Home / Tips / Facts /

Chinese Names

The names of Chinese people have their own tradition and characteristics. Unlike westerners, the family name in China is put first, followed by the given name. Interestingly a feme covert does not use her husband's family name. The given name usually contains one or two Chinese characters but in order to avoid confusion, newly-born babies are now entitled to be given names of three characters.

Given Name

Chinese names are meant to convey special meaning, with the given names often expressing the best of wishes on the new-born. Some imply the birthplace, birth time or natural phenomenon, like Jing (Beijing), Chen (morning), Dong (winter) and Xue (snow); Some embody the hope of virtue, like Zhong (faithful), Yi (righteous), Li (courteous) and Xin (reliable) while others express the wishes of life, like Jian (health), Shou (longevity), and Fu (happiness).

Family Name

Altogether some 22,000 family names have been used in China but over time, some of them have become reserved and only 3,500 are commonly used nowadays. The most popular three are Li, Wang and Zhang, respectively occupying about 7.9%, 7.4% and 7.1% of the whole Chinese population. There are 270 million Chinese people who own one of these top three surnames.

Among all the family names, 100 common ones cover almost 87% of the total population. Of these, 19 are more popular than others, including Li, Wang, Zhang, Liu, Chen, Yang, Zhao, Huang, Zhou, Wu, Xu, Sun, Hu, Zhu, Gao, Lin, He, Guo and Ma, and represent about half of the whole Chinese people.

Some Chinese have compound surnames, consisting of two characters, like Ou Yang, Tai Shi, Duan Mu, Shang Guan, Si Ma, Dong Fang, Du Gu, Nan Gong, among others. Now there are altogether 81 compound surnames existing in the country.

All Chinese people have equal rights to use their own names, which are legally protected. Generally speaking, a child is always entitled to the surname of his father. However, children nowadays in China do not have to do so; they can adopt that of their mother. Nicknames are often called in their childhood or by their confidants.

Addressing Chinese People

It is considered to be polite and respectful to address a Chinese people by his/her surname, followed by honorific titles like Xian1 Sheng1 (Sir), Nv3 Shi4 (Madam) or the job position. Given names are often called between good friends. Xiao3 Jie3 nowadays is considered to be an offensive way to address young ladies. Below is the general way to address various Chinese people.

English Chinese Pinyin
Mr. Li Li Xian1 Sheng1
Mrs. Wang Wang Nv3 Shi4
Ms. Zhang Zhang Nv3 Shi4
President Xi Xi Zhu3 Xi2
Minister Zhou Zhou Zong3 Li3
Manager Wang Wang Jing1 Li3

- Last updated on Aug. 01, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Chinese Names
Asked by Norbert Mimietz from GERMANY | May. 27, 2023 12:54Reply
Meaning of a name
What means the name yihua Huang. What is family and given name.
Answers (1)
Answered by James | May. 29, 2023 01:12
00Reply


The family name is Huang and the given name is Yihua.
Asked by Chester from BAHRAIN | Feb. 09, 2023 11:22Reply
How do I address a Dr. Tsz Fun Hung?
Answers (1)
Answered by Frank | Feb. 12, 2023 18:23
00Reply


This seems to be a name translated by pronunciation and he or she should have a Chinese name. Just ask. If transting this one into Chinese also by pronunciation, it might be a wrong one.
Asked by Mara from CANADA | Jan. 31, 2023 07:38Reply
Which is the surname and given name of Shuting Guo
I want to send them an email but I don't know what to put since they call me by my given name.
Answers (1)
Answered by Anna | Feb. 05, 2023 19:42
00Reply


The surname is Guo and given name is Shuting.
Asked by ice from PHILIPPINES | May. 19, 2022 03:08Reply
In the name Siew Ling Leong, what is the first name, middle and last name?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jojo | May. 29, 2022 23:01
00Reply


Siew is the family name and Ling Leong is the given name.
Asked by goldminer from INDONESIA | Oct. 25, 2021 16:25Reply
How should I address Guiquan YU, my new business partner
Answers (1)
Answered by Sophia | Nov. 01, 2021 10:45
00Reply


You can write Mr. Yu.
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail