How to Choose a Chinese Name | 10 Popular Chinese Male Names

Choosing a Chinese name is a meaningful tradition, as names often reflect deep cultural significance, family heritage and the aspirations parents hold for their children.

Last week, we explored popular Chinese female names, now let’s dive into some of the most common Chinese male names, their meanings and the importance of name selection in Chinese culture.

Gender Differences in Chinese Names

1. Masculine vs Feminine Characters in Chinese Names

In Chinese name selection for boy names often feature characters that convey strength power or virtue, while girl names include graceful elegant or nature inspired characters

Here are some commonly used Chinese characters for male names:

• 勇 (yǒng) – brave;
• 强 (qiáng) – strong;
• 豪 (háo) – heroic, grand;
• 龙 (lóng) – dragon, symbolizing power;
• 杰 (jié) – outstanding, remarkable.

2. Double Characters vs Single Characters in Chinese Names

👧 In Chinese naming traditions girl’s names often use reduplicated characters symbolizing beauty grace and elegance. This practice is common in traditional Chinese female names and reflects cultural symbolism. Examples include:

• 丽丽 Lìlì – beautiful; elegant
• 婷婷 Tíngtíng – graceful; charming

👦 On the other hand Chinese boy names typically consist of single character or two character names emphasizing strength depth and virtue. This is a common practice in modern Chinese when male names and follows ancient Chinese naming customs.

10 Male Names and Their Meanings | Popular Chinese Boy Names

Whether you’re interested in traditional Chinese names modern Chinese names or names with deep cultural significance, these top picks will help you find the perfect name:

01. 伟杰 Weijie – Outstanding Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 伟杰 (Wěijié) conveys the meaning of a great leader with exceptional abilities. It is a popular Chinese boy name often with success strength and heroism.

Character Meanings:

This strong Chinese name is commonly chosen for boys to reflect ambition and leadership qualities.

02. 天宇 Tianyu – Visionary Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 天宇 (Tiānyǔ) represents a person with lofty aspirations, a broad perspective and a visionary outlook on life. It is a popular Chinese boy name often associated with wisdom ambition and limitless potential.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese name is commonly chosen for boys to reflect greatness, intelligence and an open-minded spirit.

03. 浩然 Haoran – Virtuous Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 浩然 (Hàorán) signifies a person with great strength, integrity and moral character. It is a popular Chinese boy name with righteousness honor and vast influence.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese name is often chosen for boys to reflect nobility inner strength and strong virtues. It embodies the Confucian ideal of righteousness and integrity.

04. 梓轩 Zixuan – Aesthetic Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 梓轩 (Zǐxuān) blends natural strength and elegance, symbolizing someone who is both resilient and refined. It is a popular modern Chinese boy name often associated with growth, grace and an artistic spirit.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese boy name is favored by parents, who wish to convey a sense of inner strength, cultural refinement and natural beauty.

05. 伟龙 Weilong – Powerful Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 伟龙 (Wěilóng) means “great dragon”, a name that symbolizes strength, power wisdom and influence. It is a popular Chinese boy name associated with leadership success and good fortune.

Character Meanings:

This strong and meaningful Chinese boy name is often chosen for boys to reflect ambition, resilience and the legendary significance of dragons in Chinese culture.

06. 明浩 Minghao – Bright Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 明浩 (Mínghào) symbolizes intelligence, wisdom and greatness, making it a popular Chinese boy name for those with high aspirations and strong leadership qualities. It reflects a person who is both intellectually sharp and capable of achieving great things.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese boy name is often chosen for boys who embody clarity of thought, ambition and a strong sense of purpose.

07. 博文 Bowen – Intelligent Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 博文 (Bówén) means “broad knowledge”, symbolizing intelligence, wisdom and a love for learning. It is a popular Chinese boy name often associated with academic excellence culture and refined character.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese boy name is often chosen for boys who are well read, articulate and deeply intellectual, reflecting academic ambition and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

08. 力威 Liwei – Strong Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 力威 (Lìwēi) represents strength, power and authority, making it a popular Chinese boy name for those with strong leadership qualities and a commanding presence. It conveys both physical strength and respectable influence.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese boy name is often chosen for boys who are determined, courageous and naturally influential reflecting confidence and resilience.

09. 康瑞 Kangrui – Auspicious Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 康瑞 (Kāngruì) symbolizes good health, vitality and prosperity, making it a popular Chinese boy name associated with happiness, well being and good fortune. It reflects a life filled with positivity and success.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese boy name is often chosen for boys who are blessed with strength, longevity and a bright future, reflecting Chinese cultural value of health and prosperity.

10. 俊朗 Junlang – Vibrant Chinese Boy Name

The Chinese name 俊朗 (Jùnlǎng) represents handsomeness, talent and a radiant personality, making it a popular Chinese boy name associated with charm, intelligence and confidence. It conveys both physical attractiveness and a bright energetic spirit.

Character Meanings:

This meaningful Chinese boy name is often chosen for boys who are charismatic intelligent and full of life, reflecting positivity and confidence in Chinese culture.

Famous Chinese Male Celebrities & Their Names

Chinese celebrity names often carry deep meanings, reflecting strength, success and cultural heritage. Here are four famous Chinese male celebrities, their names in Chinese characters and the significance behind them.

✨ Jackie Chan (成龙 Chéng Lóng)

Jackie Chan is a legendary Chinese actor, martial artist and film producer, known for his action-packed movies that blend comedy and martial arts.

• 成 (chéng) – to succeed
• 龙 (lóng) – dragon

The name 成龙 (Chéng Lóng) conveys success and power, perfectly fitting Jackie Chan’s global influence and achievements.

✨ Jay Chou (周杰伦 Zhōu Jiélún)

Jay Chou (周杰伦 Zhōu Jiélún) is a Taiwanese singer songwriter and music producer widely regarded as the “King of Mandopop”. His poetic lyrics, fusion of traditional Chinese elements with pop music and innovative style have made him a cultural icon across Asia and beyond.

• 周 (zhōu) – circumference; around
• 杰 (jié) – outstanding; heroic
• 伦 (lún) – ethic; order

The name 周杰伦 (Zhōu Jiélún) symbolizes greatness, moral integrity and outstanding talent, perfectly fitting his influential career and lasting legacy in the music industry.

✨ Jet Li (李连杰 Lǐ Liánjié)

李连杰 (Lǐ Liánjié) is a renowned Chinese martial artist, actor and film producer, known for his iconic roles in martial arts films, such as Hero Fearless and The Forbidden Kingdom. His exceptional skills and on-screen presence have cemented his legacy in Chinese and Hollywood action cinema.

• 李 (lǐ) – plum; a common surname in China,
  symbolizing beauty and resilience
• 连 (lián) – to connect; to link
• 杰 (jié) – outstanding; heroic

The name 李连杰 (Lǐ Liánjié) reflects heroism, strength and excellence, mirroring Jet Li’s legendary status in martial arts and cinema.

✨ Wong Kar-wai (王家卫 Wáng Jiāwèi)

Wong Kar-wai is a legendary Chinese film director, producer and screenwriter, known for his artistic and visually stunning films such as In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express and Blossoms Shanghai. His unique storytelling, use of colors and emotional depth have made him one of the most influential filmmakers in Chinese and international cinema.

• 王 (wáng) – king
• 家 (jiā) – family; home
• 卫 (wèi) – to guard; to defend

The name 王家卫 (Wáng Jiāwèi) reflects leadership, family values and a strong protective spirit, mirroring Wong Kar-wai’s influence in the film industry and his dedication to preserving Chinese storytelling traditions.

FAQ – Chinese Male Names & Famous Celebrities

1. What are the most popular Chinese boy names?
Some of the most popular Chinese boy names include 伟杰 (Weijie), 天宇 (Tianyu), 浩然 (Haoran), 梓轩 (Zixuan) and 力威 (Liwei). These names often symbolize strength intelligence and good fortune.

2. How do I choose a meaningful Chinese name?
When choosing a Chinese name, consider the meaning of the characters, pronunciation and cultural significance. Many names reflect virtues like wisdom (博 Bó), strength (力 Lì), and success (成 Chéng).

3. What is Jackie Chan’s real Chinese name?
Jackie Chan’s Chinese name is 成龙 (Chéng Lóng). It means “Successful Dragon”, symbolizing power, wisdom and success in Chinese culture.

4. What does Jay Chou’s name mean in Chinese?
Jay Chou’s Chinese name is 周杰伦 (Zhōu Jiélún). It means “Outstanding and Ethical”, reflecting his artistic talent and strong moral values.

5. What does Jet Li’s name mean?
Jet Li’s Chinese name is 李连杰 (Lǐ Liánjié). It translates to “Resilient and Heroic”, fitting his martial arts mastery and action film career.

6. Why do Chinese names have deep meanings?
Chinese names are carefully chosen based on family heritage, cultural beliefs and aspirations. Each character carries a specific meaning often representing strength, wisdom, prosperity or virtue.

7. What does Wong Kar-wai’s name mean?
Wong Kar-wai’s Chinese name is 王家卫 (Wáng Jiāwèi). It means “Guardian of the Family”, reflecting his deep cultural roots and influence in storytelling.

8. Do Chinese male names follow a specific structure?
Yes. Chinese names usually have two or three characters:
– The surname (family name) comes first;
– The given name often consists of one or two characters that carry a special meaning.

9. What are some strong Chinese boy names?
Names like 力威 (Liwei Strength & Authority), 伟龙 (Weilong – Great Dragon), and 浩然 (Haoran – Vast & Virtuous) are associated with power and success.

10. What are some lucky Chinese names for boys?
Names like 康瑞 (Kangrui Auspicious & Healthy) and 明浩 (Minghao Bright & Grand) are considered lucky and prosperous in Chinese culture.

Take it Further!

Explore the Chinese names and share 10 beautiful Chinese female names along with their meanings, pronunciation and cultural significance