Several key factors often influence Chinese naming customs, including Confucian philosophy, astrology, and the Chinese language’s rich symbolism. The process begins with considering the child’s birth date, which is crucial in determining the auspicious elements and compatibility.
The birthdate is analyzed based on the Chinese zodiac signs, the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), and the yin-yang balance, all influencing the choice of characters and tones in a name.
Traditions Behind Chinese Names
Chinese names typically consist of three parts: the family name or surname, the generation name, and the given name (1).
- The family name is placed first in Chinese names and represents the individual’s ancestral lineage. It is passed down from one generation to another. Chinese family names, known as xing (姓), are relatively limited in number compared to Western surnames, with common ones such as Li (李), Wang (王), Zhang (张), and Chen (陈).
- In the past, many Chinese families used generation names given to each generation member and shared among siblings. This practice is less common today, but some families still maintain this tradition. Generation names are typically one character long and often reflect certain virtues or aspirations.
- The parents choose the given name, and it holds personal significance. It is the most commonly used part of the name. Chinese given names usually consist of one or two characters, with two characters being more common. The characters chosen for the given name often have positive meanings, reflecting the parents’ hopes for their child’s future.
In This Article
100 Beautiful Chinese Names for Girls with Meaning
Here are our favorite popular and rare Chinese names for girls.
Ai (爱)
Ai (爱) is a beautiful Chinese girl's name that means "love." The name Ai has been historically significant in Chinese culture, often used to express deep affection and care.
Aihua (爱华)
Aihua (爱华) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "love" (爱) and "beautiful" (华).
Ailian (爱莲)
Ailian (爱莲) is a pretty Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "love" (爱) and "lotus" (莲). The name Ailian is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and symbolism, as the lotus flower represents purity and enlightenment. The lotus is revered for its ability to rise above muddy waters and bloom into a beautiful flower.
An (安)
An (安) is a short Chinese girl's name that means "peace." It is derived from the Chinese character symbolizing "peace" and tranquility, reflecting the desire for harmony and well-being.
Bai (白)
Bai (白) is a short Chinese girl's name that means "white." The color white symbolizes purity, innocence, and a sense of new beginnings.
Baozhai (宝翟)
Baozhai (宝翟) is a unique Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "precious" (宝) and "talented" (翟). The character "宝" is often associated with wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture.
Beibei (贝贝)
Beibei (贝贝) is a cute Chinese girl's name that carries the meaning of "precious" or "treasure." The character "贝" represents a seashell, traditionally used as currency and regarded as a symbol of wealth in Chinese culture.
Bingbing (冰冰)
Bingbing (冰冰) is a Chinese name that means "ice" or "crystal." The repetition of the character "冰" emphasizes the significance of the name.
Cai (彩)
Cai (彩) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies "colorful" or "vibrant." Cai Wenji, a celebrated poet from ancient China, has left a lasting legacy with her poignant and expressive verses.
Cailing (彩玲)
Cailing (彩玲) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "colorful" (彩) and "delicate" (玲). The character "彩" symbolizes vivid colors and artistic beauty, while "玲" represents a tinkling sound.
Caiyun (彩云)
Caiyun (彩云) is a Chinese name for girls that combines the characters for "colorful" (彩) and "cloud" (云). Caiyun is also a poetic term used to describe a magnificent and picturesque scene.
Chenguang (晨光)
Chenguang (晨光) is a beautiful Chinese name for girls that combines the characters for "morning" (晨) and "light" (光). It is often used metaphorically to symbolize new beginnings and possibilities.
Chun (春)
Chun (春) is a short Chinese girl's name that means "spring." Chun Yan, a skilled sculptor, has gained recognition for her intricate and expressive sculptures, capturing the beauty and essence of nature in her artwork.
Chunhua (春华)
Chunhua (春华) is a rare Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "spring" (春) and "flourishing" (华).
Cui (翠)
Cui (翠) is a cute Chinese girl's name that signifies the color "emerald green" or "jade." Cui is also associated with freshness and beauty in Chinese culture.
Cuifen (翠芬)
Cuifen (翠芬) is a pretty Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "jade" (翠) and "fragrant" (芬). The name Cuifen embodies the qualities of a precious and aromatic jade. It conveys a sense of elegance and grace.
Dan (丹)
Dan (丹) is a cool Chinese girl's name that represents the color "cinnabar" or "red." It is also used in reference to alchemy and is considered a symbol of immortality in Chinese culture.
Dandan (丹丹)
Dandan (丹丹) is a Chinese girl's name that doubles the character for "red" (丹). Dandan Liu, a talented actress, captivated audiences with her versatility and depth of portrayal.
Di (迪)
Di (迪) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meanings of "enlightenment" and "luminosity." It represents the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Dongmei (冬梅)
Dongmei (冬梅) is a Chinese name that combines the characters for "winter" (冬) and "plum blossom" (梅). Its pronunciation is DONG-may. The name Dongmei evokes the beauty and resilience of the plum blossom, which blooms during the winter season.
Ehuang (娥皇)
Ehuang (娥皇) is a unique Chinese girl's name that embodies grace and radiance. Ehuang is one of the legendary figures in Chinese mythology known as the "Two Sovereigns," who are revered as the ancestors of humanity.
Fang (芳)
Fang (芳) is a pretty Chinese girl's name that signifies fragrance and aroma. Fang is often used in poetic expressions to describe the beauty of nature and the allure of a person.
Fen (芬)
Fen (芬) is a cool Chinese girl's name that represents the essence of fragrance and aroma. In Chinese culture, "芬" is often associated with beauty and elegance.
Feng (风)
Feng (风) is a Chinese name that embodies the element of wind. In Chinese philosophy, the concept of "Feng Shui" is based on harnessing the harmonious flow of energy, represented by the wind, to create balance and well-being.
Fenghua (凤华)
Fenghua (凤华) is a strong Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "phoenix" (凤) and "blossom" (华). Its pronunciation is FUNG-hwah. The name Fenghua represents the elegance and beauty of the mythical phoenix, which is a symbol of rebirth and prosperity.
Ge (歌)
Ge (歌) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies the power of song and singing. The name Ge carries the joy and expression of music, reflecting a vibrant and melodious spirit.
Guan (官)
Guan (官) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "official" or "officer." Guan is derived from the Chinese term "官员" (guānyuán), which refers to government officials.
Guifang (桂芳)
Guifang (桂芳) is a beautiful Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "osmanthus" (桂) and "fragrant" (芳). Osmanthus is often associated with happiness, prosperity, and love.
Guihua (桂花)
Guihua (桂花) is a Chinese girl's name that represents the beautiful osmanthus blossom. Its pronunciation is GWEE-hwah. The name Guihua carries the essence of elegance and grace, symbolizing the delicate beauty of the osmanthus flower.
Guiying (贵英)
Guiying (贵英) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "precious" (贵) and "hero" (英). Guiying stands out as a beacon of strength and courage, inspiring others with her noble character and unwavering determination.
Hong (红)
Hong (红) is a strong Chinese girl's name that means the color red. Red is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, symbolizing good fortune, joy, and celebration.
Hua (花)
Hua (花) is a Chinese name that embodies the beauty and elegance of flowers.
Huifang (惠芳)
Huifang (惠芳) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "kindness" (惠) and "fragrant" (芳).
Huilan (慧兰)
Huilan (慧兰) is a cool Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "intelligent" (慧) and "orchid" (兰). Orchids are highly esteemed in Chinese culture and symbolize refinement, elegance, and strength.
Huimei (慧美)
Huimei (慧美) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "intelligent" (慧) and "beautiful" (美). The name Huimei represents the belief that intelligence enhances beauty and vice versa.
Jia (嘉)
Jia (嘉) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "excellent" or "auspicious." Jia is often associated with auspicious events and celebrations in Chinese culture.
Jiali (嘉丽)
Jiali (嘉丽) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "excellent" (嘉) and "beautiful" (丽).
Jian (健)
Jian (健) is a strong Chinese girl's name that signifies strength and health. Jian is associated with vitality, vigor, and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
Jianping (建平)
Jianping (建平) is a poetic Chinese girl's name that combines the characters for "established" (建) and "peaceful" (平).
Jiao (娇)
Jiao (娇) is a pretty Chinese girl's name that embodies charm and delicacy. Jiao is often associated with femininity and grace in Chinese culture.
Jiayi (佳怡)
Jiayi (佳怡) is an old Chinese girl's name that signifies beautiful joy. Jiayi is a popular name choice in China, reflecting the desire for a joyful and beautiful life.
Jiaying (嘉颖)
Jiaying (嘉颖) is a cute Chinese girl's name that conveys admiration and intelligence.
Jie (洁)
Jie (洁) is a Chinese girl's name that represents purity and cleanliness. Jie is often used as a component in compound names to emphasize purity and cleanliness.
Jiemei (洁美)
Jiemei (洁美) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of clean and beautiful. Jiemei is a name that reflects the ideal of combining physical beauty with inner purity in Chinese culture.
Jinfeng (金凤)
Jinfeng (金凤) is a strong Chinese girl's name that translates to "golden phoenix." The name Jinfeng symbolizes a person who possesses the majestic qualities of a phoenix and the preciousness of gold.
Jing (晶)
Jing (晶) is a Chinese girl's name that means "crystal" or "sparkling." The name Jing represents a person who shines with inner radiance and brilliance, like a precious crystal.
Jingjing (晶晶)
Jingjing (晶晶) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies "crystal clear" and "bright." The name Jingjing represents a person who embodies clarity and brilliance, both in her thoughts and actions.
Juan (娟)
Juan (娟) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys grace and beauty. The name Juan represents a person who possesses a graceful and elegant demeanor.
Juanita (娟娜)
Juanita (娟娜) is a unique Chinese girl's name that signifies grace and elegance. The name Juanita represents a person who embodies feminine beauty and carries herself with poise and sophistication.
Juanjuan (娟娟)
Juanjuan (娟娟) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of grace and beauty. The name Juanjuan represents a person who possesses both inner and outer beauty.
Jumei (菊梅)
Jumei (菊梅) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of chrysanthemum and plum. Jumei is a name that evokes images of autumn in Chinese culture, as chrysanthemums are often associated with the season.
Kaiming (开明)
Kaiming (开明) is a poetic Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of being open-minded and enlightened.
Lan (兰)
Lan (兰) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies "orchid." Orchids hold significant cultural symbolism in China, representing refinement, grace, and purity.
Lanlan (兰兰)
Lanlan (兰兰) is a Chinese name for girls that combines the meanings of elegance and orchid. Lanlan is a name often chosen for its melodic sound and its association with the elegance of the orchid flower.
Lei (蕾)
Lei (蕾) is a Chinese name for girls that signifies a bud or sprout. The name Lei represents a person who embodies the potential for growth, like a budding flower.
Li (丽)
Li (丽) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "beautiful." Li is a popular name choice in China, reflecting the admiration for beauty and aesthetics.
Lian (莲)
Lian (莲) is a prettyu Chinese girl's name that signifies the lotus flower. The name Lian represents a person who embodies the purity and resilience of the lotus.
Lihua (丽华)
Lihua (丽华) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of beauty and splendor. Lihua is a name that is often chosen for its auspicious meaning and its association with beauty.
Liling (丽玲)
Liling (丽玲) is a pretty Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of beauty and delicacy.
Ling (玲)
Ling (玲) is a short Chinese girl's name that signifies the delicate sound of jade. Ling is a name associated with the elegance and purity of jade in Chinese culture.
Liwen (丽雯)
Liwen (丽雯) is a cool Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of beauty and cloud.
Liying (丽英)
Liying (丽英) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of beauty and hero.
Mei (美)
Mei (美) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "beautiful." Mei is a name that is often chosen for its simplicity and its association with beauty.
Meifen (美芬)
Meifen (美芬) is a cute Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of beauty and fragrance.
Ming (明)
Ming (明) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies brightness and clarity. The name Ming represents a person who possesses a radiant and enlightened nature.
Minhua (敏华)
Minhua (敏华) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of quickness and splendor. The name Minhua represents a person who possesses agility and brilliance in both thought and action.
Minli (敏丽)
Minli (敏丽) is a Chinese girl's name that combines the meanings of quickness and beauty. Minli is a name that captures the essence of grace and quick thinking in Chinese culture.
Na (娜)
Na (娜) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies elegance and grace.
Ning (宁)
Ning (宁) is a short Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "peaceful" or "calm." The name Ning represents a person who possesses a serene and tranquil nature.
Pei (佩)
Pei (佩) is a short Chinese girl's name that signifies adorning or wearing. The name Pei represents a person who brings a sense of adornment and beauty to others.
Ping (平)
Ping (平) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "peaceful" and "level." The name Ping represents a person who embodies a peaceful and harmonious nature.
Qian (倩)
Qian (倩) is a Chinese name for girls that signifies elegance and beauty. The name Qian represents a person who possesses a graceful and captivating nature.
Qin (琴)
Qin (琴) is a Chinese name for girls that signifies a musical instrument, specifically a zither.
Qiu (秋)
Qiu (秋) is a Chinese name for girls that conveys the meaning of "autumn." The name Qiu represents a person who embodies the characteristics of the fall season, such as beauty, change, and tranquility.
Rui (瑞)
Rui (瑞) is a Chinese name for girls that signifies auspiciousness and luck. The name Rui represents a person who brings blessings and good fortune to others.
Shanshan (珊珊)
Shanshan (珊珊) is a unique Chinese girl's name that signifies coral, a precious gemstone found in the sea.
Shu (淑)
Shu (淑) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "refined" and "gentle."
Shuang (爽)
Shuang (爽) is a short Chinese girl's name that signifies clarity and refreshment.
Suyin (素音)
Suyin (素音) is a common Chinese girl's name that signifies pure sound. The name Suyin represents a person who is connected to the world of music and possesses a pure and melodious nature.
Tian (天)
Tian (天) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "heaven" or "sky." The name Tian represents a person who is connected to the celestial realm and possesses a heavenly nature.
Ting (婷)
Ting (婷) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies gracefulness and slimness.
Wei (薇)
Wei (薇) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "rose" and 'fern.
Weixia (薇霞)
Weixia (薇霞) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies the radiant glow of a rose. The name Weixia represents a person whose presence is as enchanting and captivating as the glow of a rose.
Xia (霞)
Xia (霞) is a Chinese name for girls that conveys the meaning of "rosy clouds." The name Xia represents a person who embodies the beauty and tranquility of the rosy clouds at sunset.
Xiaoying (小英)
Xiaoying (小英) is a common Chinese girl's name that signifies a little hero. The name Xiaoying represents a person who possesses heroic qualities and the courage to overcome challenges.
Xin (心)
Xin (心) is a short Chinese girl's name that signifies "heart." The name Xin represents a person who embodies kindness, love, and sincerity.
Xing (星)
Xing (星) is a Chinese name that conveys the meaning of "star." Xing is a name that is often chosen for its association with brightness and celestial beauty in Chinese culture.
Xiu (秀)
Xiu (秀) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies elegance and beauty.
Xuemei (雪梅)
Xuemei (雪梅) is a Chinese name for girls that signifies the beauty of a plum blossom in the snow.
Yan (燕)
Yan (燕) is a Chinese name for girls that conveys the meaning of "swallow," a bird known for its grace and agility.
Yang (阳)
Yang (阳) is a Chinese name that signifies the sun and positivity.
Ying (颖)
Ying (颖) is a Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "clever" and "outstanding." The name Ying represents a person who possesses intelligence and exceptional qualities.
Yong (勇)
Yong (勇) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies bravery and courage.
Yue (月)
Yue (月) is a Chinese name that conveys the meaning of "moon." The name Yue represents a person who possesses the beauty and tranquility of the moon.
Yun (云)
Yun (云) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies "cloud."
Yuwei (玉薇)
Yuwei (玉薇) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies the combination of jade and fern. The name Yuwei represents a person whose beauty is as delicate and precious as jade and fern.
Zha (扎)
Zha (扎) is a beautiful Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "to strike" or "to tie." Zha is a name that reflects the importance of resilience and tenacity in Chinese culture.
Zhen (珍)
Zhen (珍) is a Chinese girl's name that signifies preciousness and value.
Zhi (智)
Zhi (智) is a strong Chinese girl's name that conveys the meaning of "wisdom" and "intelligence."
Zhilan (芝兰)
Zhilan (芝兰) is a cool Chinese girl's name that signifies the beauty and elegance of an orchid.