Top 200 Chinese Boy Names and Their Meanings
Choosing a name for your little one is one of the more important and exciting decisions you'll make as you anticipate the arrival of your newborn. If you're considering Chinese boy names, you'll find a wide array of names to pick from. Whether you’re looking for a unique name to match your bundle of joy, or a traditional one to carry on your heritage, there are many good Chinese male names that could be great options. For a source of inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of 200 Chinese names for boys, their meanings, and a brief history of naming in Chinese culture.
Traditions Behind Chinese Male Names
The choice of a newborn’s name has a lot of significance in most Asian countries, including China. Names are symbols of family heritage, of course, but they also reflect parental ideals, beliefs, and expectations. Given Chinese names are usually made up of one or two syllables. In previous years, traditional Chinese boy names often consisted of one syllable. These days, it’s more popular to find names that have two syllables.
Characters and Factors Behind Given Chinese Names
Chinese names are made up of a 姓 (xìng)—family name—and a 名 (míng)—given name—which have no space between them when written in special characters. The family name usually has one syllable and is written before the given name. The sound, meaning, and visual appeal of characters also play a role when picking a Chinese name for a newborn. Given names are based on several factors. Some of these are:
Fortune tellers’ predictions. With the help of a feng shui master, parents can pick the best Chinese names for their little one. The name choice could be based on a quality the child may need in future. To encourage a fighting spirit, for example, parents could choose a Chinese masculine name that symbolizes strength (健, 雄, 壯) or power (威, 武, 強).
Complex calculations. Zodiac signs and the astrological events around the time of a newborn’s birth can make up part of their given name. This certainly makes for unique Chinese names. Such names consist of the year, month, date, and time of the day of an infant's birth. Each of these elements is represented with two characters, 生辰八字, which mean the eight characters of one’s time of birth.
Birth generation. A lot of common Chinese names are given based on the generation one is born in. These names are usually middle names and show which members of the family are seniors or juniors. This way, relatives can be respectful to one another. Unlike other cultures, it’s uncommon to name a newborn after an older relative as this is seen as disrespectful.
Meaning. Baby names can also be chosen based on their meanings. Parents can look up words with meanings they admire and create unique, cute, and rare names for their little one with different word combinations.
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Popular Chinese Boy Names
Now that we know more about the tradition of name-picking in Chinese heritage, let’s dive into Chinese names for boys. If you’re asking yourself the question, “What is a popular Chinese boy name?” check out this list:
1. Mùchén (沐宸). This name wins the popularity contest among high-ranking Chinese boys’ names. Meaning “bathe in celestial abode,” Mùchén is one of many Chinese boy names with a unique meaning. This is the kind of name to make your little one feel like royalty.
2. Hàoyú (浩宇). Another popular and unique Chinese name for boys is Hàoyú. This name means “vast universe.” It’s definitely a great pick for outer space lovers, or for parents who want their kids to soar and reach for the stars.
3. Mùchén (沐辰). Even though this name looks like the most popular name on our list, it’s actually different. (Take a look at how it’s written in Chinese.). Mùchén (沐辰) means “bathe in the sun, moon, or stars” and could be the perfect name for a precious baby boy.
4. Míngzé (茗泽). A popular, unique, and cute Chinese boy name, Míngzé means “tea leaf benevolence.” If kindness and goodness are things you value, this name may be ideal for your little one.
5. Yìchén (奕辰). Another great choice for baby boy names is Yìchén, which means “grand sun, moon, or stars.” This name exudes excellence and is fit for a little king. This special name is pronounced EE-CHUN.
6. Yúzé (宇泽). If you’re looking for more names that mean “goodness, kindness,” Yúzé is a wonderful choice in popular Chinese boy names.
7. Hàorán (浩然). Even though the popularity ranking of this boy name is on the lower end, the meaning of this name is anything but low-ranking. Hàorán means “vastness,” and this name may make your little boy feel empowered.
8. Yìzé (奕泽). This unique Chinese boy name means “goodness, kindness.” It’s a special name and one that your little one may live up to.
9. Yŭxuān (宇轩). If you’re looking for strong, masculine Chinese names for your little boy, this name may be an excellent choice. Why? Because it means “universe high.” Your little bundle of joy will definitely soar with this name. It’s pronounced UY-SHWEHN.
10. Mùyáng (沐阳). Meaning “bathe in the sun,” this unique name has a sweet sentiment.
Picking the right name for your baby can be overwhelming—especially with so many names to choose from. Watch this video for some interesting facts to help you choose the perfect name for your little one!
More Popular Chinese Boy Names
If you’re still wondering “What is a popular Chinese boy name?” check out this additional list of popular Chinese boys’ names.
11. Bo. Meaning “abundant,” this is a unique yet powerful boy name. This name is pronounced PWAW.
12. Da. Pronounced TAH, this one-syllable name means “attainment” and makes for a very cute Chinese boy name.
13. De. Here’s another popular one-syllable Chinese boy name you could choose for your little boy. The name means “virtue,” which is certainly an amazing trait to possess.
14. Fu. Great fortune and success may be in the books for a little one with this name as Fu means “luck” or “wealth.” It’s pronounced FOO.
15. Gang. Here’s another masculine Chinese boy name you may want to consider. Gang can mean “hard, rigid, or strong” and is great for that warrior spirit. It’s pronounced KAHNG.
16. Guo. Perfect for a little fighter, this name means “strength” and would be a great name for any spirited little boy. It’s pronounced KWAW.
17. Hao. With this name, your little boy may grow to be prosperous as the name means “vastness of the sky,” “open-minded,” or “straightforward.”
18. Haoyu. If you hope for your little one to expand and flourish in many fields, this may be the name for him. Haoyu means “vast universe” and with this name, your little one can take over the world.
19. Jun Hie. A boy with this name won’t be one to ignore as the name means “outstanding.” It’s pronounced CHUYN-HEE-E.
20. Qian. This is another good option for a Chinese male name. It can mean “handsome,” “beautiful,” or “fast.”
Unique and Rare Chinese Boy Names
Looking for a name with a more interesting meaning and ring to it? Look at this list of unique and rare Chinese boys’ names we’ve compiled below:
21. Aiguo. Perfect for a little advocate, this name means “patriotic.”
22. Bolin. If you’re in search for a name with a unique meaning, consider Bolin, which means “elder brother rain.”
23. Chaoxiang. Have hope for the future? Then this name might be ideal for your little one. It means “expecting fortune” and is pronounced CHOW-SHYAHNG.
24. Genghis. The name means “just” or “righteous” and is also a Turkish name.
25. Jaw-Long. Another interesting Chinese boy name you may want to consider is Jaw-Long, which means “like a dragon.”
26. Shoi-Ming. Does your little boy light up your world? Then consider the name Shoi-Ming, which means “life of sunshine.”
27. Xiaobo. Got a little fighter on your hands? Then the name Xiaobo is a perfect match. This name means “little wrestler.” It’s pronounced SHYOW-PWAW.
28. Xiaosheng. Meaning “little birth,” this name could be a choice for your new arrival.
29. Zimo. This sweet and short name means “refined ink.” It can be interpreted to convey longevity and even good fortune.
30. Zixin. Another good option for a Chinese boy name is Zixin, which means “self-confidence.”
More Unique and Rare Chinese Boy Names
If you’re on the lookout for a unique name for your little one, have a look at this list below. Keep in mind that most of these names are made up of two words, so you can make your own unique baby boy’s name based on what appeals most to you.
Common Chinese Boy Names
If you’re looking for a good, basic Chinese boys’ name, here are some common ones to choose from.
41. Chang. This name is a perfect pick for parents who want their little one to shine extra bright. Chang can mean “flourish,” “prosper,” “good,” and “sunlight” and is pronounced CHAHNG.
42. Chen. If you think you’ve got a future leader on your hands, you may want to consider this name. It means “great” or “tremendous” and your little one will be among namesakes like Chen Kaige, a famous Chinese film director.
43. Dong. Perfect for huge travelers at heart. This cute Chinese name means “east,” and it's possible that your bundle of joy will grow to be a great explorer. Dong is pronounced TUWNG.
44. Dongyang. Have a huge case of wanderlust? You might like this beautiful Chinese boys’ name. Meaning the “eastern sun,” this unique name will set your little one’s traveler’s spirit ablaze.
45. Hong. Hunting for a name with more than one good meaning? This could be the name you’re looking for. Hong can mean “rainbow,” “great, vast,” or “enlarge, expand” and is pronounced KHUWNG.
46. Jiahao. If family means everything to you, this name may be the right choice for your family’s newest member. Jiahao means “home,” “family,” or “brave, heroic, or chivalrous —all of which are great virtues for a family man. It’s pronounced CHYAH-KHOW.
47. Jianhong. Pronounced CHYEHN-KHUWNG, this powerful Chinese boy name can mean “build, establish,” “wide, spacious,” and “great, vast.” If you believe you have a future leader on your hands, you could select this name.
48. Jun. This is a name fit for a king. Really! Jun means “king,” “ruler,” “talented,” “handsome,” or “army” and is pronounced CHUYN. Not only is it a pretty boy name but it’s a good Chinese name for a warrior.
49. Long. Meaning “dragon,” this a great choice for a boy with a warrior’s spirit and is pronounced LUWNG.
50. Qiang. Charisma goes a long way, and this name could be a compelling and charismatic choice, meaning “strong, powerful,” or “energetic.” This name is pronounced CHYAHNG.
More Common Chinese Boy Names
Common male names tend to be traditional Chinese names that have been used by Chinese families for decades. If you’re considering a familiar name, that can be recognized by many, have a look at the list below.
Cool Chinese Boy Names
Looking for a cool name to match your little stunner? Check this list of cool Chinese Boy names. Most of these names are still traditional so why not carry on the family heritage in style?
61. An. Cute, short, and cool, An, pronounced AHN, means “peace, quiet” and in Vietnamese it means “safe, secure.” All of these meanings would suit a little cool dude.
62. He. If you’re a lover of nature, this name may be right for your baby. It means “harmony” or “river” and is pronounced KHU.
63. Hong. For an extra edge, consider going for this rare Chinese male name. Pronounced KHWNG and meaning “wild swan,” the name not only sounds cool but also has a unique meaning behind it.
64. Le Yang. With this name, meaning “happy sea,” your little water baby will be as blissful and cool as the waves.
65. Ruo Xuan. Looking for a name to match the hopes you have for your little one? Then this name, meaning “refined high,” is the perfect fit.
66. Shi. Pronounced SHEE, this ancient Chinese male name is an excellent choice if you’re hoping to honor tradition while still being modern and trendy.
67. Tian Kuo. With this beautiful Chinese name meaning “vast sky,” your bundle of joy will soar and reach for the stars.
68. Yuxan. Your little one will bring nothing but blessings with this name, which means “high house.”
69. Yuz. A name fit for a great companion, Yuz means “rain,” “friend,” or “brilliance.”
70. Zixuan. Another cute Chinese male name for you to consider is Zixuan, which means “child” or “high.” It’s pronounced TSUZ-SHWEHN.
More Cool Chinese Boy Names
If you loved the list of cool Chinese boy names above, you’ll love this list even more! Read on to discover more cool names for your little one.
Short and Long Chinese Boy Names
Stuck between picking a short name and a long one? Here’s a list of Chinese names for boys to help you choose.
81. Cheng. A complete and perfect name on its own, Cheng can mean “completed, finished,” “sincere,” or “true” and is pronounced CHUNG.
82. Chun. With a name meaning “spring” and pronounced CHWUN, your little one will be blissful and bring forth good things.
83. Fenhua. This is another fantastic name for your little bundle of joy. It means “youthful” or “energetic” and certainly embodies the energy you’d want for your little baby.
84. Hai. Water lover? Then you’re going to love this name. Hai means “sea” or “ocean” and is pronounced KHIE.
85. Huan. Wish nothing but happiness for your little one? Pronounced KHWAHN, this name may just be the one! It means “happy” or “pleased.”
86. Jingyi. Pronounced CHEENG-EE and meaning “quiet,” “still,” “gentle,” or “essence,” this name certainly has a lot of character.
87. Mu. This name may be short, but it says everything it needs to. Mu means “admire” or “desire.”
88. Qing. Nature lover? Then this Chinese boy name is for you. It means “blue,” “green,” or “young” and is pronounced CHEENG.
89. Shui. One more for the nature lovers, this name means “water” and is the perfect fit for a water baby. It’s pronounced SHWAY.
90. Zhong. Meaning “middle,” “loyalty,” or “devotion” this is a wonderful Chinese name for any little boy. It’s pronounced CHWNG.
More Short and Long Chinese Boy Names
Need more inspiration? Here’s an extra list of short and long names for you to consider. If you’re feeling more drawn to short names, you may find the perfect choice from our extensive list of short boy names.
Unisex Chinese Names
A boy name can be good, but sometimes a unisex name is even better. Here’s a list of unisex names, any of which could be an excellent choice for your little one.
101. Da. Bring all the success you can in your little one’s life with this name. It means “achieve” or “intelligent.”
102. Guiying. Meaning “cinnamon,” “petal,” or “brave, hero” and pronounced KWAY-EENG, this is the perfect name for a little warrior.
103. Huang. Pronounced KHWAHNG, this name means “bright, shining, or luminous” and is a fitting name for your golden child.
104. Jin. If you’re looking for a name that evokes riches and wealth, Jin, pronounced CHEEN, is an excellent choice as it means “gold,” “metal,” or “money.”
105. Jing. Pronounced CHEENG, this name would be nice for a calm little baby. It means “still,” “gentle,” “clear,” or “essence.”
106. Lian. This cute Chinese name has an even sweeter meaning behind it. “Lotus, water lily,” or “waterfall” are the meanings behind this name. It’s pronounced LYEHN.
107. Ming. Another popular Chinese name to consider for your bundle of joy is Ming, pronounced MEENG. It means “bright, light, or clear”—no surprise that it’s so popular.
108. Ning. Hoping your baby will bring more peace to your home? Then consider the name Ning, which means “peaceful, serene, or calm.” This sweet name is pronounced NEENG.
109. Ping. Another similar name, which means “level, even,” or “peaceful,” is Ping.
110. Rong. This unisex Chinese name means “glory, honor,” or “flourish, prosper” and is pronounced RUWNG.
More Unisex Chinese Names
Need more ideas? Check out more Chinese names for both girls and boys.
Traditional and Modern Chinese Boy Names
Traditional names are great choices as they allow you to honor your heritage. With a traditional Chinese name, your baby will always have a reminder of his roots no matter where he goes! Want some traditional Chinese names for boys? Keep reading.
121. Dingbang. Meaning “a person who is willing to protect his proud nation,” this name is one to take pride in.
122. Dishi.This short and cute name means “someone of high virtue.”
123. Manchu. Got a sweet little boy? Then this name meaning “purity” will be fitting.
124. Mei-Hui. Another Chinese name for boys with a sweet meaning is Mei-Hui. This name represents “someone who is wise and beautiful in nature.” It’s pronounced MAY-KHWAY.
125. Mencius. Perfect for firstborn sons, this name means “eldest son” or “power.”
126. Ru. Short and sweet, the name Ru means “someone who is like a scholar.” It’s pronounced ROO.
127. Shan. Another name to make our list is Shan, meaning “an old and wise man.” It's a wonderful name to grow into and live up to.
128. Shu-Hui. This name means “someone who has great intelligence and spreads happiness with his knowledge.”
129. Taio. This name says it all with its wonderful meaning. It means “a distinguished or great person who will achieve a lot.”
130. Zhen. Perfect for a baby who’s one of a kind! This name means “rare,” “genuine,” “precious.” This cute name is pronounced CHUN.
More Traditional and Modern Chinese Boy Names
If you need a few more names to add to your list of baby name options, we’ve got more suggestions for you.
Cute Chinese Boy Names
Your sweet little one needs a cute name to match! Don’t have any cute names on the tip of your tongue? No worries. We’ve compiled a list of cute Chinese baby boy names you can pick from.
141. Deli. This sweet name just rolls off the tongue, and it’s got a nice meaning behind it too! It means “virtuous” and would be a nice name for a sweet little boy.
142. Hop. Who could argue with choosing this cute name for your little one. This name means “agreeable.”
143. Hou. Meaning “noble,” the name is fit for a little prince and is pronounced KHO.
144. Jinhai. Pronounced CHEEN KHIE, this name is perfect for your little water baby and means “golden sea.”
145. Kang. Another wonderful name for your little boy is Kang. It means “well-being.”
146. Manchu. Meaning “pure,” this is a name for your precious boy to live up to. It’s pronounced MUN-CHOO.
147. Mingsheng. Believe you have a leader in the making? You may consider this name, meaning “voice of the people.” It’s pronounced MEENG-SHENG.
148. Peizhi. Another name to add to your list is Peizhi, which means “respectful.”
149. Qu. Meaning “interesting,” this cute, short name has a good ring to it.
150. Shilin. The perfect name for a smart little boy, Shilin means “intellectual,” and is a sweet name for a boy.
More Cute Chinese Boy Names
Need more ideas for cute boy names? Check out the list below!
Even More Chinese Boy Names
If you’ve enjoyed these lists of popular, common, unique, cute, traditional, and interesting Chinese boy names, we’ve compiled a few more names for you to consider!
The Bottom Line
Like many other Asian boy names, Chinese names for boys can be a good way to carry on family tradition. Naming is a significant moment in Chinese culture as a given name can represent so much about a family and even their little one’s future.
If you’re on the lookout for more cool Asian boys’ names, you can also take a look at our lists of Korean boy names and Japanese boy names—some of which may be similar to Chinese names.
If you want to make your baby’s name even more interesting, look west for some inspiration with these Irish baby boy names.
Whether you choose to go for a well-known name or make your own unique name from two of your favorites, your baby is bound to have a good name. As you decide, don’t forget to download the Pampers Club App to not miss out on any rewards on your next diaper purchase.