First Name 是 姓 还是 名: Understanding the Chinese Name Structure

In Chinese, the order of names is reversed compared to English. This means the family name comes first, followed by the given name. This can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the language, as they may wonder if "first name" refers to the family name or the given name. This article will clarify this distinction and explore the fascinating world of Chinese names, explaining the meaning behind common names.
1. **张 (Zhāng):** A common surname, meaning "net," "spread out," or "expand." It symbolizes strength and expansion.
2. **李 (Lǐ):** Another frequent surname, meaning "plum tree," associated with longevity, beauty, and fruitfulness.
3. **王 (Wáng):** One of the most common surnames, meaning "king" or "royal," embodying power, authority, and nobility.
4. **刘 (Liú):** A widespread surname, meaning "flow," "current," or "stream," signifying fluidity, adaptability, and progress.
5. **陈 (Chén):** A prevalent surname, meaning "to make" or "to create," representing construction, innovation, and artistry.
6. **杨 (Yáng):** A popular surname, meaning "willow tree," associated with grace, elegance, and beauty.
7. **赵 (Zhào):** A prominent surname, meaning "to summon" or "to invite," symbolizing leadership, influence, and gathering.
8. **吴 (Wú):** A common surname, meaning "to dance," "to play," or "to move," signifying joy, entertainment, and agility.
9. **周 (Zhōu):** A widespread surname, meaning "around" or "cycle," representing completeness, wholeness, and timelessness.
10. **林 (Lín):** A popular surname, meaning "forest," associated with abundance, protection, and resilience.
11. **郭 (Guō):** A common surname, meaning "surround" or "enclose," symbolizing security, safety, and boundaries.
12. **何 (Hé):** A prevalent surname, meaning "what" or "how," representing inquiry, exploration, and understanding.
13. **高 (Gāo):** A popular surname, meaning "high," "tall," or "elevated," signifying ambition, success, and achievement.
14. **黄 (Huáng):** A common surname, meaning "yellow," associated with wealth, prosperity, and vitality.
15. **徐 (Xú):** A widespread surname, meaning "slow" or "leisurely," representing patience, serenity, and tranquility.
16. **马 (Mǎ):** A prevalent surname, meaning "horse," signifying strength, speed, and agility.
17. **孙 (Sūn):** A popular surname, meaning "grandson," associated with lineage, legacy, and continuation.
18. **田 (Tián):** A common surname, meaning "field," representing abundance, fertility, and livelihood.
19. **郑 (Zhèng):** A widespread surname, meaning "upright" or "righteous," symbolizing honesty, integrity, and fairness.
20. **谢 (Xiè):** A prevalent surname, meaning "to thank," representing gratitude, appreciation, and respect.
21. **韩 (Hán):** A popular surname, meaning "cold" or "cool," associated with composure, calmness, and strength.
22. **曹 (Cáo):** A common surname, meaning "weed," representing resilience, persistence, and adaptability.
23. **潘 (Pān):** A widespread surname, meaning "basin" or "plate," symbolizing nourishment, abundance, and provision.
24. **邓 (Dèng):** A prevalent surname, meaning "climb" or "ascend," signifying ambition, progress, and upward mobility.
25. **曾 (Zēng):** A popular surname, meaning "already" or "previously," representing experience, wisdom, and tradition.
26. **于 (Yú):** A common surname, meaning "from" or "at," symbolizing origin, beginning, and foundation.
27. **梁 (Liáng):** A widespread surname, meaning "beam" or "rafter," signifying stability, strength, and support.
28. **许 (Xǔ):** A prevalent surname, meaning "to permit" or "to allow," representing acceptance, agreement, and freedom.
29. **赖 (Lài):** A popular surname, meaning "rely" or "depend," signifying trust, support, and reliance.
30. **萧 (Xiāo):** A common surname, meaning "sparse" or "thin," representing simplicity, minimalism, and refinement.
31. **沈 (Shěn):** A widespread surname, meaning "to sink," "to immerse," or "to submerge," signifying depth, wisdom, and contemplation.
32. **叶 (Yè):** A prevalent surname, meaning "leaf," representing growth, renewal, and transformation.
33. **钟 (Zhōng):** A popular surname, meaning "bell," signifying announcement, clarity, and resonance.
34. **秦 (Qín):** A common surname, meaning "to rule" or "to govern," symbolizing leadership, authority, and control.
35. **魏 (Wèi):** A widespread surname, meaning "great" or "mighty," representing power, strength, and influence.
36. **贾 (Jiǎ):** A prevalent surname, meaning "merchant" or "trader," signifying business, commerce, and wealth.
37. **陆 (Lù):** A popular surname, meaning "land" or "ground," representing stability, security, and foundation.
38. **汪 (Wāng):** A common surname, meaning "pond" or "lake," signifying abundance, fluidity, and tranquility.
39. **胡 (Hú):** A widespread surname, meaning "confused" or "unclear," representing inquiry, exploration, and understanding.
40. **戴 (Dài):** A prevalent surname, meaning "to wear" or "to put on," signifying adornment, protection, and distinction.