As China becomes more and more involved with the western world, it has become very common for Chinese to adopt an English-language name. The reason behind this is quite apparent as most westerners will struggle with how to pronounce names like Xiu or Qiang, let alone be able to read the characters that make up their name. The process for choosing these names can be quite different, anything from a direct translation of their Chinese name to being branded by a teacher or parent as a child to naming themselves after a celebrity or favorite English word. As a result, you often come across some unique and even hilarious (to a westerner) names.
Below are my top ten favorite names of people I’ve met in my two months in China. Pretty sure I’ll have to continue to update this post as I meet more and more people.
**Disclaimer** – I do not mean to insult anyone with these names. In many cases, I love the originality and thought put into them.
10. Tiger – This is a very common name in China, as I’ve already met at least three Tiger’s. My first thought was that Tiger Woods must be very popular here, but I soon found out that this is often a direct translation of their Chinese name and boys are often named after powerful animals.
9. Fruits – I have yet to figure out why there are so many women named after fruits. I’ve met multiple Cherry’s and Apple’s and even a Banana and Lemon.
8. Happy – This one isn’t all that strange as it used to be a fairly popular American name a century ago. This is also another trend – taking a name that was very popular 50-100 years ago. I’ve met quite a few Larry’s, Charley’s, Harvey’s, Helen’s, Bertha’s, and Enid’s. Plus there’s always Happy Loman in Death of a Salesman and maybe his parents were just big Arthur Miller fans.
7. Snow – Both Snow and Rain tend to be pretty popular female names, but fortunately Hail or Sleet hasn’t caught on.
6. Smile – This is actually a perfect name for the young boy I met with this handle as he constantly has a giant ear-to-ear grin. Curious to see how well the name fits as he grows up, though.
5. Bambi – Both in their Chinese and English names, there seems to be an emphasis in giving females an ultra-cute name. Often times, they result in what sound like stripper names: Candy, Cherry, or in this case, Bambi. This isn’t the first Bambi I’ve met though, as I also knew one in college. We used to joke, “I’m going to go see Bambi and thump-her.”
4. Rarity – Although, seemingly a little bizarre at first, I kind of love this name for a girl. It also shows some out of the box thinking.
3. McQueen – I’ll be honest, this may be my favorite name in any language. I can just see the conversation that led to this choice – McQueen: “You know I really like that Steve McQueen guy. Total badass. I think I’m going to name myself after him.” McQueen’s friend: “Steven is a good name.” McQueen: “Nope, not Steven. McQueen.” I love this so much that if I ever have a boy, it will be tough to convince me to not name him McQueen, or Stallone…or Schwarzenegger.
2. Dickens – Much like McQueen, but setting yourself up for years of people making fun of your name. Hemingway or Faulkner would have been much cooler.
1. Colorful – You can name yourself an adjective??? This is pure brilliance. Scratch McQueen, I’ve now decided my son will be named Glorious.
Ha,ha interesting. I love your adventures I am dying to know have you gone to a karaoke bar yet? Keep the great stories coming!!
I have not, despite them being everywhere. Perhaps someday, although I absolutely hate karaoke.