Selecting Names for Chinese Babies

How do the Chinese name their baby boys and girls? There are a number of methods. The most common one is based on the aspiration of their parents. As the name stays with the person throughout his life, it serves to remind him of what his parents expect of him.

Generally speaking, these aspirations can usually be classified into six categories. They are moral accomplishments, intelligence and scholarly achievements, health and beauty, wealth and position, safe and smooth life and independence and willpower.

Some parents choose names based on the seniority of the brothers and sisters. There is a cherished tradition among some Chinese families, who have their own unique procedure for naming their children -- one that has been handed down through the generations. A new baby is named according to a set of rules that has been defined by the family's ancestors.

A different naming convention is to draw on historical events or to memorialize national events in Chinese history.

Finally, there is a method that is related to astrology. The child can be named based on his time, month of season of birth, or based on the child抯 birth year animal signs. It can also be based on the Five Elements.

Since parents are likely to have different aspirations for their sons and daughters, there are further refinement to the technique of naming Chinese baby boys and Chinese baby girls.

A good man is expected to have good moral character and to devote himself to his country and people. He should be healthy, ambitious, firm, have wisdom and ability and bring honor to the family.A good man will possess a character that is above reproach, and will be dedicated to his family and his homeland. He should possess good health, strong ambition, a firm stance, and a powerful sense of honor that he brings to the family.

For this reason, baby boys may be named in a manner that honors a specific ancestor and promotes the continuance of family business, as well as tradition. This can also include having high hopes, a strong character, a tremendous power of will and determination, a good sense of responsibility, physical strength and vitality, an open mind, great intelligence, and the willingness to be of service to the country and its citizens.

How do the Chinese name their baby girls? Their parents' hopes include being a loving and devoted child, being virtuous, and staying chaste. They should care deeply for their siblings, tend to the needs of their family, and keep house in a way they can be proud of. They should possess an innate beauty and intellect, while demonstrating grace and an ability to get along well with others.

As such the method of naming baby girls includes those that promote feminine values such as virtue and tenderness, feminine beauty, intelligence and wits, grace and elegance.

Now you know!