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Chinese Naming Culture

By: Samuel Henderson

History:

Ancient Names

  • Xìng: Family/Lineage Name

- Ancient China was matrilineal.

- Often based upon a river near a tribe.

  • Shi: Clan/Branch Names

- Vassals used the name of their territories.

- Officials would use the name of their title.

- Common people did not have a shi.

  • Míng: Given Name

- Only people older than you or of a higher

status would address you by this name.

  • Zi: Given Name/Style Name

- Given at age 20 to men and 15 to woman.

- Used in place of míng to address

someone respectfully.

Present Day Naming Conventions:

Present Day

  • Xìng: Family Name/Surname
  • Míng: First Name/Given Name
  • Family name first and the given name second.
  • Surnames are now patrilineal.
  • Usually have a positive or hopeful meaning for your child. Usually verbally and visually pleasing.
  • Most family names are monosyllabic. Most given names are monosyllabic or disyllabic

Boy/Girl

Names

Interesting facts about Chinese names:

Interesting Facts

  • Top ten Chinese surnames account for a majority of the entire population of China.
  • The top three surnames cover 20% of the Chinese population (Nearly 300 million people).
  • Homogeneity influenced by the largest ethnic group in China being Han Chinese (91% of the population).
  • Woman do not change their names when they marry.

American Names

American Name Differences

  • Very Culturally Diverse

  • Often Influenced by religion

  • Biblical names such as Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Leah, Mary, etc.

  • Influenced by pop culture

Write your Chinese Name:

Activity

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