A five-part series on choosing, understanding, and appreciating Chinese names
Based on official data, meet China's ten most common surnames — Wang, Li, Zhang, Liu, Chen, Yang, Huang, Zhao, Wu and Zhou — their ranking, population size and cultural origins.
Read more →A practical guide to choosing a Chinese name that feels natural — not just a phonetic translation.
Read more →Why the surname comes first, how long names usually are, and the three mistakes overseas readers make most often.
Read more →In Chinese, names often carry a clear gender tint. Here's how to read it — and where the rules break down.
Read more →Chinese has an unusually high number of homophones. A name that looks elegant on paper can sound mortifying when spoken aloud.
Read more →Almost every Chinese person has a small name (小名) used only by family. Understanding this tradition opens a window onto Chinese daily life.
Read more →Apply what you've learned — generate a meaningful Chinese name in seconds.
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