yih jyi
Marco马可mǎ kěmaa kee
Maria玛丽亚mǎ lì yàmaa lih yah
Mario马里奥mǎ lǐ àomaa lii aw
Mattia马蒂亚mǎ dì yàmaa dih yah
Pietro彼得罗bǐ dé luóbii der luo
Riccardo里卡多lǐ kǎ duōlii kaa duo
Roberto罗伯托luó bó tuōluo bor tuo
Rosa罗莎luó shāluo sha
Salvatore塞尔瓦托sài ěr wǎ tuōsay eel waa tuo
Sara莎拉shā lāsha lha
Sophia索菲亚suǒ fēi yàsuoo fei yah
Stefano斯蒂法诺sī dì fǎ nuòsy dih faa nuoh
Stella斯特拉sī tè lāsy teh lha
Teresa特蕾莎tè lěi shāteh leei sha
Tommaso托马索tuō mǎ suǒtuo maa suoo
Valentina瓦伦蒂娜wǎ lún dì nàwaa luen dih nah
Vincenzo文森佐wén sēn zuǒwen sen tzuoo

Most common Portuguese names in Chinese

People from Portugal, Brazil, or any other Portuguese-speaking region may find their names on the list below:

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (6)

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Inês伊内斯yī nèi sīi ney sy
João约翰yuē hàniue hann
Mariana玛丽安娜mǎ lì ān nàmaa lih an nah
Miguel米格尔mǐ gé ěrmii ger eel
Joana乔安娜qiáo ān nàchyau an nah
Pedro佩德罗pèi dé luópey der luo
Ana亚拿yà náyah na
Diogo迪奥戈dí ào gēdyi aw ge
Maria玛丽亚mǎ lì yàmaa lih yah
Gonçalo贡萨洛gòng sà luògonq sah luoh
Rita丽塔lì tǎlih taa
Ricardo里卡多lǐ kǎ duōlii kaa duo
Carolina卡罗莱纳kǎ luó lái nàkaa luo lai nah
Tomás托马斯tuō mǎ sītuo maa sy
Sofia苏菲亚sū fēi yàsu fei yah
Alexandre亚历山大yà lì shān dàyah lih shan dah
Beatriz比阿特丽斯bǐ ā tè lì sībii a teh lih sy
Afonso阿丰索ā fēng suǒa feng suoo
Raquel拉奎尔lā kuí ěrlha kwei eel
Ruiruìruey
Sara莎拉shā lāsha lha
Luis路易斯lù yì sīluh yih sy
Marta玛尔塔mǎ ěr tǎmaa eel taa
Guilherme吉列尔梅jí liè ěr méijyi lieh eel mei
Liliana莉莉安娜lì lì ān nàlih lih an nah
Marcos马科斯mǎ kē sīmaa ke sy
Laura劳拉láo lālau lha
Antonio安东尼奥ān dōng ní àoan dong ni aw
Tatiana塔蒂亚娜tǎ dì yà nàtaa dih yah nah
Paulo保罗bǎo luóbao luo
Vera维拉wéi lāwei lha
David大卫dà wèidah wey
Patrícia帕特里夏pà tè lǐ xiàpah teh lii shiah
Tiago蒂亚戈dì yà gēdih yah ge
Margarida玛格丽塔mǎ gé lì tǎmaa ger lih taa
Francisco弗朗西斯科fú lǎng xī sī kēfwu laang shi sy ke
Adriana阿德里安娜ā dé lǐ ān nàa der lii an nah
Duarte杜阿尔特dù ā ěr tèduh a eel teh
Carol卡萝kǎ luókaa luo
Rodrigo罗德里戈luó dé lǐ gēluo der lii ge
Filipa菲利帕fēi lì pàfei lih pah
Lucas卢卡斯lú kǎ sīlu kaa sy
Daniela丹妮拉dān nī lādan nhi lha
Leandro莱安德罗lái ān dé luólai an der luo
Jéssica杰西卡jié xī kǎjye shi kaa
Jorge豪尔赫háo ěr hèhaur eel heh
Lara劳拉láo lālau lha
Nils尼尔斯ní ěr sīni eel sy
Andreia安德烈娅ān dé liè yàan der lieh yah
Sourik苏里克sū lǐ kèsū lǐ kè

Most common celebrity names in Chinese

Speaking about your hobbies and interests is a great way to start a conversation in Chinese with someone you’ve just met. But how do you talk about your favorite singer, actor, politician or sports player in Chinese if you don’t know how to say their names? Fortunately, transliterating celebrity names is quite easy — you’ll get the hang of it very quickly!

EnglishChinesePinyinPronunciation
Adele阿黛尔ā dài ěra day eel
Angelina Jolie安吉丽娜·朱莉ān jí lì nà · zhū lìan jyi lih nah · ju lih
Anne Hathaway安妮·海瑟薇ān nī · hǎi sè wēian nhi · hae seh uei
Anthony Fauci安东尼·福奇ān dōng ní · fú qían dong ni · fwu chyi
Ariana Grande爱莉安娜·格兰德ài lì ān nà · gé lán déay lih an nah · ger lan der
Barack Obama贝拉克·奥巴马bèi lā kè · ào bā mǎbey lha keh · aw ba maa
Ben Affleck本·阿弗莱克běn · ā fú lái kèbeen · a fwu lai keh
Benedict Cumberbatch本尼迪克特·康伯巴奇běn ní dí kè tè · kāng bó bā qíbeen ni dyi keh teh · kang bor ba chyi
Beyoncé碧昂丝bì áng sībih arng sy
Bill Gates比尔·盖茨bǐ ěr · gài cíbǐ ěr · gài cí
Billie Eilish比莉·艾利什bǐ lì · ài lì shíbii lih · ay lih shyr
Boris Johnson鲍里斯·约翰逊bào lǐ sī · yuē hàn xùnbaw lii sy · iue hann shiunn
Brad Pitt布拉德·皮特bù lā dé · pí tèbuh lha der · pyi teh
Britney Spears布兰妮·斯皮尔斯bù lán nī · sī pí ěr sībuh lan nhi · sy pyi eel sy
Christiano Ronaldo克里斯蒂亚诺·罗纳尔多kè lǐ sī dì yà nuò · luó nà ěr duōkeh lii sy dih yah nuoh · luo nah eel duo
David Beckham大卫·贝克汉姆dà wèi · bèi kè hàn mǔdah wey · bey keh hann muu
Demi Lavato黛米·洛瓦托dài mǐ · luò wǎ tuōday mii · luoh waa tuo
Donald Trump唐纳德·特朗普táng nà dé · tè lǎng pǔtarng nah der · teh laang puu
Dwayne Johnson道恩·强森dào ēn · qiáng sēndaw en · chyang sen
Elon Musk埃隆·马斯克āi lóng · mǎ sī kèai long · maa sy keh
Emma Stone艾玛·斯通ài mǎ · sī tōngay maa · sy tong
Emma Watson艾玛·沃特森ài mǎ · wò tè sēnay maa · woh teh sen
George Clooney乔治·克鲁尼qiáo zhì · kè lǔ níchyau jyh · keh luu ni
Hugh Jackman休·杰克曼xiū · jié kè mànshiou · jye keh mann
Jeff Bezos杰夫·贝索斯jié fū · bèi suǒ sījye fu · bey suoo sy
Jennifer Aniston詹妮弗·安妮斯顿zhān nī fú · ān nī sī dùnjan nhi fwu · an nhi sy duenn
Jennifer Lopez詹妮弗·洛佩兹zhān nī fú · luò pèi zījan nhi fwu · luoh pey tzy
Joe Biden乔·拜登qiáo · bài dēngchyau · bay deng
Johnny Depp约翰尼·德普yuē hàn ní · dé pǔiue hann ni · der puu
Justin Bieber贾斯汀·比伯jiǎ sī tīng · bǐ bójea sy ting · bii bor
Justin Timberlake贾斯汀·汀布莱克jiǎ sī tīng · tīng bù lái kèjea sy ting · ting buh lai keh
Kamala Harris卡玛拉·哈里斯kǎ mǎ lā · hā lǐ sīkaa maa lha · ha lii sy
Kate Perry凯蒂·佩里kǎi dì · pèi lǐkae dih · pey lii
Kanye West坎耶·维斯特kǎn yé · wéi sī tèkaan ye · wei sy teh
Kim Kardashian金·卡戴珊jīn · kǎ dài shānjin · kaa day shan
Kylie Jenner凯莉·詹娜kǎi lì · zhān nàkae lih · jan nah
LeBron James勒布朗·詹姆斯lè bù lǎng · zhān mǔ sīleh buh laang · jan muu sy
Leo Messi里奥·梅西lǐ ào · méi xīlii aw · mei shi
Leonardo DiCaprio莱昂纳多·迪卡普里奥lái áng nà duō · dí kǎ pǔ lǐ àolai arng nah duo · dyi kaa puu lii aw
Mark Zuckerberg马克·扎克伯格mǎ kè · zhā kè bó gémaa keh · ja keh bor ger
Michael Jordan迈克尔·乔丹mài kè ěr · qiáo dānmay keh eel · chyau dan
Mike Tyson迈克·泰森mài kè · tài sēnmay keh · tay sen
Neymar内马尔nèi mǎ ěrney maa eel
Nicole Kidman妮可·基德曼nī kě · jī dé mànnhi kee · ji der mann
Oprah Winfrey奥普拉·温弗瑞ào pǔ lā · wēn fú ruìaw puu lha · uen fwu ruey
Rihanna蕾哈娜lěi hā nàleei ha nah
Robert Downey Jr.小罗伯特·唐尼xiǎo luó bó tè · táng nísheau luo bor teh · tarng ni
Roger Federer罗杰·费德勒luó jié · fèi dé lèluo jye · fey der leh
Scarlett Johanssen斯嘉丽·约翰逊sī jiā lì · yuē hàn xùnsy jia lih · iue hann shiunn
Selena Gomez赛琳娜·戈麦斯sài lín nà · gē mài sīsay lin nah · ge may sy
Sophie Marceau苏菲·玛索sū fēi · mǎ suǒsu fei · maa suoo
Stephen Hawking斯蒂芬·霍金sī dì fēn · huò jīnsy dih fen · huoh jin
Stephen Spielberg史蒂文·斯皮尔伯格shǐ dì wén · sī pí ěr bó géshyy dih wen · sy pyi eel bor ger
Steve Jobs史蒂夫·乔布斯shǐ dì fū · qiáo bù sīshyy dih fu · chyau buh sy
Taylor Swift泰勒·斯威夫特tài lè · sī wēi fū tètay leh · sy uei fu teh
Tom Brady汤姆·布雷迪tāng mǔ · bù léi dítang muu · buh lei dyi
Tom Hanks汤姆·汉克斯tāng mǔ · hàn kè sītang muu · hann keh sy
Usain Bolt尤塞恩·博尔特yóu sài ēn · bó ěr tèyou say en · bor eel teh
Will Smith威尔·史密斯wēi ěr · shǐ mì sīuei eel · shyy mih sy

Understanding the basics of Chinese names

Understanding Chinese names is essential for appreciating Chinese culture. Chinese names carry deep meanings, so understanding them will help you understand your Chinese friends and colleagues on a much deeper level. Typically, a Chinese name consists of a family name (surname), followed by a given name, with the family name being of paramount importance as it connects individuals to their ancestral lineage.

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (7)

Chinese name components

These are the typical components of Chinese names:

Family name (surname)

The family name comes first in Chinese names and is usually one character, but can also be two on rare occasions. There are about a hundred common Chinese surnames, so you’ll quickly start recognizing the most common ones (more on that below!). The family name is inherited and shared among family members, indicating lineage and heritage.

Given name

Following the surname is the given name, which usually comprises one or two characters. Parents choose given names extremely carefully, as the characters often carry meaning or virtues they wish upon their child. For instance, names might reflect beauty, strength, intelligence or other desired personality traits. Unlike Western naming traditions, there’s a vast pool of existing names that can be used for given names, allowing for a higher degree of uniqueness and personalization.

Generational name

Some families also incorporate a generational name — a specific character shared by all siblings and cousins of the same generation. This practice, though not universal, highlights the collective identity of the family across generations.

Common Chinese family names

Compared to its vast population, China has a relatively low number of family names, which can be attributed to several factors. First, Chinese surnames are passed down patrilineally, so many families have had the same surname for generations, stemming from ancient clans and familial lines. Then, Confucian philosophy greatly emphasized the importance of family and ancestry in society, leading to the preservation of surnames.

So, learning just a few surnames can help you a great deal in identifying numerous names! Here is a ranked list of the 20 most common Chinese surnames:

RankChinesePinyinPronunciation
1wángwang
2lii
3zhāngjang
4liúliou
5chénchern
6yángyang
7huánghwang
8zhàojaw
9wu
10zhōujou
11shyu
12sūnsuen
13maa
14zhūju
15hwu
16guōguo
17her
18línlin
19gāogau
20luóluo

Common Chinese given names

Although many Chinese surnames overlap, you won’t meet two Chinese people with the exact same name that often. That’s because given names are chosen to reflect the parents’ varied hopes and aspirations for their children. Consequently, you’ll end up with unique names as each component of each Chinese character is carefully considered, including radicals.

With that said, here are some of the characters that most commonly make it onto Chinese given names:

English meaningChinese namePinyinPronunciationCommonly associated gender
Great, mightywěiwoeiMale
BrightmíngmingGender-neutral
FragrancefāngfangFemale
Hero or outstandingyīngingGender-neutral
Handsome or talentedjùnjiunnMale
ThunderléileiMale
Splendid or ChinahuáhwaGender-neutral
OutstandingjiéjiéMale
The crisp sound of hitting jade stoneslínglingFemale
BeautifulměimeeiFemale
AbundantfēngfengGender-neutral
VasthónghorngMale
Quiet or gentlejìngjinqFemale
Mythical birdpéngperngMale
StrongqiángchyangMale
CoralshānshanFemale
WavetāotauGender-neutral
ElegantxiùshiowFemale
GorgeousyànyannFemale
AmbitionzhìjyhMale
SurpasschāochauMale
EastdōngdongGender-neutral
SplendorhuīhueiMale
HealthyjiànjiannMale
OrchidlánlanFemale
PeacefulníngningGender-neutral
PeacefulpíngpyngGender-neutral
Fine jadechyiFemale
AuspiciousruìrueyGender-neutral
MagnificentshuòshuohMale
HeaventiāntianGender-neutral
CulturedwénwenGender-neutral
HappyxīnshinFemale
Dazzle耀yàoyawMale
PreciouszhēnjenFemale
PeaceānanGender-neutral
WaveboMale
EmeraldcuìtsueyFemale
AttaindarMale
PositivityěreelGender-neutral
Beautiful and Noble丽君lì jūnlih jiunFemale
Glory and Well光利guāng lìguang lihMale
Cultivate Ambition培志péi zhìpeir jyhMale
Excellent Wisdom佳慧jiā huìjia hueyFemale
Cloud Flying云飞yún fēiyun feiMale
Morning Sunshine晨曦chén xīchern shiGender-neutral
Clear and Bright清昭qīng zhāoching jauFemale
Bright Splendor昭辉zhāo huījau hueiMale
Flying Upwards飞扬fēi yángfei yangMale
Bright Jade明玉míng yùming yuhFemale
Quiet and Pleasant静怡jìng yíjinq yiFemale
Thunder雷鸣léi mínglei mingMale
Splendid and Noble华君huá jūnhuah jiunGender-neutral
Like the Dawn若曦ruò xīruoh shiFemale
Magnificent Abundance硕丰shuò fēngshuoh fengMale
Cultured and Pure文清wén qīngwen chingGender-neutral
Scholarly and Elegant香如xiāng rúshiang ruFemale
Elegant and wisdom月华yuè huáyueh hwaGender-neutral
Majestic Might振威zhèn wēijenn ueiMale
Virtuous and Joyful子欣zǐ xīntzyy shinGender-neutral
Bright, ClearliànglianqMale
Beautiful Jade美琳měi línmeei linFemale
Build Vastness建宏jiàn hóngjiann horngMale
Fragrant芳芳fāng fāngfang fangFemale
Morning Rain晓雨xiǎo yǔsheau yeuGender-neutral
AccomplishedchéngcherngMale
Magnolia玉兰yù lányuh lanFemale
RefinedbīnbinMale
Sparkling晶晶jīng jīngjing jingFemale
TriumphantkǎikaeMale
Orchid兰兰lán lánlan lanFemale
Bright and Vast明浩míng hàoming hawMale
MercifulruFemale
FrostshuāngshuangGender-neutral
Graceful婷婷tíng tíngtyng tyngFemale
Greatness伟伟wěi wěiwoei woeiMale
Open-minded and Cultured晓文xiǎo wénsheau wenGender-neutral
One Sail一帆yì fāni fanMale
Elegant and Noble彦君yàn jūnyann jiunMale
Delicate and Tinkling玲玲líng língling lingFemale
Vast and Natural浩然hào ránhaw ranMale
Happy and Content欣然xīn ránshin ranGender-neutral
CandidlěileeiMale
Excellent and Fine佳琪jiā qíjia chyiFemale
Thoughtful思思sī sīsy syFemale
JoyfulhuānhuanGender-neutral
Autumn Moon秋月qiū yuèchiou yuehFemale
Ocean of Grace泽洋zé yángtzer yangMale
Peaceful and Calm宁宁níng níngning ningFemale
Dawn’s Beauty晓丽xiǎo lìsheau lihFemale
Light, GloryguāngguangGender-neutral
Pleased, HappyyuèyuehGender-neutral
Broad, LearnedborMale
Beautiful丽丽lì lìlih lihFemale
Glory, FlourishróngrongGender-neutral
Joyful, Happy欣悦xīn yuèshin yuehFemale
Vast and Outstanding浩杰hào jiéhaw jyeMale
Beautiful and Cultured丽文lì wénlih wenFemale
Universe and Star宇辰yǔ chényeu chernMale

How to pronounce Chinese names

Pronouncing Chinese names can be challenging for non-native speakers, but understanding the basics of Mandarin pronunciation can help. Here’s a guide to get you started:

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (8)

Understanding pinyin

Understanding pinyin is the first step towards getting Chinese names right. This is the Romanization system of Chinese, which uses Roman letters to match the sounds of each Chinese character. Each syllable in pinyin roughly corresponds to a syllable in Mandarin Chinese and is composed of:

  • Initials: They’re always consonants and represent the beginning of a sound. Not all syllables need to have an initial.
  • Finals: They’re generally vowels, but can also include vowel combinations. They represent the ending sound. All syllables must have a final.
  • Tone marks: They indicate the tone in which the syllable should be pronounced.

The four tones

Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the pitch or tone used when a word is spoken can change its meaning. There are four main tones and a neutral tone:

  1. First tone: High and level (¯). The tone is steady without rise or fall. Example: mā (妈) - mother.
  2. Second tone: Rising, from mid-level to high (´). It sounds somewhat like you’re asking a question. Example: má (麻) - numb.
  3. Third tone: Starts mid, dips down, then rises (ˇ). Often, it’s pronounced with a slight fall in casual speech. Example: mǎ (马) - horse
  4. Fourth tone: Starts high and ends low (`). It’s a sharp and clear drop in pitch. Example: mà (骂) means "to scold" or "to curse."
  5. Neutral tone: Light and quick, without a distinct pitch (_). It’s often used in particles, diminutives, and some single-syllable words to convey a specific meaning or grammatical function. Example: ma (吗) - (question particle).

Chinese name pronunciation tips

While reading the pinyin is massively helpful, some of it isn’t always intuitive for non-Chinese speakers. Especially if your native language is English, some of the syllables will be pronounced vastly differently. Here are some quick tips:

  • The c is pronounced like the ts in “bits.”
  • The q is pronounced like ch but with the tongue positioned further forward.
  • The x resembles sh but also requires the tongue to be more forward.
  • The zh is pronounced like the j in “jar.”
  • The ch is pronounced like the ch in “chop.”
  • The sh is pronounced like the sh in “shush.”
  • The r is pronounced somewhat like the s in “pleasure.”
  • The i in zi, ci, si sounds close to the i in “sir.”
  • The ü sound is similar to the German û or the French u. When ü follows j, q, x or y, it’s written simply as u.
  • Uan can be tricky. Think of combining u as in “flute” with an as in “can.”

Additionally, pay close attention to how native speakers pronounce their names. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification from native speakers — most will be happy to help you get their names right!

How to choose a Chinese name

Whether you’re planning to visit China for a few weeks or are thinking about studying or working in the country for long, choosing a Chinese name is one of the first things you should do to integrate into society. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose your Chinese name:

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (9)

1. Pick an approach

There are two main approaches to choosing a Chinese name:

  • Phonetic matching: Find Chinese sounds similar to your own name. Most Western names already have a translation, which you can find above. If you choose to go this route, then simply scroll up to our list of the most common names, find yours and you’re done!
  • Meaningful translation: Choose a name based on qualities or elements you identify with. They may sound somewhat similar to your real name or not at all — it’s entirely up to you!

The phonetic matching approach is by far the fastest and most impersonal approach. If you’re planning to live or work in China long-term, going for a meaningful translation that more closely resembles a native Chinese name will be more impressive, as it’ll show that you’ve put some careful thought into your name — just how Chinese parents do with their children’s names.

2. Pick a surname

Chinese surnames are typically in one character. One suggestion is that you can just go with a surname that sounds closest to your own name. For example, if your last name is Jones, you can go with 周 (zhōu) as your surname.

3. Choose your given name

This is where you’ll have to spend some time thinking about what’s important to you. Ideally, you’ll want to combine characters that sound somewhat like your given name and signify values or adjectives that you identify with or would like to manifest for yourself. Of course, this is much easier said than done, but our list of the 100 most common Chinese names above is a great place to start.

4. Consult with native speakers

Asking native speakers for help can be a great way to find name ideas in Chinese. But, whether you decide to come up with the name entirely on your own or seek help, make sure to always confirm with a few native speakers before you settle into your new name. This will help you ensure that your name sounds as natural as possible and also confirm that there aren’t any other meanings or negative connotations that you hadn’t considered.

FAQs about Chinese names

How do you tell first names and last names in Chinese?

In Chinese names, the family name (surname) comes first, followed by the given name. The family name is usually just one syllable, while the given name is typically one or two syllables. For example, in the name "王小明" (wáng xiǎo míng), "王" (wáng) is the surname, and "小明" (xiǎo míng) is the given name.

Are Chinese names gendered?

Yes, Chinese names can be gendered, but not always explicitly. The characters used in given names often have connotations that are considered masculine or feminine. For instance, names containing characters like "芳" (fāng, meaning fragrant) are typically feminine, while names with characters like "刚" (gāng, meaning strong) are usually masculine. However, many names are unisex, depending on the characters used.

Do Chinese people have middle names?

Traditionally, Chinese people don’t have middle names the way Westerners do. The given name consists of one or two characters and is considered a single unit. However, in some families, there is a generational name component shared by all siblings and cousins of the same generation. Although not the same concept as a middle name, this is the closest thing that could resemble it in Chinese names.

Do Chinese women change their names after marriage?

No, Chinese women typically don’t change their surnames after marriage. The practice of keeping one’s maiden name is common and widely accepted in Chinese culture. This tradition emphasizes the importance of one’s lineage and family identity. Both men and women retain their given names and surnames throughout their lives, including after marriage.

It’s a pleasure to meet you!

We’ve covered hundreds of Western names in Chinese along with some of the most common Chinese names out there, so hopefully, you found yours on one of our lists! And if not, then you now have the tools to expertly create your very own Chinese name.

If you enjoyed this guide, make sure to check out the rest of our Chinese blog. We regularly publish tons of helpful guides, like mastering basic Chinese sentence structures and understanding the Chinese New Year.

Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide (2024)
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