Refer China: Have You Chosen a Chinese Name& Why You Picked Those Characters?

What's your story?

Have You Chosen a Chinese Name & Why You Picked Those Characters?

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Have you ever thought about choosing a Chinese name for yourself?

If you've been living in China for a few years—say, three or more—you might have considered it, or perhaps someone has even offered one to you. For some, it happens casually over dinner with friends; for others, it's a decision made after deep reflection. Either way, it often sparks a bigger question: Why those particular characters?

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At the recent 2nd World Conference on China Studies held in Shanghai, nearly 500 scholars and professionals from around the world gathered to exchange ideas on China's past and present. In quieter moments, many also shared the stories behind their Chinese names—offering fascinating glimpses into personal identity, cultural connection, and linguistic creativity.

A Name With Meaning

Names are never just names in Chinese. Each character carries not just sound but symbolism. For many foreigners living in China long-term, choosing a Chinese name becomes a personal journey—one of cultural participation, self-expression, and sometimes even belonging.

Professor Atiqul, an associate professor at East China Normal University, goes by the name 兰天 (Lán Tiān). While the character 兰 usually means "orchid," the name is pronounced the same as 蓝天, meaning "blue sky." His reasoning? "The sky belongs to everyone," he said. "And so does my heart." His name isn't just poetic—it reflects an openness of spirit and an inclusive worldview.

Mentorship and Legacy

Sometimes, names come as gifts from teachers or mentors. Hassan, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Egypt's Suez Canal University, received the name 大海 (Dà Hǎi, "ocean" or "big sea") while studying at Peking University. His Canadian classmate was affectionately called 大山 (Dà Shān, "big mountain"). Years later, Hassan passed that tradition on, naming one of his own students 大洋(Dà Yáng—the open sea). It's a beautiful example of how a name can carry a legacy, bridging generations and continents.

Blending Sound and Symbol

Some names blend sound with meaning in clever ways. Harold, an Australian business executive, chose 魏华德 (Wèi Huá Dé), a name that combines a phonetically similar surname with characters meaning "China (Huá)" and "virtue (Dé)." "We kept it to three characters," he explained, "because that feels more traditionally Chinese—and it works well in business settings."

More Than Just a Nickname

Early on, many foreigners opted for transliterations—names that sounded like their originals, like the famed historian 费正清 (John Fairbank). But today, many expats prefer names that "sound Chinese," like 李华, the equivalent of "John Smith" in Mandarin. The goal? To blend in naturally at work or on social occasions, without a name that shouts "foreignness."

Some even go further by choosing a Chinese surname, which can suggest a deeper understanding—or at least curiosity—about family, lineage, and social nuance in Chinese culture. Director of Asian Affairs Committee of CARI, Jorge E. Malena, selected the surname 马 (Mǎ), both because it resembles his original name and because it's a strong, recognizable Chinese surname.

What's Your Story?

Choosing a Chinese name isn't required—and it's certainly not for everyone. But for many long-term expats, it becomes a meaningful part of their experience in China: a gesture of curiosity, a reflection of identity, or simply a way to connect more deeply with people around them.

Whether you've already chosen a name, are still considering it, or prefer to stick with your original one, the stories behind these names are as diverse as the people who carry them. So—what's your story?

Source: CHINA DAILY