How are Chinese names decided?

The family name (or ‘surname’) is inherited from one’s parents and shared with other members of the individual’s immediate family. It always comes before the given name and is usually a single syllable/Chinese character. The given name (or ‘personal name’) is chosen at birth as the individual’s personal identifier.

Why do Chinese family names come first?

Traditionally, Chinese given names are structured by a two-character pattern. The first part is the generation name that is shared by all members of a generation, and the last character is given to the individual person. The reason Chinese people write their surname first is to show respect to the ancestors.

Do you have to choose a Chinese name?

Choosing a common Chinese last name will ensure your Chinese name is readily identifiable as a personal name, as Chinese names are structured with the last name first. For example, if your last name is Johnson, the very common surname 张 (Zhāng) might suit you. Similarly, 孙 (Sūn) could also reflect the “son” in Johnson.

What do Chinese parents really think about their children?

“Chinese parents are more likely to think children are vulnerable and dependent,” says Chen Shuang, a Chinese history professor at the University of Iowa. He says Chinese parents will do everything they can for their children instead of encouraging them to develop independence. Typically, they feed their children up to the age of 3.

Why do people choose such names for their children?

For parents who choose such names, it’s a possible combination of being a creative person (like actors and musicians) and liking the attention that the name gives not only to their child, but to them for choosing it.

Does ‘tiger parenting’ promote achievement in children of Chinese ethnicity?

Recent coverage of Amy Chua’s book on “tiger parenting”, Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother, has also focused attention on parenting styles promoting achievement in children of Chinese ethnicity.

What is the importance of family in Chinese culture?

For many, their family provides them with a sense of identity and a strong network of support. In China, the family is largely understood through Confucian thought. In Confucian thinking, the family contains the most important relationships for individuals and forms the foundations of all social organisation.