Choosing a Chinese Name ： 10 Popular Male Names in China

Choosing a name in China is a meaningful tradition, as names often reflect deep cultural significance and the aspirations parents hold for their children.

Last week, we explored 10 beautiful female names, now let's dive into some of the most popular male names in China and uncover their meanings.

Gender Differences

in Chinese Names

              

In Chinese culture, the process of choosing names for boys and girls often follows distinct traditions and considerations. Here are some key points:

‍01. Masculine vs. Feminine Characters

Boy names in Chinese often feature characters that convey strength, power, or virtue. In contrast, girl names tend to include graceful, elegant, or nature-inspired characters.

男孩名字

nánhái míngzi

a name given to a boy

Here are some characters commonly used for male names:

• 勇 (yǒng) – brave;

• 强 (qiáng) – strong;

• 豪 (háo) – heroic, grand;

• 龙 (lóng) – dragon, symbolizing power;

• 杰 (jié) – outstanding, remarkable.

  ‍

02. Double Characters vs. Single Characters

👧 Traditionally, girls' names are more likely to use reduplicated characters, reflecting beauty and elegance:

• 丽丽 Lìlì

• 婷婷 Tíngtíng

  ‍

👦 On the other hand, boy names are often single-character or two-character names that convey strength and depth.

10 Male Names

and Their Meanings

              

If you're searching for a meaningful Chinese name for your newborn son, or want to craft a cool Chinese name for yourself, check out these top picks:

01. 伟杰 Weijie

伟杰 Wěijié suggests someone who is a great person or leader, outstanding in their abilities and accomplishments.

• 伟 (wěi) - great

• 杰 (jié) - outstanding; heroic

  
  

02. 天宇 Tianyu‍

天宇 Tiānyǔ symbolizes a person with lofty aspirations and a wide, visionary view of the world.

• 天 (tiān) - heaven; sky

• 宇 (yǔ) - universe; space

  
  

03. 浩然 Haoran

浩然 Hàorán implies a person with great strength and character, someone who is both vast in influence and virtuous.

• 浩 (hào) - vast; grand; immense

• 然 (rán) - correct; natural; right

  
  

04.  梓轩 Zixuan

梓轩 Zǐxuān combines natural strength and beauty, suggesting someone who is both resilient and refined.

• 梓 (zǐ) - a tree known for its strong wood,

  ‍symbolizing resilience and growth.

• 轩 (xuān) - pavilion; aesthetic

  
  

05.  明浩 Minghao‍‍‍‍‍

明浩 Mínghào implies a person who is both intellectually sharp and capable of achieving grand things.‍

• 明 (míng) - bright; intelligent

• 浩 (hào) - immense; great

  
  

06.  伟龙 Weilong‍

伟龙 Wěilóng, which translates to "great dragon", symbolizes someone with great potential, strength, and influence, as well as the wisdom and power of a dragon.

• 伟 (wěi) - great; grand

• 龙 (lóng) "dragon," a symbol of strength, power, and good fortune

  
  

07.  博文 Bowen

博文 Bówén translates to "broad knowledge". This name suggests someone who is well-read, intelligent, and cultured, with a wide range of knowledge and interests.‍

• 博 (bó) - broad; knowledgeable

• 文 (wén) - literature, culture, or refinement.

  
  

08.  力威 Liwei‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

力威 Lìwēi symbolizes a person who is not only strong and capable but also carries a sense of authority and respect.
‍

• 力 (lì) - power; strength

• 威 (wēi) - imposing; majestic

  
  

09.  康瑞 Kangrui

康瑞 Kāngruì embodies a person who is not only blessed with good health and vitality but also attracts good luck and positive outcomes.
‍

• 康 (kāng) - healthy; well-being

• 瑞 (ruì) - auspicious; lucky

  
  

10.  俊朗 Junlang

俊朗 Jùnlǎng suggests a person who is not only physically attractive but also has a bright, clear, and vibrant personality.

• 俊 (jùn) - handsome; talented

• 朗 (lǎng) - bright; radiant

  ‍

 BONUS 

Take It Further

Here are four famous male Chinese people, their names in Chinese, and the meanings behind their names:

✨ Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan is a legendary actor, martial artist, and film producer, known worldwide for his unique blend of comedy and action in films.

成龙

Chéng Lóng

Jackie Chan

// Picture source: 百度百科‍

ABOUT THE NAME ‍

• 成 (chéng) - to succeed

• 龙 (lóng) - dragon

  ‍

✨ Jay Chou

Jay Chou (周杰伦 Zhōu Jiélún) is a Taiwanese singer, songwriter, and music producer. His poetic lyrics and unique style have made him a cultural icon across Asia and beyond.

周杰伦

Zhōu Jiélún

Jay Chou

// Picture source: 百度百科

ABOUT THE NAME

• 周 (zhōu) - circumference; around

• 杰 (jié) - outstanding; heroic

• 伦 (lún) - ethic; order

  ‍

✨ Jet Li

李连杰 (Lǐ Liánjié) - a renowned martial artist and actor, famous for his roles in action films such as "Hero" and "The Forbidden Kingdom".

李连杰

Lǐ Liánjié

Jet Li

// Picture source: 百度百科

ABOUT THE NAME

• 李 (lǐ) - plum; a common surname in China,

  ‍symbolizing beauty and resilience

• 连 (lián) - to connect; to link

• 杰 (jié) - outstanding; heroic

  
  

  
  

✨ Wong Kar-wai

Wong Kar-wai is a highly influential and renowned film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his famous works like "In the Mood for Love" and "Blossoms Shanghai".

王家卫

Wáng Jiāwèi

Wong Kar-wai

// Picture source: 百度百科

ABOUT THE NAME

• 王 (wáng) - king

• 家 (jiā) - family; home

• 卫 (wèi) - to guard; to defend

Practice with Teachers

              

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