Chinese Name Generator
Draw your Chinese surname from the ancient Hundred Family Surnames, then craft a meaningful given name with pinyin, translation, and centuries of history.
100% Free · Get a personalized Chinese name by emailDraw Your Surname
Browse 100 Family Surnames
hover for details · click to selectFrequently Asked Questions
How does the Chinese name generator work?
It draws a surname from the Hundred Family Surnames, then combines it with a given name based on gender and style. Each character returns pinyin, an English meaning, and a short history.
Are the generated Chinese names real?
Yes. The generator uses common Chinese surnames and real given-name characters. You can also request a free personal name by email with your birthday and English name.
How can I get a free personal Chinese name?
Use the free request form on this page: fill in your birthday and English name, leave your email, and we will reply with a personally chosen Chinese name at no cost.
What does my Chinese name mean?
Each character in the result includes pinyin, the English translation, and a note on the character's traditional meaning.
Can foreigners use a Chinese name?
Yes. Many international students, workers, and visitors adopt a Chinese name for daily use in China, study, or business, even though it is not legally required.
How Chinese names work
A Chinese name usually has a surname first, then a one- or two-character given name. The surname often comes from the Hundred Family Surnames, and parents choose given-name characters for meaning, sound, and family values.
Surname first, given name second
In Chinese, the family name always comes first: in the name 李小明 (Lǐ Xiǎomíng), 李 (Li) is the surname and 小明 (Xiaoming) is the given name. When a Chinese friend introduces themselves as "Wang Wei", Wang is their family name — not their first name. Getting this order right is one of the most appreciated signs of cultural fluency.
Common mistakes foreigners make
- Reversing the order. Writing the given name before the surname makes "Li Xiaoming" read like "Ming Xiao-Li" to native speakers.
- Picking characters by look alone. A character can look beautiful and still carry an odd or unfortunate meaning when combined with a surname.
- Using overly literal transliterations. A name that only mimics the sound of your English name can accidentally sound like an object or a brand; meaning matters as much as sound.
- Choosing rare characters. Characters that most Chinese speakers cannot type or read cause daily friction — common characters age better.
- Ignoring tone. The same pinyin spelling with different tones is a different name entirely; always check the tone marks.
What this generator gives you
- A surname drawn from the traditional Hundred Family Surnames
- Pinyin, English meaning, population, and historical notes
- A given name selected by gender, style, and length
- Vibe tags and a suitability note so you know when the name fits
Is it a real name?
The generator uses genuine Chinese surnames and common given-name characters. After generating a name, you can also request a free personalized name by email with your birthday and English name.