中文名字的演变

Evolution of Chinese Given Names

Chinese given names have evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting the changing social values, cultural movements, and aspirations of each era. From revolutionary themes in the 1950s to the blend of tradition and modernity in contemporary names, each period has its distinct characteristics and gender-specific naming patterns.

1950s-1960s

Key Characteristics

  • Revolutionary and patriotic themes
  • Political idealism
  • National pride
  • Collective spirit

Popular Male Names

jiàn guó

Meaning: founding the nation

wèi dōng

Meaning: protect the east

hóng jūn

Meaning: red army

jiàn jūn

Meaning: build army

zhì qiáng

Meaning: ambitious and strong

wèi guó

Meaning: protect the nation

tiě jūn

Meaning: iron army

yǒng gé

Meaning: forever revolutionary

Popular Female Names

hóng méi

Meaning: red plum

wèi hóng

Meaning: protect red

guì yīng

Meaning: osmanthus hero

xiù yīng

Meaning: elegant hero

shū huá

Meaning: virtuous China

hóng xiá

Meaning: red clouds

jiàn huá

Meaning: build China

hóng juān

Meaning: red beauty

1970s-1980s

Key Characteristics

  • Emphasis on strength and progress
  • Cultural revival
  • Modern aspirations
  • Educational values

Popular Male Names

wěi

Meaning: great

qiáng

Meaning: strong

jūn

Meaning: army

jiàn huá

Meaning: build China

guó qiáng

Meaning: strong nation

jiàn jūn

Meaning: build army

wèi dōng

Meaning: protect east

zhì míng

Meaning: ambitious and bright

Popular Female Names

fāng

Meaning: fragrant

juān

Meaning: beautiful

xiù yīng

Meaning: elegant hero

Meaning: beautiful

yù huá

Meaning: jade splendor

shū huá

Meaning: virtuous China

xiù lán

Meaning: elegant orchid

fèng yīng

Meaning: phoenix hero

1990s-2000s

Key Characteristics

  • Uniqueness and individuality
  • Cultural sophistication
  • Global awareness
  • Aesthetic appeal

Popular Male Names

wén

Meaning: cultural

jié

Meaning: outstanding

jùn

Meaning: talented

hán

Meaning: contain

ruì

Meaning: wise

bó wén

Meaning: broad knowledge

yǔ xuān

Meaning: universe elegance

hào rán

Meaning: vastly righteous

Popular Female Names

xīn

Meaning: happy

tíng

Meaning: graceful

Meaning: rain

Meaning: think

wǎn tíng

Meaning: graceful and elegant

yǔ tíng

Meaning: rain elegance

sī yí

Meaning: thoughtful and happy

měi qí

Meaning: beautiful jade

2010s-Present

Key Characteristics

  • Traditional values with modern twist
  • Environmental consciousness
  • Digital age elements
  • International perspective

Popular Male Names

Meaning: catalpa tree

chén

Meaning: morning

zǐ mò

Meaning: literary elegance

hào rán

Meaning: vastly righteous

yǔ xuān

Meaning: universe elegance

zé xuān

Meaning: beneficent elegance

hào yuè

Meaning: bright moon

chéng zé

Meaning: inherit beneficence

Popular Female Names

yǔ yān

Meaning: elegant speech

mù yáng

Meaning: bathe in sunlight

qīng yùn

Meaning: pure melody

shū jǐn

Meaning: literary jade

zǐ xuān

Meaning: catalpa daylily

yǔ tóng

Meaning: rain and paulownia

shī hán

Meaning: poetic expression

ruò xī

Meaning: like a stream