Chinese boy names are steeped in history and carry significant meaning. As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its naming traditions. When choosing a name for a newborn, Chinese parents consider various factors, including family heritage, ideals, beliefs, and expectations. Traditionally, Chinese boy names consisted of one syllable, but nowadays, names with two syllables are more popular.
Chinese names comprise a family name (姓, xìng) and a given name (名, míng), written together without a space. The family name, typically one syllable, comes before the given name. When selecting a Chinese name, the sound, meaning, and visual appeal of the characters are considered. Parents may consult fortune tellers or feng shui masters to choose a name that embodies qualities their child may need in the future. Astrological events and zodiac signs at the time of birth can also influence the name, resulting in unique combinations based on the year, month, date, and time of day.
Additionally, birth generation plays a role in naming. Common Chinese names are often middle names, indicating the seniority or juniority of family members, fostering respect within the family. Unlike in some cultures, it is uncommon to name a newborn after an older relative, as it is considered disrespectful.
Meaning is another important factor in choosing a Chinese name. Parents may search for words with meaningful definitions and combine them creatively to create unique, cute, and rare names for their child.
With this understanding of the traditions and factors behind Chinese male names, we have compiled a list of Chinese names for boys, along with their meanings and a brief history of naming in Chinese culture, to provide inspiration and help you find the perfect name for your newborn.
Ai (愛) – love
An (安) – peaceful
Bai (白) – white
Bo (波) – wave
Cai (才) – talented
Chang (昌) – prosperous
Chen (辰) – morning
Cheng (成) – accomplished
Chong (重) – loyal
Cong (聪) – intelligent
Da (大) – big
De (德) – virtue
Dong (东) – east
En (恩) – grace
Fa (发) – prosperity
Fang (方) – square
Feng (风) – wind
Fu (福) – blessing
Gang (刚) – strong
Guo (国) – nation
Hai (海) – sea
Han (寒) – cold
Hao (豪) – brave
He (和) – harmony
Hong (红) – red
Hua (华) – magnificent
Huang (黄) – yellow
Hui (辉) – radiance
Jia (佳) – excellent
Jian (健) – healthy
Jiang (江) – river
Jie (杰) – outstanding
Jin (金) – gold
Jing (静) – calm
Jun (俊) – handsome
Kai (凯) – victory
Kang (康) – healthy
Ke (可) – able
Lei (雷) – thunder
Li (力) – strength
Lian (莲) – lotus
Liang (良) – good
Lin (林) – forest
Liu (流) – flowing
Long (龙) – dragon
Lu (禄) – prosperity
Ming (明) – bright
Nan (南) – south
Ning (宁) – peaceful
Peng (鹏) – majestic
Qi (奇) – strange
Qiang (强) – strong
Qing (清) – clear
Qiu (秋) – autumn
Rui (瑞) – auspicious
Sen (森) – forest
Sheng (胜) – victory
Shi (石) – stone
Shuai (帅) – handsome
Shui (水) – water
Song (松) – pine
Tai (泰) – peaceful
Tian (天) – heaven
Wei (伟) – great
Wen (文) – cultured
Wu (武) – military
Xian (先) – first
Xiang (祥) – auspicious
Xiao (晓) – dawn
Xing (星) – star
Xu (旭) – rising sun
Xue (雪) – snow
Yan (炎) – flame
Yang (阳) – sun
Yao (耀) – brilliant
Yi (义) – righteousness
Ying (英) – hero
Yong (勇) – brave
You (友) – friend
Yu (宇) – universe
Yuan (远) – far
Yue (越) – surpass
Yun (云) – cloud
Zhan (展) – display
Zhang (章) – chapter
Zhao (兆) – omen
Zhen (震) – shock
Zheng (正) – upright
Zhong (忠) – loyal周) – cycle
Zhu (竹) – bamboo
Zhou ((州) – state
Zhi (智) – wisdom
Zhong (中) – middle
Zi (子) – son
Zong (宗) – ancestral