The Library
Chinese names, with the receipts.
Surnames, characters, and given names with meanings, pronunciation, sources, and the practical notes a generator will not give you.
Surnames
Origins, distribution, romanization variants, and example names for common Chinese surnames.
Browse surnames → 02 · CharactersName characters
The characters that actually appear in names, with meanings, tones, and usage notes.
Browse characters → 03 · NamesGiven names
Real and editorial names with sources, sound notes, and suggestions for who they suit.
Browse names → 04 · GuidesPractical guides
How Chinese names work, how to choose one, and the mistakes foreigners make most often.
Read the guides →Featured
Names with a source.
Surnames
Start with the family name.
A Chinese surname is more than a label. It carries a regional history, a set of romanization variants, and a social expectation about how you will be addressed. These profiles explain the basics without turning the page into a genealogy.
Characters
Then the characters.
Most Chinese given names use one or two characters. The character is the smallest unit of meaning, but it is also a sound, a shape, and a social signal. These pages show what each character means, how it is pronounced, and how it is used in names.
How to use the library
Start with a surname if you want a full name. Start with a character if you know the meaning you want. Start with a name if you want to see how the pieces fit together. Every page links back to the Finder and to related pages, so you can move between sound, meaning, and usage without losing your place.
The library is editorially curated. A name marked “Attested” has a documented source; a name marked “Given name” is a curated option without a specific classical citation. We say which is which because the difference matters when someone asks you what your name means.
Read the choosing guide →