100+ Best Chinese Names with Meanings: Boy & Girl List

My phone buzzed late one Tuesday. It was Dave, my college roommate, and he sounded like he was about to hyperventilate. He and his wife had just finalized the adoption of a baby girl from Hunan, and the reality of the paperwork had hit him. They needed a middle name. Not just any placeholder, but something that honored her roots without sounding ridiculous.

“Man,” he stammered, “I don’t want to accidentally name her ‘Fried Rice’ or ‘Walking Disaster.’ I need something with weight.”

I laughed, but I felt for him.

Naming a kid is terrifying. Naming a kid in a language built on thousands of years of history, where a single wrong tone turns “Mother” into “Horse”? That’s a nightmare waiting to happen. I grew up watching my uncles fight over baby names like they were generals planning a siege. They’d break out the almanacs, count brush strokes, and argue about elemental balance until 3 AM. To them, a name wasn’t just a label on a birth certificate; it was a prophecy.

If you’re scouring the internet for the Best Chinese Names with Meanings, you aren’t looking for a sticker to slap on a file. You want an identity. Maybe you’re digging into your own ancestry, naming a mixed-race child, or fleshing out a protagonist for your novel. Whatever brought you here, I’ve got you. This isn’t just a list; it’s a survival guide to picking a name without embarrassing yourself.

Also Read: Best Black Cat Names with Meanings and Best Russian Names with Meanings

Key Takeaways

• Context is Everything: A character might look artistic on paper but sound like a slur if you mess up the tones.
• The Gender Divide: Boys traditionally get names filled with strength and geography; girls get nature and virtue (though we’re seeing some cool shifts here).
• The “Generation” Rule: In many clans, every kid in a generation shares a middle character—like a built-in family ID badge.
• Astrology isn’t Optional: Parents often check the Lunar calendar to balance the “Five Elements” (Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). If your kid lacks fire, you put it in the name.
• Dodge the Weirdness: Just because a character means “Hero” doesn’t mean it’s usable. It might be archaic, arrogant, or carry bad historical mojo.

Why Does This Feel So Heavy?

When you pick an English name, you usually go with a vibe. “Liam” sounds sturdy. “Emma” sounds sweet. You don’t overthink it. In Chinese culture, a name—Mingzi—carries the family’s reputation.

My grandfather used to tell me that a lousy name could cap a child’s potential, while a strong one gave them a running start. Talk about pressure.

Most names hit a three-beat rhythm. First character? Surname. The next two? The given name. You’ll see two-character names occasionally (Surname + Name), but the three-character structure is the classic heartbeat of the culture.

Is it really just about the sound?

No. It is 100% about the visual. This is the trap. You hear “Li” and think it sounds nice. But which “Li”?

• Li (丽): Beautiful.
• Li (梨): Pear.
• Li (力): Power.
• Li (利): Profit.

Same sound, totally different life path. You don’t name a kid “Profit” unless you want them to be an investment banker (or a villain). When you hunt for the Best Chinese Names with Meanings, you are painting a picture. “Yu Yan” (Language of Jade) isn’t just a name; it implies the person speaks with value, grace, and weight. You are describing their soul.

Navigating the Gender Minefield

This is where Dave hit a wall. He wanted a “strong” name for his daughter, not just “pretty flower.” The West is embracing gender-neutral names, and China is catching up, but the traditional lanes are still pretty marked.

Boy names tend to be broad and sweeping. They invoke mountains, oceans, military rank, and stiff moral backbones. You see guys named Wei (Greatness), Qiang (Strong), and Chen (Dawn).

Girl names have historically leaned into elegance—florals, gems, virtues. Mei (Beautiful), Lan (Orchid), Zhen (Precious).

But don’t feel boxed in. Modern parents are mixing the palette. I have a cousin named Jing (Quiet/Peaceful). Fits a boy, fits a girl. Intellectual names—ones focused on wisdom—often slide across gender lines without a hitch.

The Boy List: Strength, Honor, and Brains

Let’s break this down so your eyes don’t glaze over. I’ve sorted these by the energy they bring to the room.

The “Commanding Presence” Collection

These are for when you want the kid to have some swagger. These names carry heavy, masculine energy.

1. Wei (伟): Great; Extraordinary. It’s the “John” of China. Solid, reliable.
2. Jun (俊): Handsome; Talented. Implies he’s got the looks and the skills.
3. Qiang (强): Strong. It’s not subtle, but it gets the job done.
4. Jian (建): To build. often used for boys born when dad finally started that business.
5. Ming (明): Bright. A smart kid with a bright future.
6. Yi (义): Righteousness. Old school Confucian virtue.
7. Yong (勇): Brave.
8. Zhen (震): Shock. Like “He who shakes the world.”
9. Hao (豪): Grand; Heroic.
10. Zhi (志): Ambition.

The “Scholar” List

I love these. They sound sophisticated, like the kid is destined to wear a tweed jacket and solve complex equations.

11. Bo (博): Abundant knowledge.
12. Wen (文): Culture; Writing. The pen is mightier than the sword vibe.
13. Zhe (哲): Wise; Philosophical.
14. Xue (学): To study.
15. Lin (林): Forest. Represents a growing abundance of wisdom.
16. Yu (宇): The Universe. Big thinker energy.
17. Cheng (诚): Sincere; Honest.
18. Rui (瑞): Auspicious.
19. Hui (辉): Splendor.
20. Kai (凯): Victory.

Modern Favorites (The Cool Kids)

Walk into a tech startup in Shenzhen or a coffee bar in Shanghai, and you’ll hear these. They feel lighter, faster.

21. Chen (晨): Dawn.
22. Yang (阳): Sun; Positive energy.
23. Jie (杰): Heroic.
24. Feng (风): Wind. Freedom and speed.
25. Tian (天): Sky.
26. Long (龙): Dragon. The ultimate power move.
27. Tao (涛): Big waves.
28. Bin (彬): Polite and refined.
29. Xin (新): New.
30. Le (乐): Joy.

(We’re just warming up. Hang tight, we’ll get to the combinations soon.)

The Girl List: Poetry and Power

My mother’s name uses the character for “Snow.” She always told me it was because she was born during a freak flurry. It gave her a story before she could even speak.

Nature and Beauty

Traditional? Yes. Timeless? Absolutely.

31. Mei (美): Beautiful. The gold standard.
32. Hua (花): Flower.
33. Lan (兰): Orchid. Classy, noble, elegant.
34. Li (丽): Pretty.
35. Xue (雪): Snow. Cold, pure beauty.
36. Yue (月): Moon. Mysterious and feminine.
37. Yun (云): Cloud. Free-spirited.
38. Yu (雨): Rain. Often used for rainy-day babies.
39. Fang (芳): Fragrant.
40. Lian (莲): Lotus. Rising purely out of the mud.

Grace and Virtue

These focus on the inner game.

41. Zhen (珍): Treasure.
42. Ai (爱): Love.
43. Hui (慧): Wisdom. (Note: Different character from the boy’s Hui).
44. Jing (静): Serenity.
45. Shu (淑): Virtuous and charming.
46. Ya (雅): Elegant.
47. Xin (心): Heart.
48. Yi (怡): Harmony and joy.
49. Ting (婷): Graceful.
50. Min (敏): Quick-witted.

Chic and Modern

Younger parents are loving these catchy, unique vibes.

51. Ran (然): Correct; Promising.
52. Zi (紫): Purple. The color of royalty.
53. Han (涵): Inner substance. Deep water.
54. Ying (颖): Gifted.
55. Na (娜): Graceful. (Great for translating names like “Anna”).
56. Fei (菲): Luxuriant.
57. Ling (灵): Spirit; Spark.
58. Qing (晴): Clear skies.
59. Xuan (萱): Daylily.
60. Wen (雯): Cloud patterns.

Can Nature Do the Heavy Lifting?

Absolutely. Nature names are the safest bet for non-native speakers because the imagery works everywhere. You don’t need a degree in ancient literature to understand what “Mountain” implies. It implies you don’t move when things get hard.

I remember hiking Huangshan with a buddy named Shan (Mountain). Every time we hit a peak, he’d grin and say, “I’m home!” Corny? Yes. But nature names ground you.

The Seasonal Hack

The Chinese calendar is agrarian. Life revolves around the harvest. Naming a kid after their birth season is a classic cheat code for a meaningful name.

• Spring (Chun – 春): Renewal.
  • Chun Hua (Spring Flower)
  • Chun Yu (Spring Rain)
• Summer (Xia – 夏): Passion.
  • Xia Lin (Summer Forest)
  • Xia He (Summer Lotus)
• Autumn (Qiu – 秋): Abundance.
  • Qiu Yue (Autumn Moon – super romantic).
  • Qiu Feng (Autumn Wind)
• Winter (Dong – 冬): Resilience.
  • Dong Mei (Winter Plum Blossom – it blooms in the snow).

The Zodiac Factor: The Secret Sauce

You can’t talk about Best Chinese Names with Meanings and ignore the Zodiac. This is the layer most Western guides skip.

Every year is an animal, and every year has an element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).

If your baby is a Tiger, you might want a name with “Forest” radicals (tigers like woods). You avoid “Fire” (tigers don’t like getting burned) or “Snake” (bad vibes).

Quick Zodiac Cheat Sheet:

• Rat: Loves grain (prosperity) and night. Names with “Rice” or “Dark” radicals rock.
• Ox: Loves grass and water. Avoid “Sun” (oxen hate working in the heat).
• Tiger: Give them mountains and woods.
• Rabbit: Loves grass and grain.
• Dragon: Loves water and clouds. Names like Yun (Cloud) or Hai (Ocean) power them up.

The Builder’s Kit: 500+ Characters to Mix and Match

Chinese names are Lego sets. You take individual characters and snap them together. Here is your inventory, sorted by element.

Gold/Metal (Strength, Determination)

Use these if the baby’s chart lacks “Metal” or you want a sharp, decisive edge.

101. Jin (金): Gold.
102. Gang (钢): Steel.
103. Tie (铁): Iron.
104. Feng (锋): Spear tip.
105. Jian (剑): Sword.
106. Zhong (钟): Bell.
107. Ming (铭): Inscription.
108. Zheng (铮): The clang of metal.
109. Yin (银): Silver.
110. Rui (锐): Sharp.
111. Zhen (镇): Town / Suppress.
112. Duo (铎): Large bell.
113. Kai (铠): Armor.
114. Lian (链): Chain.
115. Xiu (修): Repair/Cultivate.
116. Chao (钞): Banknote.
117. Qin (钦): Respect.
118. Jun (钧): Weight.
119. Yu (钰): Precious metal.
120. Zuan (钻): Diamond.

Wood (Growth, Creativity)

121. Sen (森): Forest (literally three trees).
122. Lin (林): Woods.
123. Shu (树): Tree.
124. Ben (本): Root.
125. Song (松): Pine (longevity).
126. Bai (柏): Cypress.
127. Liu (柳): Willow.
128. Tao (桃): Peach.
129. Li (李): Plum.
130. Guo (果): Fruit.
131. Ye (叶): Leaf.
132. Gen (根): Root.
133. Zhu (竹): Bamboo (Integrity).
134. Hua (桦): Birch.
135. Nan (楠): Cedar.
136. Tong (桐): Paulownia.
137. Sang (桑): Mulberry.
138. Zhi (植): Plant.
139. Cai (材): Timber/Talent.
140. Feng (枫): Maple.

Water (Wisdom, Flow)

141. Hai (海): Sea.
142. Jiang (江): River.
143. He (河): River.
144. Hu (湖): Lake.
145. Yang (洋): Ocean.
146. Bo (波): Wave.
147. Lang (浪): Billow.
148. Xi (溪): Creek.
149. Quan (泉): Spring.
150. Bing (冰): Ice.
151. Shuang (霜): Frost.
152. Lu (露): Dew.
153. Wu (雾): Fog.
154. Lei (雷): Thunder.
155. Lin (霖): Continuous rain.
156. Ze (泽): Marsh.
157. Chi (池): Pond.
158. Zhou (洲): Islet.
159. Chun (淳): Pure.
160. Han (寒): Cold.

Fire (Passion, Energy)

161. Yan (炎): Flame.
162. Huo (火): Fire.
163. Can (灿): Brilliant.
164. Lan (烂): Bright.
165. Ling (灵): Spirit.
166. Wei (炜): Glowing.
167. Xuan (炫): Dazzling.
168. Ye (烨): Blaze.
169. Zhao (照): Illuminate.
170. Xi (熙): Prosperous brightness.
171. Ran (燃): Ignite.
172. Shao (烧): Burn.
173. Deng (灯): Lamp.
174. Huan (焕): Glowing.
175. Ju (炬): Torch.
176. Lian (炼): Smelt/Refine.
177. Shuo (烁): Twinkling.
178. Jiong (炯): Bright eyes.
179. Bing (炳): Luminous.
180. Yu (煜): Shining.

Earth (Stability)

181. Tu (土): Earth.
182. Shan (山): Mountain.
183. Feng (峰): Peak.
184. Yan (岩): Rock.
185. Lei (磊): Honest pile of stones.
186. Shi (石): Stone.
187. Di (地): Ground.
188. Kun (坤): Earth Trigram.
189. Cheng (城): City.
190. Yuan (园): Garden.
191. Tang (堂): Hall.
192. Jian (坚): Solid.
193. Ji (基): Foundation.
194. Pei (培): Cultivate.
195. Yao (尧): Eminent.
196. Yu (域): Territory.
197. Ta (塔): Pagoda.
198. Mo (墨): Ink.
199. Bi (壁): Wall.
200. Yong (墉): Fortified wall.

(Pro tip: Don’t mix Fire and Water unless you really know what you’re doing. They clash. But Water and Wood? That’s nourishment.)

The “Generation Name” Thing

People always ask me, “Why do all your cousins have ‘Wen’ in their names?”

That’s the Ban Bei (Generation Name).

Old school families have a poem written by an ancestor. Each word in the poem belongs to a generation. If your generation is the 5th word, say “De” (Virtue), then you and every single one of your male cousins are “Surname – De – Name.”

My buddy Alex is in the “Zhen” generation. His brother is Zhen-Wei, his cousin is Zhen-Hua. It’s like a built-in family tree tracker.

Is it dead? In the mainland? It faded a bit with the One-Child Policy. But in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and here in the US diaspora? It’s alive and kicking. It keeps the clan connected.

How to Avoid Branding Your Kid with Bad Luck

I have a horror story. A guy I knew in study abroad wanted a Chinese name. He liked spicy food, so he picked “La.” He liked being handy, so he picked “Shou.”

He named himself “La Shou.” He thought it meant “Spicy Hand.” To every local he met, it sounded suspiciously like “Cruel Hand” or “Killer.” He introduced himself as a violent criminal for three months before a dumpling lady finally took pity on him.

The Homophone Trap

• Si (4th tone) = Four.
• Si (3rd tone) = Death. This is why you don’t see many names with “Si.” It’s too close for comfort.

The Ego Trap Don’t name your kid Huang Di (Emperor) or Tian (Heaven). It’s arrogant. It’s like naming your baby “God.” Tradition says the name is too heavy for a mortal to carry, and it invites bad luck to knock them down a peg. Stay humble.

Pronunciation: Don’t Butcher It

You picked the Best Chinese Name, but if you mangle the sound, the meaning dies.

We use Pinyin. Here are the ankle-breakers for English speakers:

1. Q: It’s NOT “Kw.” It’s a “Ch” sound.
   • Qin = “Cheen”
2. X: It’s a soft “sh.”
   • Xiu = “She-oh”
3. Zh: A mix of “J” and “Dr.”
   • Zhang = “Jang” (but softer).
4. C: It’s a “ts” sound.
   • Cai = “Ts-eye”

Practice. Don’t be the guy calling his friend “Chee” when his name is “Kai.”

The Crossover: Names that Work Everywhere

We live globally now. You want a name Grandma in Beijing can say and the barista in Seattle can spell.

Here are the heavy hitters for bilingual families:

• May / Mei: Seamless.
• Lee / Li: The ultimate crossover.
• Ray / Rui: Rui means auspicious. Ray is light. Perfect match.
• Kay / Kai: Kai means victory. Huge in the US right now.
• Ann / An: An means peace.
• Jay / Jie: Jie is a hero.
• Lin / Lynn: Lin is forest.
• Fan / Van: Fan can mean sail.
• Winn / Wen: Wen is culture.

My Advice: Don’t force a hybrid if it feels clunky. If you love a Chinese name that’s hard for English speakers (like Qing), use it, and give them a nickname. Better to have two great names than one weird one.

The Master List: Rapid Fire Combos

Let’s get you over the finish line. These are two-character combos ready to go.

Celestial & Astronomy

201. Xing Chen: Stardust.
202. Yu Hang: Space flight.
203. Hao Yu: Vast universe.
204. Ri Xin: Renew daily.
205. Yue Liang: Moon bright.
206. Chen Xi: Morning sunlight.
207. Bei Dou: Big Dipper.
208. Tian You: Heaven bless.
209. Tian Hao: Sky vast.
210. Yun Fan: Cloud sail (Ambition).

Art & Music

211. Shi Han: Poetic soul.
212. Yue Er: Music child.
213. Hua Cai: Painting color.
214. Yi Mou: Artistic strategy.
215. Wen Xuan: Literary heights.
216. Zi Hua: Purple painting.
217. Mo Ran: Ink vibe.
218. Qin Yu: Zither language.
219. Sheng Yue: Sound of music.
220. Ya Ge: Elegant song.

Virtue (Boys)

221. De Ming: Bright virtue.
222. Ren Jie: Benevolent hero.
223. Zhong Yi: Loyalty.
224. Cheng Xin: Sincere heart.
225. Li Ren: Polite man.
226. Xiao Long: Filial dragon.
227. Zheng Hao: Upright.
228. Xin Yu: Trustworthy reputation.
229. Bo Wen: Cultured.
230. Zhi Yuan: Far-reaching ambition.

Floral (Girls)

231. Mei Ling: Beautiful spirit.
232. Xue Hua: Snow flower.
233. Yu Lan: Jade orchid.
234. Zi Xuan: Purple daylily.
235. Xiao Hui: Morning wisdom.
236. Jia Yi: Good & beautiful.
237. Meng Jie: Dream pure.
238. Si Yu: Thinking rain.
239. Wan Ting: Gentle grace.
240. Pei Shan: Admiring coral.

Wealth

241. Fu Gui: Riches (Old school).
242. Jin Cheng: Gold city.
243. Xing Wang: Prospering.
244. Jia Hao: Family grandeur.
245. Hong Yun: Big luck.
246. Chang Sheng: Long victory.
247. Yong Chang: Forever prosperous.
248. Bao Yu: Precious jade.
249. Jin Long: Golden dragon.
250. Cai Xia: Rosy clouds (Good fortune).

A-L Quick List

251. An Bang: Safety of country.
252. An Di: Peaceful enlightenment.
253. An Qi: Peaceful angel.
254. Ao Tian: Proud sky.
255. Ai Lin: Love forest.
256. Bai Yun: White cloud.
257. Bao Guo: Protect country.
258. Bi Yu: Jade.
259. Bo Tao: Broad waves.
260. Bing Wen: Bright culture.
261. Cai Hong: Rainbow.
262. Chang Ming: Forever bright.
263. Chen Lei: Morning thunder.
264. Chun Mei: Spring plum.
265. Cong Ming: Smart.
266. Da Wei: Greatness.
267. Dan Dan: Sincere.
268. Dong Hai: East sea.
269. De Hua: Virtuous splendor.
270. Ding Bang: Stabilize country.
271. Fang Hua: Fragrant flower.
272. Fei Hong: Flying goose.
273. Feng Mian: Sleeping in maple.
274. Fu Ming: Lucky bright.
275. Fang Fei: Luxuriant fragrance.
276. Gang Qiang: Steel strong.
277. Guang Hui: Radiance.
278. Guo Hua: National glory.
279. Guo Liang: Pillar of state.
280. Gui Ying: Laurel hero.
281. Hai Tao: Ocean waves.
282. Hao Ran: Vast righteousness.
283. Hong Wei: Great magnificence.
284. Hua Ling: Flower spirit.
285. Hui Fen: Wise fragrance.
286. Jia Bao: Family treasure.
287. Jian Guo: Build country.
288. Jin Hai: Golden sea.
289. Jing Yi: Quiet joy.
290. Jun Jie: Outstanding.
291. Kai Ming: Open brightness.
292. Kang Le: Healthy happy.
293. Ke Xing: Overcoming star.
294. Kun Peng: Mythical bird.
295. Kai Wen: Open culture.
296. Lei Lei: Honest stones.
297. Li Hua: Pear blossom.
298. Liang Wei: Good greatness.
299. Ling Yun: Reach clouds.
300. Long Wei: Dragon greatness.

The Final Word

We’ve covered a ton of ground here—from the heavy hitters like Wei to the elemental forces of Huo and Shui.

Picking from the Best Chinese Names with Meanings is an act of curation. You’re taking centuries of history and distilling it down to two syllables that will define a human life.

When Dave finally picked a name for his daughter, he settled on Li-Na (Li for beautiful strength, Na for grace). It wasn’t the rarest name in the book. It wasn’t the most “ancient.” But when he held her and whispered it, it sounded like her. And really, that’s the only meaning that counts.

Take your time. Read the list. Say them out loud. When you find the one that makes you smile, stop looking. You found it.

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