Chinese names. Chinese names are beautiful

Compared to Europeans, the Chinese began using surnames even before our era. Initially, they were peculiar only to the royal family, the aristocracy, but gradually they began to be used. simple people. Some of them have changed over time, while others have remained unchanged.

Origin of surnames

If some nations still do not even have such a concept, then chinese culture On the contrary, he takes this issue very seriously. ancient chinese surnames initial stage had two meanings:

• "sin" (xìng). The concept that was used to define blood relatives, families. Later, a meaning was added to it, indicating the place of origin of the genus. This concept was just used by representatives of the imperial family.
• "shi" (shi). Appeared later and used to show family ties within the whole genus. It was the name of the clan. After a while, it began to denote the similarity of people by occupation.

Over time, these distinctions have faded. Today there are no differences between people, but the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire still carefully treat their family, revere and carefully study it. An interesting fact can be considered what the Koreans use Chinese characters to write their personal names. They adopted them from the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom and Koreanized, for example, Chen.

Meaning of Chinese surnames

Chinese surnames and their meanings are of different origin. They have them a large number of, but only about two dozen are widely distributed. Some are descended from professional activity(Tao is a potter). Part is based on the name of the states-possessions into which China was fragmented in feudal times (Chen), and part bears the name of the ancestor who gave the name to the clan (Yuan). But all the strangers were called Hu. Greater value in the country have names, of which great amount.

Translation

There are many dialects in the country, so the same name can sound completely different. Transliterating it into other languages ​​can change the meaning completely, since most of them do not convey the intonation, which is assigned big role V Chinese. Many languages ​​have developed special transcription systems to somehow unify the spelling and translation of Chinese surnames.

Chinese surnames in Russian

Last names in Chinese are always written first (one syllable), and only then the given name (one or two syllables) is written, since the family comes first for them. In Russian, according to the rules, they are written similarly. The compound name is written together, and not with a hyphen, as it was until recently. In modern Russian, the so-called Palladium system is used, which has been used since the nineteenth century, with the exception of some amendments, to write Chinese surnames in Russian.

Chinese surnames for men

The nicknames of the Chinese do not differ by gender, which cannot be said about the name. In addition to the main name, twenty-year-old boys were given a second name (“zi”). Chinese names and male surnames carry the features that a man should possess:

• Bokin - respect for the winner;
• Guozhi - state order;
• Deming - dignity;
• Zhong - loyal, stable;
• Zian - peaceful;
• Yingji - heroic;
• Kiang - strong;
• Liang - bright;
• Ming - sensitive and wise;
• Rong - military;
• Fa - outstanding;
• Juan - happiness;
• Cheng - achieved;
• Eiguo - a country of love, a patriot;
• Yun - brave;
• Yaozu - honoring ancestors.

Women's

Women in the Celestial Empire leave their own after marriage. The Chinese do not have specific rules that govern when naming a child. Here leading role plays the fantasy of the parents. Chinese names and surnames for women characterize a woman as a gentle creature, full of affection and love:

• Ai - love;
• Venkian - purified;
• Ji - pure;
• Jiao - graceful, beautiful;
• Gia - beautiful;
• Zhilan - rainbow orchid;
• Ki - fine jade;
• Kiaohui - experienced and wise;
• Kiuyu - autumn moon;
• Xiaoli - morning jasmine;
• Xingjuan - grace;
• Lijuan - beautiful, graceful;
• Lihua - beautiful and prosperous;
• Meihui - beautiful wisdom;
• Ningong - calmness;
• Ruolan - like an orchid;
• Ting - graceful;
• Fenfang - fragrant;
• Huizhong - wise and loyal;
• Chenguang - morning, light;
• Shuang - frank, sincere;
• Yui is the moon;
• Yuming - jade brightness;
• Yun - cloud;
• I am elegance.

declination

In Russian, some Chinese surnames are declined. This applies to those that end in a consonant sound. If they have the ending "o" or a soft consonant, then it remains unchanged. It refers to male names. Women's names remain unchanged. All these rules are observed if personal names are used separately. When they are written together, only the last part. Assimilated Chinese personal names will obey the full declension in Russian.

How many surnames in China

It is difficult to determine exactly how many surnames there are in China, but only about a hundred of them are known to be in widespread use. The Celestial Empire is a country with a multi-billion population, but paradoxically, most of its inhabitants have the same last name. According to tradition, the child inherits it from the father, although recently only the son could wear it, the daughter took the mother's. At present, the names of the genus do not change, although at the initial stage, hereditary names could change. This makes life difficult for the official authorities, as it is very difficult to keep records in such circumstances.

An interesting fact, but almost all personal names in Chinese are written in one character, only small part consists of two syllables, for example, Ouyang. Although there may be exceptions: the spelling will consist of three or even four characters. Chinese with the same surname are not considered relatives, but only namesakes, although until recently people were forbidden to marry if they had the same surname. Often a child could be given double - father and mother.

The most common

It may seem funny to some, but just over twenty percent of the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire have three surnames. The most common Chinese surnames are Li, Wang, Zhang, Nguyen. IN modern language even there are stable expressions like “three Zhang, four Li”, which mean “any”. They may have different spellings depending on the transliteration.

Funny Chinese names and surnames

According to pronunciation, many foreign words for someone else's speech, they look, if not funny, then bizarre. Therefore, even the most harmless word in a foreign language can cause laughter in a Russian person. But sometimes the fantasy of parents leads to the fact that in the language itself, names can mean funny, and sometimes just wild things. funny names and Chinese surnames:

• Sun Vyn;
• Sui Taken;
• Chew yourself;
• Get up Sun.

Based on the character traits that they want to see in their daughter. Not only the meaning attributed to words plays a role, but also secret meaning hiding in them. Not surprisingly, choosing a name in China is often compared to an art.

women: history

Those who have an understanding of the history of the state will easily notice the influence historical eras choice of parents. Chinese names for women are directly related to what qualities are most exalted in the country in a particular time period. Submission and beauty are virtues that have been valued in beautiful field. This was also reflected in maiden names. Examples: Jiao (beautiful), Yunru (pretty).

The situation changed slightly with the advent of the 20th century. The formation of the republic was accompanied by a gradual recognition of the role played by the fairer sex in society. Names in Chinese for women have become a reflection of social trends, even containing references to political situation in the country. This was most clearly manifested in the 50-70s, when they liked to call babies in the communist spirit. Examples: Wei Guo (defender of the nation), Ai Dan (loyal to the party).

I finally got the idea of ​​what beautiful Chinese female names, at the end last century. Personality was at the forefront public values relegated to the background.

The influence of traditions on the choice of name

Traditions have been respected in this state for centuries. Not surprisingly, Chinese names for women are often chosen based on the rules that are accepted in the family. Let's say all the relatives who decide what to name the child tend to favor the same topic (precious stones, flowers, weather phenomena). Another example of a common tradition is that babies belonging to the same generation receive the same hieroglyph in their name.

Of particular interest is the custom, which is still practiced by highly educated people. When choosing Chinese female names, such parents use the words of classical poetry. The result is beautiful and original.

Babies born in China get more than just names. Each girl must have an affectionate nickname used only by family members. In most cases this short form official version.

Unique Features

Parents to whom a girl is to be born do not open name books in search of an original and beautiful option. Fantasy is the main tool they use. Mothers and fathers choose Chinese female names for a long time and diligently, the meaning is considered decisive for the fate of their daughter. In this state, there are no generally accepted lists, one of the variants of which can be considered. Absolutely all the words included in the dictionary are at the service of parents.

Interestingly, in ancient times, girls were often called dissonant words, trying in this way to protect babies from insidious spirits. Now it is a relic of the past, the main selection criteria are the ease of sounding, the absence of a negative meaning.

How many parents naming children use Women's names mostly contain one or two. Even in the last century, the second option was more common. The situation has changed somewhat last years, as the inhabitants of the state obeyed the crazy rhythm of life characteristic of the current century. Short versions came into fashion: Li, Xiu, Ji.

Combination of first and last name

If the number of words that can become the basis for the name of the fair sex is not limited by any framework, then with surnames the situation is different. In total, approximately 450 variants are known, most of which include one character: Zhang, Wang, Li.

Chinese names and surnames for women must be perfectly combined - this rule is almost never violated by mothers and fathers. Not surprisingly, marriage is not considered by girls as a reason to change them. However, the heirs almost always receive the father's surname, which parents are guided by when deciding how to name them.

Names that define character

There is a belief in the country that it is possible to influence the fate of a child. Therefore, often fathers and mothers stop at names that give their daughters certain character traits that contribute to good luck and luck.

• Gee. This option is chosen by parents who dream that the newborn baby will be happy throughout her life. The word is translated as "lucky".
• Hu. A popular Chinese name that assigns its owner such traits as love of freedom, activity, independence, striving for a career. Interpretation of the word: "tigress".
• Shuyin. Who doesn't dream of a gifted child? It is for this purpose that the option is chosen, meaning "talent", "gift".
• Shu. Such a choice suggests that the family wants to raise a fair, reasonable girl.

Names associated with beauty

No matter what upheavals fashion experienced, many Chinese female names in Russian still sound like “beauty”. Any variations on this theme are popular in the country.

• Guanghui. A combination of hieroglyphs meaning "brilliant", "irresistible".
• Lijuan. Such a name will make its owner the embodiment of all the most beautiful, translated as "grace", "beauty".
• Meiksiu. Another combination of hieroglyphs that combines the two above meanings.
• Meirong. Ideal choice for couples who want to see their daughter not only beautiful, but also well-mannered.
• Lihua. The name not only endows the girl with charm, but also attracts fortune to her side.

Combinations of hieroglyphs are also in demand, extolling the beauty of nature, the features of the month in which the girl was born. For example, a child born in the spring may be called Chonghua (spring flower), Ehuang stands for "Charm of August".

Gems and female names

Hieroglyphs denoting are also actively used by families considering how to name a newborn. For those who cannot independently come up with beautiful female names related to this topic, a list. Chinese parents often settle on versions such as jin (gold), yubi (emerald), mingzhu (pearl).

Not only single hieroglyphs are used, but also combinations. For example, Liling is interpreted as "jade ringing", Mingyu - as "bright jade".

What is the difference between male and female names traditionally used in China? There are no special endings characteristic of one sex, and there are no declensions. The same hieroglyphs are used, the division is manifested only in the final meaning.

Chinese names. Chinese surnames. The meaning of Chinese names and surnames. The most common first and last names in China. European names at the Chinese. Nice Chinese baby name or nickname.

January 8, 2018 / 05:42 | Varvara Pokrovskaya

The Chinese are the most numerous nation on earth with ancient culture. However, their names - Li Qian, Mao Dun, Huang Bojing - sound exotic to a Russian person. It is also interesting that in China it is customary to change the name during life, due to various important events or life stages. Let's see what is special about Chinese names and how they are translated into Russian.

Chinese surnames, what is special about them

The Chinese began to use surnames even before our era. At first they were only available to members of the royal family and the aristocracy. A little later, ordinary people began to use the surname along with the name, which passed from generation to generation.

Initially, surnames had two meanings: “sin” and “shi”. The first concept was used among close blood relatives. It was only for the highest Chinese nobility and the imperial family. The second concept, shi, was used by ordinary Chinese to designate the whole clan, and even later - for people with the same kind of activity.

In modern China, the list of surnames is very limited. It does not go beyond the “Baytsyasin” table, which means “Hundred Surnames” in translation (although there are actually more than a hundred, but still not so many).

Chinese surnames usually have one syllable. On the letter, they look like one hieroglyph. Their origin is different. So, some went from the type of activity (for example, Tao is a potter), others - from the names of the states that formed the basis modern China(for example, Yuan). But all the foreigners were called Hu.

A woman after marriage often does not take her husband's surname, but leaves her maiden name, or takes double surname own + husband. IN writing it looks like this: maiden name+ husband's surname + proper name.

For example, 李王梅丽. The first character 李 is Li's maiden name, the second, 王, is the surname of Wang's wife, and the last characters are a proper name, which sounds like Meili in Russian (literal translation is "beautiful plum").

Children generally inherit the husband's surname, but not necessarily. They can also be written in the mother's surname.

The most common Chinese surnames

Interestingly, the first two surnames on the list (Li and Wang) are over 350 million Chinese.

Chinese names - Chinese names

The surname and name in China are written together, and in that order - first comes the surname, then the given name. This is all because the Chinese are very sensitive to their ancestors and their own roots. In old chronicles, the surname and first name were recorded with a hyphen, but never separately.

A few decades ago, a child could be called a dissonant, even nasty, including for the Chinese, name. This was done in order to scare away evil spirits. They will think that the family does not like the baby, and will not bother him. We're talking about names like:

• Tedan - iron egg;
• Goshen - the remains of dog food;
• Goudan is the missing dog's egg.

Parents called their children such frightening names that the Chinese government had to issue a separate order according to which the baby should not be given a name with a hieroglyph:

• death;
• dead body;
• excrement;
• debauchery (mistress, seduction, kept woman);
• a curse;
• malice.

Everything has changed these days. But in some places (mainly in the villages) this tradition is preserved in the form of household nicknames or a child's name.

The name of the citizens of the Celestial Empire rarely means an object, it is mainly an epithet. Popular Chinese names are most often two-syllable, i.e. composed of two characters.

Male and female Chinese names do not have grammatical, spelling or other differences. There is a gender division, but it is based on meaning.

For a boy, parents choose a name that symbolizes:

• wealth;
• physical superiority: strength, tall stature, fast reaction;
• character traits: honest, intelligent, diligent, honoring ancestors;
• lofty goals: discoverer, scientist, patriot, gaining greatness;
• nature: honoring the river, the top of the mountain, the wind, the sea;
• ancestors and religious objects: the Yangtze River, the rain (sea) of the elder brother, the golden mirror.

Often the name displays a good parental parting word. It is known that when Yue Fei was born, who later became a general and national hero China, swans sat on the roof of his house. There was a whole flock of them. The boy's mother wished her son to fly just as far and high. It was decided to name the newborn Fey, which means "flight" in translation.

• Parents call the girl a beautiful euphonious name, meaning something beautiful:
• Gemstones: pearl, jasper, refined jade;
• Flowers: morning jasmine, rainbow orchid, small lotus;
• Weather conditions; a little dawn, autumn moon, morning color of the cloud;
• Intellectual abilities: intelligent, clear wisdom, indigo;
• Attractive external data: beautiful and prosperous, charming, graceful;
• Natural objects: Beijing forest, swallow, spring flower, cloud.

Popular male Chinese names

Beautiful Chinese names for girls

Name change

In the Middle Kingdom long years there was a tradition of changing the name upon reaching a certain age.

At birth, the baby was given an official name ("ming") and a child's name ("xiao-ming"). When he went to school baby name was replaced by a student - "xuemin". After passing the exams, a person received another name - "guanming", by which he was addressed at celebrations or important holidays. The representative of the nobility also has "hao" - a nickname.

Most of the names are not currently used in China. Gone are the student's "xueming", the official "guanming". The child's name and nickname is still used.

Features of children's and school names in China

The baby (milk) name is used only by close relatives in the family circle. At will, parents give the newborn, in addition to official first name, one more thing. But this is optional. The dairy name is very similar to our home nickname.

Previously, immediately after the birth of the baby, the father or other relative went to the seer in order to find out the fate of the child. This was especially common in countryside. If she predicted that something threatened the baby in the future, for example, fire, then it was necessary to give a baby name associated with water. Conversely, if fate was destined to be afraid of water, the child received a milky name associated with matches, fire or flame.

Sometimes parents called the child a child's name, often found among the monks. It served as a talisman for him.

Now the milk name, as a rule, emphasizes some individual features, the appearance of the child, contains a parental parting word, or just this beautiful poetic word.

The most beautiful Chinese baby names

• Hun - rainbow;
• Li is a small dragon;
• Chunlin - spring forest;
• Chunguang - spring light;
• Dun is the shield of a warrior.

When the child went to school, the teacher (rarely the parents) gave him the school name. It was used in all documents during its school life. The name most often displayed the intellectual or physical abilities (disadvantages) of the student. Now in China school name not used.

Chinese second name

When a Chinese man enters the marriageable age (20 years for boys and 15-17 years for girls), he receives a middle name (“zi”), by which friends, relatives, and neighbors address him.

Name change is a whole ritual. The guy puts on a hat, stands in front of his father and he names him. Daughters put a hairpin in their hair, and then the name change procedure is the same. Interestingly, the girl changes her name most often during the engagement.

Zi includes two characters, and is based on the name given at birth, complements it. For example, the second name of the great statesman Mao Zedong - Zhunzhi. Both names translate as "beneficial".

Sometimes the middle name means the birth order of the child in the family. Hieroglyphs are used for this:

• Bo - the first;
• Zhong - the second;
• Shu is the third;
• Ji is for all other children.

Beautiful Chinese names (second name)

• Bo Yang;
• Mende;
• Taipai;
• Pengju;
• Kunming;
• Zhongni;
• Zhongda;
• Junzhi;
• Xuande.

Nickname in China

Fine educated people, representatives of the nobility in China still had a hao - nickname. They could choose it themselves. This name was used as a pseudonym, and consisted of three, four or more hieroglyphs. Most often, rare hieroglyphs or the name of the whole city (village, region) where the person was born were chosen. For example, the nickname of the poet Su Shi was Dongpo Jiushi - the name of the mansion in which he lived while in exile.

Hao did not display the first or second name in any way. It's something deeply personal. The nickname is very popular among scientists and writers.

Borrowing names from other languages

Modern parents in China, as well as in any other country, often call their children beautiful, but unusual for cultural tradition country name. This is based on the abbreviated form foreign name. Most often borrowed names:

• Oriental: Amber, Alibey, Mohammed;
• Celtic: Brin, Dylan, Tara;
• French: Olivia, Bruce;
• Slavic: Nadine, Vera, Ivan;
• Indian: Veril, Opal, Uma;
• Italian: Donna, Mia, Bianca;
• Greek: Angel, George, Selena;
• German: Charles, Richard, William.

So if you manage to meet Lee Gabriella or Go Uma, don't be too surprised.

If you are a native of China or move to live in this densely populated country, you should know according to what rule a child is called here, and how. If you just love this culture and want to choose original name child, then this article will simplify your task. In it you will find the most interesting and popular Chinese female names.

The history of the origin of Chinese female names

As a rule, when choosing a name, Chinese families are guided by this order: after the name comes the surname. This is because the Chinese respect their own kind more than individual name. Chinese female names are more a merit of the imagination of the child's parents. The surname has one syllable, while the given name has two.

Interesting. In China, the names are always written in full, they do not have initials.

List of beautiful names for a girl

• Ai - one of the few names starting with the first letter of the alphabet, meaning "love";
• Biyu - means "jasper";
• Venling - marks such gem like refined jade;
• Ven - "processing";
• Ji - marks the girl as "clean";
• Jiya is a female name meaning "beautiful";
• Dayu is another name that marks the black jade gemstone;
• Zhilan - "rainbow orchid";
• Ying - means "smart" or "eagle";
• Kiang - "rose";
• Kiu - marks the colorful season of the year autumn;
• Xiu - "grace";
• Xiaoking - "small blue";
• Lin - again a precious stone - "beautiful jade";
• Lan - flower meaning - "orchid";
• Ling - the meaning of the name "understanding" or "compassionate";
• Lijuan - "beautiful" and "graceful";
• Mei - in honor of the fruit "plum";
• Meiling - translated "beautiful";
• Niu - simply marks the gender of the child - "girl";
• Ning - signifies calmness;
• Peizhi - "admired by the rainbow";
• Row - "gentle";
• Song - in honor coniferous tree, "pine";
• Ting - translated as "graceful";
• Fang - means "aroma";
• Hualing - carries the meaning of "heather";
• Changchang - in translation - "prosperous";
• Shu - the girl is characterized as "fair";
• Yun - has a gentle, "airy" interpretation - "cloud";
• Yuming - translated as "jade brightness";
• Yanu - name from interesting value- "swallowing jade";
• Yangling - created in honor of the "swallow" or "Beijing" forest.

Rare female names of Chinese origin

As a rule, in China, names are associated with the external qualities of a girl. The names of flowers, fruits, and gems are also common.

Among the rare, perhaps long-forgotten Chinese names, the following can be mentioned:

• Aimin - translated " folk love»;
• Xiaoming - marks the "dawn";
• Changchun - translates as " Eternal youth" or "Chinese rose"
• Yulan - personifies the magnolia flower;
• Yuming - in honor of the stone - "bright jade" or "jasper".

Maybe you will like one of these soft sounding rare names. But do not forget that it should be consonant with the surname and patronymic.

Modern and popular names and their meaning

Increasingly, the Chinese themselves are using more modern names for their children.

Popular female names in China in our time are as follows:

• Venkian is an enterprising girl, she easily copes in the areas of commerce and industry. It has strong character often does not feel sorry for himself or others.
• Jieyi - wisdom and intuition are inherent in her. In childhood new material catches on the fly, talented and cheerful. Lives one day, not thinking about the future.
• Zenzen is the meaning of the name "precious". A girl with that name is not a conflict, she is characterized by softness and tactfulness of character. She is advised to avoid quarrels and does not worry about minor little things in life.
• Liling - "beautiful jade bell", as the name is translated. Liling's character is changeable, there is inner and emotional restlessness. Therefore, it is better to avoid conflicts and not attach special importance to various trifles.
• Meihui is a hardworking and balanced person. She expects success in such areas. like science and technology.
• Shuchun - translated as "fair purity". Possesses potential intellect and ability for high development. Shuchun can confidently look for himself among such professions: an inventor, a discoverer of the new and a musician.
• Yanmei is a diligent girl with her "oddities". Prone to analytical thinking, with good intuition. She is subject to such professions as a composer or musician, poet, philosopher or thinker.

Ancient and forgotten names

In ancient times, female children were called dissonant names to protect them from the influence of evil spirits. Therefore they have more complex shape and are not always easy to pronounce.

These names are no longer in use:

• Goudan - translated as "lost dog's egg";
• Goshen - a name with a very unpleasant meaning "dog food leftovers";
• Tedan - "iron egg".

Important! These names and a number of other meanings were banned in China, as they carried a negative meaning. Today it is customary to choose only positively-minded names.

Choose a name for your child in accordance with what you want him to wish in life - a character trait or a way of thinking. After all, the name has a strong power over the fate, character and abilities of a person, which means that it affects the realization of him as a person, success and personal happiness.