Chinese Names In The Chinese Culture

Naming conventions are different in the Chinese culture when they are compared to Western naming conventions in that Chinese names are written with the family name first proceeded by the given name. Chinese people address each other by their full names. When Chinese people do business with Westerners they will sometimes adopt a Western name by adding a name such as Jack before their given Chinese name.

It is said that the Emperor Fu Xi in the year 2852 BC originated the use of the surname. Chinese people have a lot of honor and pride associated with their names. Generations pass down surnames which give a lot of the history of the family and tell of the region they are from or accomplishments they have attained.

During the Han Dynasty the two character name was banned which was and still is a common style to use. If one has two names it is not acceptable to refer to a person by only the use of one of their names. Showing respect in important and knowing how to address one is critical int he Chinese culture.

It was considered bad luck to marry someone with the same name in the Chinese culture at one time, today it is more accepted. Some women will add their husband's name to their maiden name when they marry, Chinese women generally keep their maiden name and their family name and not take their husband's name when marrying. In writing their names the family name comes before the given name.

The given name is one or two characters and written after the family name. A couple has a month to decide on a name before they need to register the baby's name. It is not appropriate to name a child after a famous figure or after an older family member or distant relative. Personal names chosen may reflect a period in history.

People who are not relatives are often referred to by their role in life, such as engineer or whether they are a mother or a father. Children are referred to by their given names. And it never allowed to address an elder in the family by their given name as it shows a sign of disrespect.

With over 700 known Chinese names there are but 20 that make up the majority of the Chinese names. When Chinese people immigrate or do business with Westerners they will take on a Western name. They also will reverse the sequence of their name taking the given name first and the surname last in the typical Western order.

About the Author:
James Tien is a Chinese society writer. He suggests Absolutely Feng Shui for additional information on Fung Shui and Face Shapes.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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