Choosing a name for your child is an important decision that carries a lot of weight.
In Chinese culture, names hold significant meaning and are believed to shape a person’s destiny.
Chinese girl names, in particular, are rich in symbolism and reflect the values and aspirations of the parents.
In this article, we will explore the meanings and characters behind Chinese girl names, providing you with insights into this fascinating aspect of Chinese culture.
Table of Contents
Chinese Girl Names and Meanings
Chinese Girl Names and Meanings
- Li – Jasmine
- Hua – Flower
- Ming – Bright
- Yue – Moon
- Lan – Orchid
- Qi – Fine Jade
- Xiu – Elegant
- Jing – Quiet, Gentle
- Fen – Fragrance
- Xia – Glow of the sunrise
Chinese Girl Names with Characters
Chinese Girl Names with Characters
- 玲 (Ling) – Tinkling of jade
- 晴 (Qing) – Clear, Bright
- 婷 (Ting) – Graceful
- 霞 (Xia) – Rosy clouds
- 玉 (Yu) – Jade
- 莲 (Lian) – Lotus
- 映 (Ying) – Reflect
- 娟 (Juan) – Graceful
- 丽 (Li) – Beautiful
- 美 (Mei) – Beautiful
Chinese Girl Names with Mei
Chinese Girl Names with Mei
- Mei – Beautiful
- Meiling – Beautiful and delicate
- Meihua – Beautiful flower
- Meixiu – Beautiful elegance
- Meirong – Beautiful countenance
- Meijuan – Beautiful and graceful
- Meifeng – Beautiful wind
- Meiyun – Beautiful rhyme
- Meilin – Beautiful jade tinkling
- Meishi – Beautiful stone
Chinese Girl Names That Mean Moon
Chinese Girl Names That Mean Moon
- Yue – Moon
- Yuexi – Moonrise
- Yueling – Moon spirit
- Yuehua – Moonlight
- Yueqin – Moon-shaped lute
- Yuerong – Moon’s glow
- Yuewei – Moonlight reflection
- Yuezhi – Moon’s wisdom
- Yuejie – Moon boundary
- Yueshi – Moon’s poem
Chinese Girl Names Meaning Flower
Chinese Girl Names Meaning Flower
- Hua – Flower
- Ju – Chrysanthemum
- Lian – Lotus
- Mei – Plum blossom
- Mudan – Peony
- Pin – Hibiscus
- Qiu – Autumn flower
- Xiu – Morning glory
- Zhenzhen – Precious azalea
- Zhu – Chrysanthemum
Chinese Girl Names Meaning Water
Chinese Girl Names Meaning Water
- Shui – Water
- Qing – Clear water
- Lin – Beautiful jade, or waterfall
- Bo – Waves
- An – Peaceful, or riverbank
- Li – Beautiful, or river
- Liu – Willow, or flowing water
- Luo – From the Luo river
- Wei – Only, or clear water
- Mian – Gentle water
Chinese Girl Names Meaning Winter
Chinese Girl Names Meaning Winter
- Dong – Winter
- Dongmei – Winter plum
- Dongling – Winter spirit
- Dongli – Beautiful winter
- Dongxue – Winter snow
- Dongyu – Winter jade
- Dongfen – Winter fragrance
- Donghua – Winter flower
- Dongfang – Winter orchid
- Dongyun – Winter cloud
Unique Chinese Girl Names
Unique Chinese Girl Names
- Qian – Modest
- Rong – Gentle, harmonious
- Shen – Spirit, deep thinker
- Xian – Immortal, fresh
- Yan – Swallow bird
- Zhi – Wisdom
- Duan – Short or brief
- Cai – Colorful
- Ning – Peaceful
- Shuang – Frost
Chinese Girl Names That Start With… (A-Z)
Chinese Girl Names That Start With… (A-Z)
- A: An – Peace
- B: Bing – Ice, or soldier
- C: Cai – Color, or wealth
- D: Dan – Red
- E: En – Kindness
- F: Fang – Fragrant
- G: Guo – Country, or fruit
- H: Hui – Intelligent
- I: N/A (There’s no direct “I” sound initiation for names in Chinese.)
- J: Jing – Crystal, or quiet
- K: Kai – Open
- L: Li – Beautiful
- M: Mei – Beautiful
- N: Ning – Peaceful
- O: N/A (Same as “I” there’s no direct initiation in Chinese for “O”.)
- P: Ping – Peace
- Q: Qiu – Autumn
- R: Rui – Sharp
- S: Su – Plain, or unadorned
- T: Ting – Listen
- U: N/A
- V: N/A
- W: Wei – Only, or great
- X: Xue – Snow
- Y: Yan – Swallow
- Z: Zhen – Precious
Baby Chinese Girl Names
Baby Chinese Girl Names
- Lulu – Dewdrop
- Bao – Treasure
- Ning – Tranquil
- Xiu – Elegant
- Fei – Flying
- Chao – Exceeding
- Min – Quick, clever
- Ai – Love
- Fang – Fragrant
- Ling – Spirit, soul
Popular Chinese Girl Names
Popular Chinese Girl Names
- Jia – Good, fine
- An – Peace
- Lian – Lotus
- Qi – Fine Jade
- Ying – Cherry blossom
- Wen – Warm, genial
- Fang – Fragrant
- Lei – Flower bud
- Xiu – Beautiful
- Hong – Rainbow
Common Chinese Girl Names
Common Chinese Girl Names
- Xia – Glow of the sunrise
- Wei – Only, or clear water
- Jing – Quiet, gentle
- Qian – Modest
- Li – Jasmine
- Lan – Orchid
- Ming – Bright
- Fen – Fragrance
- Hua – Flower
- Yue – Moon
Beautiful Chinese Girl Names
Beautiful Chinese Girl Names
- Lifen – Beautiful fragrance
- Huian – Kind and graceful
- Lixue – Beautiful snow
- Meihui – Beautiful wisdom
- Xiaoli – Morning beauty
- Xiulan – Beautiful orchid
- Xiuqin – Beautiful zither
- Yajing – Elegant and refined
- Yiwen – Beautiful cloud
- Zhenli – Truly beautiful
Good Chinese Girl Names
Good Chinese Girl Names
- Shan – Kindness
- Jun – Truthful
- Tao – Peach
- Lili – White jasmine
- Xing – Star
- Chun – Spring
- Yanan – Elegant red
- Qiuyue – Autumn moon
- Rong – Glory
- Shun – Smooth, sleek
Cute Chinese Girl Names with Meaning
Cute Chinese Girl Names with Meaning
- Bao – Precious
- Lulu – Pearls
- Ting – Pretty
- Mimi – Honey
- Cui – Green jade
- Dandan – Cinderella
- Huan – Happiness
- Lili – Jasmine
- Qi – Spirit
- Ruru – Like a deer
Modern Chinese Girl Names
Modern Chinese Girl Names
- Tian – Sky
- Xin – New
- Huai – Kind-hearted
- Le – Happy, joyful
- Nan – South
- Qianyu – Thousand rainbows
- Yixuan – First choice
- Zhu – Bamboo
- Bei – North
- Faye – Fairy
Poetic Chinese Girl Names
Poetic Chinese Girl Names
- Qiuyue – Autumn moon
- Xingchen – Morning star
- Hanyue – Cold moon
- Xiulan – Graceful orchid
- Meihua – Beautiful flower
- Yulan – Magnolia
- Chunhua – Spring flower
- Yinxue – Silver snow
- Jinlian – Golden lotus
- Lianru – Like a lotus
Pretty Chinese Girl Names
Pretty Chinese Girl Names
- Chao – Exceeding
- Lian – Graceful willow
- Feifei – Fluttering
- Xingxing – Twinkling stars
- Hui – Kind-hearted
- Ling – Delicate, dainty
- Chun – Springtime
- Yan – Beautiful eyes
- Xiu – Graceful
- Yun – Cloud
Chinese Girl Names with Surname
Chinese Girl Names with Surname
(Note: The surname will come first, as is traditional in Chinese naming conventions.)
- Wang Li – King Jasmine
- Zhang Mei – Long Beautiful
- Liu Xia – Flowing dawn
- Chen Hua – Morning flower
- Yang Lan – Sun Orchid
- Zhao Qi – Bright spirit
- Wu Jing – Martial crystal
- Zhou Fen – Week of fragrance
- Xu Yue – Slowly rising moon
- Huang Ming – Yellow Brightness
Badass Chinese Girl Names
Badass Chinese Girl Names
- Longwei – Dragon greatness
- Huo – Fire
- Baozhai – Precious fortress
- Jingfei – Swift flyer
- Tufei – Bandit, brigand
- Yinglei – Cherry thunder
- Zhenzhu – Precious pearl
- Xingsheng – Star of victory
- Yanyu – Flame jade
- Qiang – Strong, powerful
Chinese Girl Names with Xiao
Chinese Girl Names with Xiao
- Xiaoli – Little beauty
- Xiaoling – Little bell
- Xiaohui – Little wisdom
- Xiaofang – Little fragrant
- Xiaoyu – Little jade
- Xiaochun – Little springtime
- Xiaoyan – Little swallow
- Xiaomei – Little beauty
- Xiaoxue – Little snow
- Xiaotong – Little child
American Chinese Girl Names
American Chinese Girl Names
(Note: These might be names that blend Chinese heritage with American naming conventions.)
- Lily Mei
- Jade Li
- Anna Hua
- Mia Yue
- Sophia Lan
- Emma Qi
- Ava Jing
- Grace Fen
- Ella Xia
- Chloe Xiu
Chinese Muslim Girl Names
Chinese Muslim Girl Names
- Aisha – Alive
- Maryam – Pure, mother of Isa (Jesus in Islam)
- Fatimah – Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad
- Hafsa – Lioness
- Khadijah – Premature child
- Asma – Higher, more exalted
- Ayesha – Living, prosperous
- Safiya – Pure
- Siti – Woman, lady
- Yasmeen – Jasmine
Top 100 Chinese Female Names
Here’s a list of top 100 Chinese female names.
Some of these names are traditional, while others are more modern.
It’s essential to note that the meaning of a name in Chinese can vary based on the characters used to write it, so the provided meanings are based on commonly associated meanings with those sounds:
- Li (丽) – Beautiful
- Mei (美) – Beauty
- Jia (嘉) – Praise, commendable
- Ming (明) – Bright, light
- Yan (燕) – Swallow (bird)
- Yue (月) – Moon
- Hua (花) – Flower
- Qi (琪) – Precious jade
- Jing (静) – Quiet, peaceful
- Xue (雪) – Snow
- Lan (兰) – Orchid
- Xia (霞) – Rosy clouds
- Wei (薇) – Fern, bracken
- Na (娜) – Graceful, elegant
- Shu (淑) – Pure, gentle
- Chun (春) – Spring
- Rong (蓉) – Hibiscus, lotus
- Yu (玉) – Jade
- Ping (萍) – Duckweed
- Hong (红) – Red, rainbow
- Xiao (晓) – Dawn, early morning
- Ting (婷) – Graceful
- An (安) – Peace, tranquility
- Lian (莲) – Lotus
- Ying (樱) – Cherry blossom
- Qian (倩) – Pretty, comely
- Fei (菲) – Fragrance, lofty
- Xiu (秀) – Elegant, outstanding
- Fang (芳) – Fragrant
- Juan (娟) – Graceful, beautiful
- Fen (芬) – Fragrance
- Lin (琳) – Beautiful jade
- Su (素) – Simple, plain
- Ni (妮) – Girl, maiden
- Wen (雯) – Pattern of clouds
- Ning (宁) – Peaceful, calm
- Zhen (珍) – Precious, valuable
- Dan (丹) – Red, cinnabar
- Lu (露) – Dew
- Xin (欣) – Happy, joyful
- Ai (爱) – Love, affection
- Tao (涛) – Big wave
- Qing (青) – Green, young
- Jun (君) – Noble, monarch
- Min (敏) – Quick, sharp
- Zhu (珠) – Pearl
- Hui (慧) – Intelligent, bright
- Nuo (娜) – Graceful, delicate
- Xi (曦) – Dawn, sunlight
- Zi (紫) – Purple
- Ru (如) – As, like
- Shan (珊) – Coral
- Mo (莫) – Don’t, none
- Le (乐) – Happy, joyful
- He (荷) – Lotus
- Bei (贝) – Shell, precious
- Duo (朵) – Flower bud, cloud
- Jiao (娇) – Delicate, tender
- Si (思) – Think, ponder
- Bin (彬) – Refined, polite
- Di (蒂) – Stem (of a fruit)
- Yue (玥) – Moon’s reflection in water
- Luo (洛) – Name of a river
- Zhi (芝) – Mushroom, fungus
- Hang (航) – Sail, navigate
- Tao (桃) – Peach
- Yi (怡) – Pleasing, joy
- Yang (阳) – Sunshine, positive
- E (娥) – Good, beautiful
- Cai (彩) – Color, hue
- Miao (苗) – Sprout, young plant
- Xiang (香) – Fragrance, incense
- Xi (溪) – Stream, brook
- Qiu (秋) – Autumn
- Jie (洁) – Clean, pure
- Liao (燎) – Burn, blaze
- Liang (靓) – Bright, clear
- Ya (雅) – Elegant, refined
- Die (蝶) – Butterfly
- Luo (络) – Net
- En (恩) – Grace, favor
- Tuan (团) – Round, lump
- Shan (姗) – Delay
- Yu (雨) – Rain
- Dian (点) – Spot, speck
- Xian (仙) – Immortal, fairy
- Ling (玲) – Tinkling of jade
- Xing (星) – Star
- Du (杜) – Stop, prevent
- Shuang (霜) – Frost
- Pan (盼) – Hope, expect
- Ti (提) – Carry in the hand
- Xian (娴) – Gentle, refined
- Leng (冷) – Cold
- Guo (果) – Fruit
- Han (涵) – Contain, hold
- Cui (翠) – Green, jade
- Heng (恒) – Permanent, constant
- Xuan (璇) – Beautiful jade
- Zhuo (卓) – Outstanding, brilliant
This list is just a sampling of popular Chinese female names.
The meanings provided are based on specific characters that correspond with the phonetics, but there may be other characters with the same phonetics that have different meanings.
The Significance of Chinese Names
Chinese names are more than just labels; they are considered a reflection of one’s identity and character.
The choice of a name is influenced by various factors, including cultural traditions, family values, and personal beliefs. Here are some key aspects that make Chinese names unique:
- Meaningful Characters: Chinese names are typically composed of two or three characters, each carrying its own meaning. These characters can represent virtues, aspirations, or even historical events.
- Tonal Importance: The tones used in Chinese pronunciation can significantly impact the meaning of a name. Different tones can convey different emotions or qualities.
- Family Names: Unlike Western naming conventions, Chinese names place the family name before the given name. This reflects the importance of family and lineage in Chinese culture.
Common Themes in Chinese Girl Names
Chinese girl names often revolve around themes that are considered auspicious or desirable.
These themes reflect the values and aspirations of the parents, as well as cultural beliefs. Here are some common themes found in Chinese girl names:
- Nature: Many Chinese girl names are inspired by nature, such as flowers, plants, or natural elements like water or mountains. For example, the name “Mei” means “beautiful” and is often associated with plum blossoms.
- Virtues: Chinese names often embody virtues that parents hope their daughters will possess. Names like “Jing” (quiet), “Xiao” (filial), or “Li” (beautiful) are examples of this.
- Emotions: Some names express emotions or qualities that parents wish for their daughters. Names like “Xin” (happy), “Ai” (love), or “Yu” (rain) fall into this category.
- Historical Figures: Chinese history and mythology provide a rich source of inspiration for names. Parents may choose names associated with famous historical figures or legendary characters.
Examples of Chinese Girl Names
To illustrate the diversity and beauty of Chinese girl names, here are a few examples along with their meanings:
- Liu: This name means “willow” and is associated with grace and flexibility.
- Wei: The name “Wei” can mean “powerful,” “greatness,” or “valuable,” depending on the characters used.
- Xia: This name represents the concept of “summer” and is often associated with warmth and vitality.
- Yuan: “Yuan” means “graceful” or “elegant” and is a popular choice for parents who value beauty and refinement.
Case Studies: The Influence of Names
The influence of names on individuals can be seen in various aspects of life, including personal development, career choices, and even relationships.
Let’s explore a couple of case studies that highlight the impact of Chinese girl names:
Case Study 1: The Power of Virtuous Names
Li Mei, a young woman with the name “Li” meaning “beautiful” and “Mei” meaning “beautiful,” grew up with a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
Her parents chose this name with the hope that she would embrace her inner and outer beauty.
Li Mei’s name influenced her career choices, as she pursued a career in the arts, where beauty and aesthetics play a significant role.
Case Study 2: Nature-Inspired Names and Connection
Wen Yu, named after the characters meaning “cultured” and “rain,” developed a deep connection with nature from an early age.
Her parents believed that this name would instill a love for the environment and a sense of harmony with the natural world.
As Wen Yu grew older, she became an environmental activist, advocating for sustainable practices and raising awareness about the importance of preserving our planet.
FAQs – Chinese Girl Names (Meanings & Characters)
1. What are some popular Chinese girl names?
Popular Chinese girl names include “Li Na,” which means “beautiful and graceful,” “Zhang Wei,” which means “valuable and powerful,” and “Wang Jing,” which means “quiet and serene.”
2. How do Chinese names differ from Western names?
Chinese names place the family name before the given name, reflecting the importance of family and lineage.
Western names typically follow the given name followed by the family name.
3. Do Chinese girl names have specific meanings?
Yes, Chinese girl names often have specific meanings associated with virtues, nature, emotions, or historical figures.
These meanings are carefully chosen by parents to reflect their aspirations for their daughters.
4. How do tones affect the meaning of Chinese names?
Tones play a crucial role in Chinese pronunciation and can significantly impact the meaning of a name.
Different tones can convey different emotions or qualities, adding depth to the name’s overall significance.
5. Can Chinese girl names be unisex?
Yes, some Chinese girl names can be used for both genders.
For example, the name “Wei” can be used for both boys and girls, with different characters conveying different meanings.
6. Are there any naming taboos in Chinese culture?
Yes, there are some naming taboos in Chinese culture.
For example, it is considered unlucky to use characters associated with negative meanings or homophones of negative words.
7. How do parents choose Chinese girl names?
Parents choose Chinese girl names based on various factors, including cultural traditions, family values, personal beliefs, and the desired qualities or aspirations they have for their daughters.
8. Can Chinese girl names be translated into other languages?
Chinese girl names can be translated into other languages, but it is important to consider cultural nuances and ensure that the translated name retains its original meaning and essence.
9. Are there any naming trends in Chinese culture?
Yes, naming trends in Chinese culture change over time.
Currently, there is a growing trend of choosing names that reflect individuality and uniqueness, while still maintaining cultural significance.
10. Can Chinese girl names be modified or changed?
Chinese girl names can be modified or changed, but it is important to consider the cultural and personal implications of such a decision.
Some families may choose to add or modify characters to adapt the name to different cultural contexts.
11. Are there any naming ceremonies for Chinese girl names?
Yes, in Chinese culture, there are naming ceremonies where family and friends gather to celebrate the birth of a child and bestow a name upon them.
These ceremonies often involve rituals and prayers for the child’s well-being and future.
12. Can Chinese girl names be a combination of characters from different languages?
Chinese girl names can incorporate characters from different languages, but it is important to ensure that the combination is culturally appropriate and meaningful.
The characters should complement each other and create a harmonious name.
13. Are there any resources or books available for choosing Chinese girl names?
Yes, there are several resources and books available that provide insights into Chinese girl names and their meanings.
These resources can help parents make informed decisions and find names that resonate with their values and aspirations.
14. Do Chinese girl names influence a person’s destiny?
In Chinese culture, names are believed to have an influence on a person’s destiny.
It is believed that a well-chosen name can bring good fortune and positive energy, while an inauspicious name may bring challenges or obstacles.
15. Can Chinese girl names be a combination of characters with opposite meanings?
Chinese girl names can be a combination of characters with opposite meanings, but it is less common.
Most parents prefer names that convey positive qualities or aspirations for their daughters.
Summary – Chinese Girl Names (Meanings & Characters)
Chinese girl names hold deep meaning and reflect the values and aspirations of parents.
These names are often composed of meaningful characters and revolve around themes such as nature, virtues, emotions, or historical figures.
The influence of names can be seen in various aspects of life, shaping personal development, career choices, and relationships.
Choosing a Chinese girl name is a significant decision that carries cultural significance and reflects the hopes and dreams parents have for their daughters.