Courtesy Name Generator

Zi, ja, azana and tự with meanings

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Generate East Asian courtesy names: Chinese zi (字) like Kongming and Zilong, Korean ja like Yeohae, Japanese azana like Shisei and Vietnamese tự like Tố Như, each with its characters, meaning and the given name or historical figure it pairs with.

About courtesy names

A courtesy name is the second name an educated adult took in the classical East Asian world: the Chinese zi (字), Korean ja (자), Japanese azana (字) and Vietnamese tên tự. A man received it at his capping ceremony around twenty, a woman at fifteen or on marriage, and from then on peers used the courtesy name while the given name was reserved for parents, rulers and the person themselves. That is why Zhuge Liang is Kongming in the Three Kingdoms, why Admiral Yi Sun-sin signed as Yeohae, and why the poet Nguyễn Du is remembered as Tố Như.

Courtesy names are never random. They comment on the given name: Liang (bright) becomes Kongming (very bright), Yun (cloud) becomes Zilong (the dragon that rides clouds), and Han Yu's Yu (advance) is balanced by Tuizhi (withdraw). Birth-order markers are common, with Bo or Meng for an eldest son, Zhong for the second, Shu for the third and Ji or You for the youngest, and the prefix Zi or suffixes like -zhi, -fu and -qing add a scholarly ring.

Each entry gives the courtesy name, its characters, a gloss, and either the historical figure who bore it or the kind of given name it pairs with.

How to choose courtesy names

  • Start from your character's given name and choose a courtesy name that echoes, extends or balances its meaning; a zi that ignores the ming sounds made up to anyone who reads the characters.
  • Use birth-order prefixes to show family position: Bo or Meng for the eldest, Zhong for the second, Shu for the third, Ji or You for the youngest. Brothers sharing the same pattern (Bofu, Zhongmou, Shubi, Jizuo) instantly read as a family.
  • Match the tradition to the setting: pinyin zi for Chinese and xianxia worlds, hangul-and-hanja ja for Joseon Korea, kanji azana for Edo-period scholars and samurai, and Sino-Vietnamese tự for Nguyễn-dynasty Vietnam.
  • Use the courtesy name in dialogue between equals and friends, the given name only from parents, lords or the person speaking of themselves. Getting this etiquette right does more for authenticity than any single name.
  • Keep it to two characters. One-character and three-character courtesy names exist but are rare, and two syllables pair cleanly with a one- or two-syllable given name.

Frequently asked questions

What is a courtesy name?

A courtesy name is a second, adult name used in China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam from roughly the Zhou dynasty until the early twentieth century. Called zi in Chinese, ja in Korean, azana in Japanese and tự in Vietnamese, it was given at coming of age and used by peers and colleagues instead of the given name, which was considered too intimate or presumptuous for others to say.

How do I choose a courtesy name for my character?

Read the meaning of the given name and pick a courtesy name that comments on it: a synonym (Liang and Kongming, both bright), an image that completes it (Yun, cloud, with Zilong, dragon) or an opposite that balances it (Yu, advance, with Tuizhi, withdraw). Add a birth-order prefix such as Bo, Zhong, Shu or Ji if the character's place among siblings matters.

Did women have courtesy names?

Yes, though less often recorded. Famous examples include the historian Ban Zhao (zi Huiban), the poet Cai Yan (Wenji), the painter Guan Daosheng (Zhongji), the Tang poet Xue Tao (Hongdu), the Korean poet Heo Nanseolheon (ja Gyeongbeon) and the revolutionary Qiu Jin (Xuanqing). Women's courtesy names often used ji (lady) or characters for jade, orchid and grace.

What is the difference between a courtesy name and an art name?

A courtesy name (zi) was given by elders at adulthood and followed conventions tied to the given name. An art name or pseudonym (hao in Chinese, ho in Korean, gō in Japanese, hiệu in Vietnamese) was chosen by the person later in life, often after a studio, place or ideal, and could change; Su Shi's zi was Zizhan but his hao was Dongpo Jushi.

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All 500 courtesy names

This is the complete list the generator above draws its random batches from, sorted A to Z and grouped by first letter.

Plain text, one name per line.

A: 4 names

  • Andao (安道) – "at peace in the Way"; for a given name meaning path
  • Anguo (安国) – "pacifying the state"; zi of Guan Xing
  • Anren (安仁) – "at peace in benevolence"; from the Analects
  • Anshi (安石) – "peaceful stone"; zi of the Jin statesman Xie An

B: 31 names

  • Baekhu (백후, 伯厚) – "eldest, generous"; ja of the minister Kim Yuk
  • Baoguang (葆光) – "keeping light hidden"; from Zhuangzi
  • Baozhen (葆真) – "preserving truth"; for a given name meaning genuine
  • Benchu (本初) – "the root and beginning"; zi of the warlord Yuan Shao
  • Bi'an (必安) – "surely at peace"; a zi for a name meaning danger or storm
  • Bingde (秉德) – "holding virtue"; for a given name meaning goodness
  • Bingyi (秉彝) – "holding to constancy"; from the Book of Songs
  • Bingzhong (秉忠) – "holding loyalty"; for a given name meaning faithful
  • Bo'an (伯安) – "eldest, at peace"; zi of the philosopher Wang Shouren
  • Bochun (伯淳) – "eldest, pure"; zi of the philosopher Cheng Hao

B, continued

  • Bodao (伯道) – "eldest, the Way"; zi of the defender Hao Zhao
  • Bofu (伯符) – "eldest, tally"; zi of Sun Ce
  • Bogang (伯纪) – "eldest, discipline"; zi of the Song minister Li Gang
  • Bogui (伯珪) – "eldest, jade tablet"; zi of the warlord Gongsun Zan
  • Bohan (伯涵) – "eldest, embracing"; zi of the statesman Zeng Guofan
  • Bohong (伯鸿) – "eldest, wild goose"; for an eldest son named for great ambition
  • Bohu (伯虎) – "eldest, tiger"; zi of the painter Tang Yin
  • Boji (伯济) – "eldest, who ferries across"; zi of the general Guo Huai
  • Bolun (伯伦) – "eldest, of proper order"; zi of the drinker-poet Liu Ling
  • Boning (伯宁) – "eldest, tranquil"; zi of the general Man Chong

B, continued

  • Boqin (伯勤) – "eldest, diligent"; for a firstborn named for effort
  • Bosong (伯松) – "eldest, pine"; for a firstborn named for endurance
  • Bowen (伯温) – "eldest, mild"; zi of the strategist Liu Ji
  • Boxian (伯贤) – "eldest, worthy"; for a firstborn named for virtue
  • Boyan (伯言) – "eldest, of his word"; zi of Lu Xun
  • Boyang (伯阳) – "eldest, sunlit"; traditional zi of Laozi
  • Boyu (伯玉) – "eldest, jade"; zi of the poet Chen Zi'ang
  • Boyuan (伯远) – "eldest, far-reaching"; for a firstborn named for distance
  • Boyue (伯约) – "eldest, restrained"; zi of Jiang Wei
  • Bozhong (伯仲) – "eldest and second"; for twins or close brothers
  • Bunkei (文卿) – "cultured minister"; an azana for a name meaning letters

C: 17 names

  • Cangshu (仓舒) – "granary at ease"; zi of the prodigy Cao Chong
  • Changgeng (长庚) – "evening star"; zi of the technologist Song Yingxing
  • Changji (长吉) – "lasting fortune"; zi of the poet Li He
  • Changqing (长卿) – "senior minister"; zi of Sima Xiangru
  • Changru (长孺) – "senior scholar"; for a given name meaning learned child
  • Chengming (诚明) – "sincere and bright"; from the Doctrine of the Mean
  • Chengxuan (诚悬) – "sincerity suspended"; zi of the calligrapher Liu Gongquan
  • Chengyuan (承渊) – "inheriting the deep"; zi of the general Ding Feng

C, continued

  • Chengzhi (承志) – "inheriting the will"; for a given name meaning ambition
  • Chengzuo (承祚) – "inheriting blessing"; zi of the historian Chen Shou
  • Chōfu (暢夫) – "unobstructed man"; azana of the samurai Takasugi Shinsaku
  • Chongguang (重光) – "redoubled light"; for a given name meaning sun and moon
  • Chongxu (冲虚) – "rushing void"; Daoist title, for a name meaning emptiness
  • Chu Thần (周臣) – "minister of Zhou"; tự of the poet Cao Bá Quát
  • Chudao (处道) – "dwelling in the Way"; zi of the Sui general Yang Su
  • Cunren (存仁) – "preserving benevolence"; for a given name meaning kindness
  • Cunzhong (存中) – "preserving the center"; zi of the polymath Shen Kuo

D: 15 names

  • Dafu (达夫) – "accomplished man"; zi of the poet Gao Shi
  • Dalga (달가, 達可) – "able to attain"; ja of the loyalist Jeong Mong-ju
  • Danbo (단보, 端甫) – "upright gentleman"; ja of the writer Heo Gyun
  • Daoming (道明) – "bright in the Way"; zi of the Yan founder Murong Chui
  • Delin (德邻) – "virtue has neighbors"; Analects; for a name meaning near
  • Demou (德谋) – "virtuous strategy"; zi of the veteran Cheng Pu
  • Dengshan (登善) – "ascending to goodness"; zi of the calligrapher Chu Suiliang
  • Deogwon (덕원, 德源) – "source of virtue"; a Korean ja for a name meaning spring
  • Deokbo (덕보, 德保) – "guarding virtue"; ja of the scientist Hong Dae-yong
  • Derun (德润) – "virtue enriches"; for a given name meaning moisture or jade
  • Dezu (德祖) – "virtuous ancestor"; zi of the wit Yang Xiu
  • Dingfang (定方) – "settling the regions"; zi of the general Su Lie
  • Doãn Hậu (允厚) – "truly generous"; tự of the scholar Lê Quý Đôn
  • Dongbi (东璧) – "eastern jade disc"; zi of the physician Li Shizhen
  • Dongye (东野) – "eastern wilds"; zi of the poet Meng Jiao

E: 2 names

  • Eonsin (언신, 彦愼) – "accomplished and careful"; ja of General Gwon Yul
  • Ernong (而农) – "and a farmer"; zi of the philosopher Wang Fuzhi

F: 6 names

  • Feiqing (飞卿) – "flying minister"; zi of the poet Wen Tingyun
  • Fengchen (凤臣) – "phoenix minister"; for a given name meaning phoenix
  • Fengming (凤鸣) – "phoenix cry"; from the Book of Songs
  • Fengqian (奉倩) – "upholding grace"; zi of the philosopher Xun Can
  • Fengxian (奉先) – "honoring ancestors"; zi of Lü Bu
  • Fengxiao (奉孝) – "upholding filial duty"; zi of Guo Jia

G: 26 names

  • Gagu (가구, 可久) – "can endure"; ja of the philosopher Seo Gyeong-deok
  • Gensuke (源佐) – "source and helper"; azana of the Confucian Itō Jinsai
  • Gikei (義卿) – "righteous minister"; azana of the teacher Yoshida Shōin
  • Gongda (公达) – "lordly attainment"; zi of the strategist Xun You
  • Gongfu (公覆) – "lordly shelter"; zi of the veteran Huang Gai
  • Gongji (公绩) – "lordly achievement"; zi of the general Ling Tong
  • Gongjin (公瑾) – "lordly jade"; zi of Zhou Yu, whose name means fine jade
  • Gonglu (公路) – "lordly road"; zi of the pretender Yuan Shu
  • Gongming (公明) – "lordly and bright"; zi of Xu Huang
  • Gongqi (公祺) – "lordly blessing"; zi of the Celestial Master Zhang Lu
  • Gongsi (公嗣) – "lordly heir"; zi of Liu Shan
  • Gongtai (公台) – "lordly terrace"; zi of the strategist Chen Gong
  • Gongxiu (公休) – "lordly rest"; zi of the general Zhuge Dan

G, continued

  • Gongyan (公琰) – "lordly jade tablet"; zi of the Shu minister Jiang Wan
  • Gongyou (公祐) – "lordly protection"; zi of the envoy Sun Qian
  • Gongzu (恭祖) – "respectful ancestor"; zi of the governor Tao Qian
  • Guanguang (观光) – "beholding the light"; zi of the poet Luo Binwang
  • Guangxia (广厦) – "great mansion"; zi of the reformer Kang Youwei
  • Guangzu (光祖) – "glorifying ancestors"; for a given name meaning lineage
  • Guanzhong (贯中) – "threading the center"; zi of the novelist Luo Ben
  • Gubu (구부, 懼夫) – "cautious man"; ja of the Joseon minister Hwang Hui
  • Guorang (国让) – "yielding for the state"; zi of the general Tian Yu
  • Gyeham (계함, 季涵) – "youngest, embracing"; ja of the poet Jeong Cheol
  • Gyeongbeon (경번, 景樊) – "admiring Fan"; ja of the poet Heo Nanseolheon
  • Gyeongbu (경부, 敬夫) – "reverent man"; a Korean ja for a name meaning respect
  • Gyeongho (경호, 景浩) – "vast vista"; ja of the scholar Yi Hwang (Toegye)

H: 25 names

  • Haebu (해부, 海夫) – "man of the sea"; ja of the Silla scholar Choe Chi-won
  • Hải Thu (海秋) – "autumn sea"; tự of the revolutionary Phan Bội Châu
  • Hakukyō (伯恭) – "eldest, respectful"; azana of the scholar Minagawa Kien
  • Hanh Phủ (亨甫) – "prosperous gentleman"; tự of the sage Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm
  • Hanqing (汉卿) – "Han minister"; zi of the playwright Guan Hanqing
  • Hansheng (汉升) – "Han rising"; zi of Huang Zhong
  • Hanwen (翰文) – "brush and letters"; for a given name meaning writing
  • Haoran (浩然) – "vast and flowing"; Mencius; for a name meaning breath or spirit
  • Hinkei (斌卿) – "refined minister"; azana of the Mito scholar Fujita Tōko
  • Hongdao (弘道) – "broadening the Way"; from the Analects
  • Hongdu (洪度) – "vast measure"; zi of the Tang poet Xue Tao
  • Hongjian (鸿渐) – "wild goose advancing"; from the Book of Changes, zi of Lu Yu

H, continued

  • Hongyi (弘毅) – "broad and resolute"; Analects; for a name meaning firm
  • Huaigu (怀古) – "cherishing antiquity"; for a name meaning old or classic
  • Huaijin (怀瑾) – "cherishing jade"; from the Chu Ci, for a name meaning gem
  • Huaiying (怀英) – "cherishing excellence"; zi of the judge Di Renjie
  • Huaiyu (怀玉) – "holding jade within"; from the Daodejing
  • Huaiyuan (怀远) – "cherishing the distant"; for a given name meaning journey
  • Huiban (惠班) – "kind Ban"; zi of the historian Ban Zhao
  • Huiyin (蕙音) – "orchid voice"; a zi for a daughter named for song
  • Huizhen (慧贞) – "wise and upright"; a zi for a daughter named for wisdom
  • Hwiji (휘지, 輝之) – "the radiant one"; a Korean ja for a name meaning light
  • Hy Chương (希章) – "aspiring to composition"; tự of the scholar Bùi Huy Bích
  • Hy Doãn (希尹) – "aspiring to Yi Yin"; tự of the statesman Ngô Thì Nhậm
  • Hyojik (효직, 孝直) – "filial and straight"; ja of the reformer Jo Gwang-jo

I: 2 names

  • Igyeon (이견, 而見) – "and thus seen"; ja of the minister Yu Seong-ryong
  • Ipbu (입부, 笠父) – "bamboo-hat father"; ja of the painter Sin Yun-bok

J: 35 names

  • Jahyeon (자현, 子賢) – "worthy one"; a Korean ja for a name meaning wise
  • Jamyeong (자명, 自明) – "self-evident"; ja of the minister Maeng Sa-seong
  • Jasang (자상, 子常) – "constant one"; ja of the minister Yi Hang-bok
  • Jianfu (渐甫) – "gradual gentleman"; zi of the statesman Li Hongzhang
  • Jiarui (嘉瑞) – "fine omen"; for a given name meaning auspicious
  • Jiazhen (嘉贞) – "fine and upright"; for a given name meaning loyalty
  • Jichang (季常) – "youngest, constant"; zi of Ma Liang
  • Jiefu (介甫) – "upright gentleman"; zi of Wang Anshi
  • Jigao (季高) – "youngest, lofty"; zi of the general Zuo Zongtang
  • Jiling (季凌) – "youngest, soaring"; zi of the poet Wang Zhihuan
  • Jing'an (静安) – "still and at peace"; zi of the scholar Wang Guowei

J, continued

  • Jingchun (景纯) – "admiring purity"; zi of the scholar Guo Pu
  • Jingde (敬德) – "reverent virtue"; zi of general Yuchi Gong
  • Jinghong (景鸿) – "admiring the wild goose"; for a name meaning ambition
  • Jinglan (静兰) – "quiet orchid"; a zi for a daughter named for stillness
  • Jinglue (景略) – "admirable strategy"; zi of the Former Qin minister Wang Meng
  • Jingsheng (景升) – "admirable ascent"; zi of the warlord Liu Biao
  • Jingwan (静婉) – "still and graceful"; a zi for a daughter named for calm
  • Jingxing (景行) – "admirable conduct"; from the Book of Songs
  • Jingzhi (敬之) – "revered one"; for a given name meaning respect
  • Jingzhong (敬仲) – "reverent second son"; zi of the papermaker Cai Lun
  • Jippo (実甫) – "true gentleman"; azana of the loyalist Kusaka Genzui
  • Jiyan (季言) – "youngest, of his word"; for a lastborn named for trust

J, continued

  • Jiyu (季玉) – "youngest, jade"; zi of the governor Liu Zhang
  • Jizhen (季真) – "youngest, true"; zi of the poet He Zhizhang
  • Jizi (季子) – "youngest son"; zi-style name of Prince Jizha of Wu
  • Jongji (종지, 宗之) – "of the clan"; ja of the statesman Jeong Do-jeon
  • Junchong (濬冲) – "deep and surging"; zi of the minister Wang Rong
  • Jungmi (중미, 仲美) – "second son, beautiful"; ja of the writer Park Ji-won
  • Jungsa (중사, 仲思) – "second son, thoughtful"; ja of the scholar Yi Je-hyeon
  • Jungsuk (중숙, 重叔) – "weighty third son"; ja of the novelist Kim Man-jung
  • Junping (君平) – "lordly peace"; zi of the diviner Yan Zun
  • Junshi (君实) – "truthful lord"; zi of Sima Guang
  • Junyi (儁乂) – "talented and orderly"; zi of the general Zhang He
  • Juyuan (巨源) – "great source"; zi of the minister Shan Tao

K: 9 names

  • Kedao (可道) – "can be spoken"; zi of the five-dynasty minister Feng Dao
  • Keigi (敬義) – "reverence and righteousness"; azana of Yamazaki Ansai
  • Keji (克己) – "mastering oneself"; from the Analects
  • Keming (克明) – "able and bright"; zi of the Tang minister Du Ruhui
  • Keren (克仁) – "able in benevolence"; for a given name meaning overcome
  • Kerou (克柔) – "able to be gentle"; zi of the painter Zheng Xie (Banqiao)
  • Kongming (孔明) – "very bright"; zi of Zhuge Liang, whose given name means bright
  • Korenaga (惟命) – "only the mandate"; azana of the sage Nakae Tōju
  • Kunpo (君輔) – "lordly aide"; azana of the painter Uragami Gyokudō

L: 16 names

  • Lâm Khanh (霖卿) – "long-rain minister"; tự of the historian Phan Huy Chú
  • Lân Chi (鄰芝) – "neighboring iris"; tự of the envoy Lý Văn Phức
  • Langxian (阆仙) – "immortal of Langyuan"; zi of the poet Jia Dao
  • Leshan (乐山) – "delighting in mountains"; from the Analects
  • Leshui (乐水) – "delighting in water"; from the Analects
  • Letian (乐天) – "content with heaven"; zi of the poet Bai Juyi
  • Liangchen (良臣) – "good minister"; zi of the general Han Shizhong
  • Liangqi (良器) – "fine vessel"; zi of the general Li Sheng

L, continued

  • Lingde (令德) – "fine virtue"; from the Book of Songs
  • Lingming (令明) – "fine and bright"; zi of the general Pang De
  • Lingsu (灵素) – "spirit and plainness"; a zi for a daughter named for purity
  • Linh Triệt (靈徹) – "spirit pierced through"; tự of the teacher Chu Văn An
  • Linzhi (麟之) – "of the qilin"; for a given name meaning unicorn or rare
  • Liuxian (留仙) – "lingering immortal"; zi of the storyteller Pu Songling
  • Lüshan (履善) – "walking in goodness"; zi of Wen Tianxiang
  • Luzhi (鲁直) – "blunt man of Lu"; zi of the poet Huang Tingjian

M: 30 names

  • Mạnh Trạch (孟澤) – "eldest, marsh"; tự of the poet Nguyễn Đình Chiểu
  • Maogong (懋功) – "great merit"; zi of general Li Shiji
  • Maohong (茂弘) – "flourishing and vast"; zi of the chancellor Wang Dao
  • Maoshu (茂叔) – "flourishing third son"; zi of the philosopher Zhou Dunyi
  • Maoxian (茂先) – "flourishing forebear"; zi of the Jin scholar Zhang Hua
  • Meicheng (美成) – "beautifully complete"; zi of the lyricist Zhou Bangyan
  • Meisheng (眉生) – "born of brows"; zi of the painter Gu Mei
  • Meixian (梅仙) – "plum immortal"; zi of the poet Gu Taiqing
  • Mengbo (孟博) – "eldest, broad learning"; for an eldest son named for knowledge
  • Mengchun (孟春) – "first month of spring"; for a firstborn born in spring
  • Mengde (孟德) – "eldest, virtuous"; zi of Cao Cao
  • Mengde (梦得) – "gained in a dream"; zi of the poet Liu Yuxi
  • Mengjian (孟坚) – "eldest, steadfast"; zi of the historian Ban Gu
  • Mengqi (孟起) – "eldest, rising"; zi of Ma Chao
  • Mengqiu (孟秋) – "first month of autumn"; for a firstborn born in autumn

M, continued

  • Mengruan (梦阮) – "dreaming of Ruan Ji"; zi of the novelist Cao Zhan (Xueqin)
  • Mengxiong (孟雄) – "eldest, heroic"; for a firstborn named for bravery
  • Miễu Chi (邈之) – "the distant one"; tự of the poet Nguyễn Khuyến
  • Mingjian (明鉴) – "clear mirror"; for a given name meaning reflection
  • Minglun (明伦) – "illuminating relationships"; for a name meaning ethics
  • Mingyan (明俨) – "bright and dignified"; zi of Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga)
  • Mingyuan (明远) – "bright and far"; for a given name meaning vision
  • Mingyun (明允) – "bright and sincere"; zi of Su Xun
  • Mingzhe (明哲) – "bright and wise"; from the Book of Songs
  • Miyong (미용, 美庸) – "fine and constant"; ja of Jeong Yak-yong (Dasan)
  • Mojie (摩诘) – after the bodhisattva Vimalakirti; zi of the poet Wang Wei
  • Mokei (茂卿) – "flourishing minister"; azana of the Confucian Ogyū Sorai
  • Mugwan (무관, 懋官) – "diligent official"; ja of the scholar Yi Deok-mu
  • Munsuk (문숙, 文叔) – "cultured third son"; a Korean ja for a third son
  • Muzhi (牧之) – "the shepherd"; zi of the poet Du Mu

N: 1 name

  • Ningren (宁人) – "man of peace"; zi of the scholar Gu Yanwu

P: 7 names

  • Peilan (佩兰) – "wearing orchids"; from the Chu Ci
  • Peiyu (佩玉) – "wearing jade"; a zi for a daughter named for gems
  • Peizhi (培之) – "nurtured one"; for a given name meaning soil or growth
  • Pengju (鹏举) – "the roc takes flight"; zi of the general Yue Fei
  • Pingshu (平叔) – "level third son"; zi of the philosopher He Yan
  • Pingzhong (平仲) – "second son, level"; zi of Yan Ying
  • Pingzi (平子) – "level one"; zi of the astronomer Zhang Heng

Q: 10 names

  • Qianfu (潜夫) – "hidden man"; zi of the poet Liu Kezhuang
  • Qianli (千里) – "a thousand li"; zi of the dramatist Ma Zhiyuan
  • Qiming (启明) – "opening brightness"; the morning star, for a name meaning dawn
  • Qingchen (清臣) – "pure minister"; zi of the calligrapher Yan Zhenqing
  • Qingxue (清雪) – "pure snow"; a zi for a daughter named for white
  • Qingyuan (清源) – "clear source"; for a given name meaning spring
  • Qingyun (青云) – "blue clouds"; for a given name meaning high office
  • Qingzhi (清之) – "the pure one"; for a given name meaning water or jade
  • Qiqing (耆卿) – "venerable minister"; zi of the lyricist Liu Yong
  • Qiyu (启予) – "opening me"; from the Analects, for a name meaning teach

R: 17 names

  • Reikyō (礼卿) – "minister of rites"; azana of the poet Kan Chazan
  • Renfu (仁甫) – "benevolent gentleman"; zi of the playwright Bai Pu
  • Rengui (仁贵) – "benevolent and noble"; zi of the general Xue Li
  • Renkyō (廉卿) – "incorrupt minister"; azana of the educator Hirose Tansō
  • Renshan (仁山) – "benevolent mountain"; from the Analects
  • Ruizhi (睿之) – "the wise one"; for a given name meaning insight
  • Ruochen (若尘) – "like dust"; for a modest given name meaning world
  • Ruogu (若谷) – "like a valley"; for a given name meaning open-minded

R, continued

  • Ruolan (若兰) – "like an orchid"; a zi for a daughter named for fragrance
  • Ruoshui (若水) – "like water"; for a given name meaning yielding
  • Ruosi (若思) – "as if pondering"; zi of the astronomer Guo Shoujing
  • Ruoxu (若虚) – "as if empty"; from the Daodejing, for a name meaning humble
  • Ruoyu (若愚) – "as if foolish"; for a given name meaning wisdom
  • Rushi (如是) – "thus it is"; zi of the courtesan-poet Liu Rushi
  • Ruxian (汝贤) – "you are worthy"; zi of the official Hai Rui
  • Ruzhong (汝忠) – "you are loyal"; zi of the novelist Wu Cheng'en
  • Ryōsuke (了介) – "understanding helper"; azana of Kumazawa Banzan

S: 51 names

  • Saneung (사능, 士能) – "capable scholar"; ja of the painter Kim Hong-do
  • Sayeong (사영, 士英) – "heroic scholar"; a Korean ja for a name meaning talent
  • Senshū (千秋) – "a thousand autumns"; azana of the Confucian Rai Shunsui
  • Seongbo (성보, 誠甫) – "sincere gentleman"; a Korean ja for a name meaning truth
  • Shaobo (少伯) – "young elder"; zi of the merchant-strategist Fan Li
  • Shaoqing (少卿) – "junior minister"; zi of Li Ling
  • Shaowen (少文) – "young scholar"; zi of the painter Zong Bing
  • Shaoyou (少游) – "young wanderer"; zi of the Song poet Qin Guan
  • Shian (子安) – "peaceful one"; azana of the painter Watanabe Kazan
  • Shiheng (士衡) – "scholar of balance"; zi of the poet Lu Ji
  • Shihō (子鳳) – "phoenix one"; azana of the physician Sugita Genpaku
  • Shii (子彝) – "constant one"; azana of the inventor Hiraga Gennai

S, continued

  • Shiji (士季) – "youngest scholar"; zi of the general Zhong Hui
  • Shiken (子謙) – "modest one"; an azana for a Japanese scholar named for humility
  • Shiki (子起) – "one who rises"; azana of the rebel scholar Ōshio Heihachirō
  • Shilong (士龙) – "scholar dragon"; zi of the poet Lu Yun
  • Shimei (子明) – "bright one"; azana of the reformer Sakuma Shōzan
  • Shiqi (世期) – "hope of the age"; zi of the annotator Pei Songzhi
  • Shiqi (士奇) – "remarkable scholar"; zi of the Ming minister Yang
  • Shiryū (子龍) – "dragon one"; azana of the daimyō Tokugawa Mitsukuni
  • Shisei (子成) – "one who completes"; azana of the historian Rai San'yō
  • Shiseki (師礼) – "teacher of rites"; azana of the Confucian Muro Kyūsō
  • Shisen (子遷) – "one who moves on"; azana of the poet Hattori Nankaku
  • Shishin (子信) – "trustworthy one"; azana of the scholar Hayashi Razan
  • Shixing (士行) – "scholar of conduct"; zi of the Jin general Tao Kan

S, continued

  • Shiyuan (士元) – "foremost scholar"; zi of Pang Tong
  • Shizai (士载) – "scholar who carries"; zi of the general Deng Ai
  • Shizhi (士稚) – "young scholar"; zi of the general Zu Ti
  • Shoucheng (寿成) – "longevity fulfilled"; zi of the warlord Ma Teng
  • Shouyi (守一) – "holding to the one"; for a given name meaning unity
  • Shouzhen (守真) – "guarding truth"; for a Daoist given name meaning genuine
  • Shouzhong (守中) – "keeping the center"; from the Daodejing
  • Shubao (叔宝) – "third son, treasure"; zi of general Qin Qiong
  • Shuda (叔大) – "third son, great"; zi of the Ming chancellor Zhang Juzheng
  • Shuhui (淑慧) – "gentle and wise"; for a daughter named for intelligence
  • Shuming (叔明) – "third son, bright"; for a third child named for light
  • Shuwen (叔文) – "third son, cultured"; for a third child named for letters
  • Shuxiang (叔向) – "third son, facing forward"; zi of the Jin minister Yangshe Xi

S, continued

  • Shuyan (叔彦) – "third son, accomplished"; for a third son named for talent
  • Shuyao (书瑶) – "book and jasper"; a zi for a daughter named for learning
  • Shuye (叔夜) – "third son, night"; zi of Ji Kang of the Bamboo Grove
  • Shuzhen (淑贞) – "gentle and upright"; a zi for a daughter named for virtue
  • Sĩ Tải (士載) – "scholar who carries"; tự of the linguist Trương Vĩnh Ký
  • Sicheng (思成) – "thinking toward completion"; for a name meaning achieve
  • Siqi (思齐) – "aspiring to equal the worthy"; from the Analects
  • Siyuan (思远) – "thinking far"; zi of Zhuge Zhan, son of Zhuge Liang
  • Sizong (嗣宗) – "heir of the clan"; zi of Ruan Ji
  • Songbo (송보, 頌甫) – "praised gentleman"; second ja of Jeong Yak-yong
  • Songrui (宋瑞) – "auspice of Song"; second zi of Wen Tianxiang
  • Sukheon (숙헌, 叔獻) – "third son, offering"; ja of the scholar Yi I (Yulgok)
  • Suxin (素心) – "plain heart"; a zi for a daughter named for sincerity

T: 20 names

  • Taibai (太白) – "great white (Venus)"; zi of the poet Li Bai
  • Taichong (太冲) – "great surge"; zi of the philosopher Huang Zongxi
  • Taichu (太初) – "great beginning"; for a given name meaning origin
  • Taidō (大道) – "the great Way"; azana of the Confucian Satō Issai
  • Taihe (太和) – "great harmony"; for a given name meaning peace
  • Tanran (坦然) – "at ease"; for a given name meaning level ground
  • Thế Lộc (世祿) – "hereditary emolument"; tự of the historian Ngô Thì Sĩ
  • Tianjue (天爵) – "heaven's nobility"; Mencius; for a name meaning virtue
  • Tianxing (天行) – "heaven's motion"; Book of Changes; for a name meaning vigor
  • Tiết Phu (節夫) – "man of integrity"; tự of the envoy Mạc Đĩnh Chi

T, continued

  • Tingyi (廷益) – "benefit to the court"; zi of the minister Yu Qian
  • Tố Như (素如) – "plain and so"; tự of the poet Nguyễn Du
  • Tokufu (徳夫) – "virtuous man"; azana of the scholar Dazai Shundai
  • Tốn Ban (遜班) – "yielding to Ban"; tự of the scholar Nguyễn Văn Siêu
  • Tồn Chất (存質) – "preserving substance"; tự of the mandarin Nguyễn Công Trứ
  • Tongming (通明) – "thoroughly bright"; zi of the Daoist Tao Hongjing
  • Tongshu (同叔) – "same third son"; zi of the minister-poet Yan Shu
  • Tử Cán (子幹) – "capable one"; tự of the reformer Phan Châu Trinh
  • Tuizhi (退之) – "to withdraw"; zi of Han Yu, whose name means advance
  • Tùng Niên (松年) – "pine years"; tự of the writer Phạm Đình Hổ

W: 26 names

  • Wanfen (畹芬) – "fragrant orchid plot"; zi of Chen Yuanyuan
  • Wanqing (婉清) – "graceful and clear"; from the Book of Songs
  • Wanyun (婉韵) – "graceful rhyme"; a zi for a daughter named for music
  • Weiming (惟明) – "only brightness"; for a given name meaning light
  • Weixin (维新) – "renewal"; from the Book of Songs, for a name meaning new
  • Weizhi (微之) – "the subtle one"; zi of the poet Yuan Zhen
  • Weizhong (维中) – "upholding the center"; for a given name meaning balance
  • Wenchang (文长) – "long in culture"; zi of the Ming painter Xu Wei
  • Wenhe (文和) – "cultured and harmonious"; zi of the strategist Jia Xu
  • Wenji (文姬) – "cultured lady"; zi of the poet Cai Yan
  • Wenju (文举) – "lifting up culture"; zi of Kong Rong
  • Wenjun (文君) – "cultured lord"; zi of the widow-poet Zhuo Wenjun
  • Wenlie (文烈) – "cultured and ardent"; zi of the general Cao Xiu

W, continued

  • Wenqian (文谦) – "cultured and modest"; zi of the general Yue Jin
  • Wenqing (文卿) – "cultured minister"; for a name meaning official or rank
  • Wenrao (文饶) – "abundant culture"; zi of the chancellor Li Deyu
  • Wenruo (文若) – "cultured and gentle"; zi of Xun Yu
  • Wenshu (文叔) – "cultured third son"; zi of Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu
  • Wentai (文台) – "terrace of culture"; zi of Sun Jian
  • Wenyuan (文远) – "far-reaching culture"; zi of Zhang Liao
  • Wenze (文则) – "model of culture"; zi of the general Yu Jin
  • Wenzhi (文之) – "of culture"; for a given name meaning pattern or writing
  • Wonbaek (원백, 元伯) – "first eldest"; ja of the painter Jeong Seon
  • Wonchun (원춘, 元春) – "first spring"; ja of the calligrapher Kim Jeong-hui
  • Wonjeong (원정, 元正) – "primal uprightness"; ja of King Sejong
  • Wugong (务观) – "dedicated to observing"; zi of the poet Lu You

X: 17 names

  • Xianhe (宪和) – "lawful harmony"; zi of the envoy Jian Yong
  • Xianzhi (宪之) – "the lawful one"; zi of the loyalist Shi Kefa
  • Xiaowan (小宛) – "little winding"; zi of Dong Bai, consort of Mao Xiang
  • Xiaoyou (孝友) – "filial and fraternal"; for a given name meaning family
  • Xiaozhi (孝直) – "filial and straight"; zi of the strategist Fa Zheng
  • Xingba (兴霸) – "rising hegemon"; zi of Gan Ning
  • Xiren (希仁) – "aspiring to benevolence"; zi of the judge Bao Zheng
  • Xiumei (秀眉) – "elegant brows"; zi of the Ming poet Huang E

X, continued

  • Xiwen (希文) – "aspiring to culture"; zi of Fan Zhongyan
  • Xizhe (希哲) – "aspiring to wisdom"; zi of the calligrapher Zhu Yunming
  • Xizhi (希之) – "the hoped-for one"; for a given name meaning wish
  • Xuancheng (玄成) – "profound achievement"; zi of Wei Zheng
  • Xuande (玄德) – "profound virtue"; zi of Liu Bei
  • Xuanhui (玄晖) – "dark radiance"; zi of the poet Xie Tiao
  • Xuanling (玄龄) – "profound age"; zi of the Tang minister Fang Qiao
  • Xuanqing (璇卿) – "jade-star minister"; zi of the revolutionary Qiu Jin
  • Xuhuai (虚怀) – "open bosom"; for a given name meaning receptive

Y: 51 names

  • Yagi (약이, 約而) – "restrained and so"; ja of the poet Yun Seon-do
  • Yanling (延陵) – "extended hill"; fief-name zi of Jizha of Wu
  • Yannian (延年) – "prolonging years"; for a given name meaning life
  • Yaofu (尧夫) – "man of Yao"; zi of the philosopher Shao Yong
  • Yaoqing (瑶卿) – "jasper minister"; a zi for a daughter named for jade
  • Yaoshi (药师) – "master of medicine"; zi of general Li Jing
  • Yaozhang (尧章) – "emblem of Yao"; zi of the composer-poet Jiang Kui
  • Yaqin (雅琴) – "refined zither"; a zi for a daughter named for the qin
  • Yeohae (여해, 汝諧) – "you bring harmony"; ja of Admiral Yi Sun-sin
  • Yeolgyeong (열경, 悅卿) – "joyful minister"; ja of the writer Kim Si-seup
  • Yeongbo (영보, 英甫) – "heroic gentleman"; ja of the scholar Song Si-yeol
  • Yeongsuk (영숙, 穎叔) – "brilliant third son"; ja of the scholar Yi Saek

Y, continued

  • Yide (益德) – "increasing virtue"; historical zi of Zhang Fei
  • Yijing (一经) – "one classic"; for a given name meaning study
  • Yingyue (映月) – "reflecting the moon"; a zi for a daughter named for water
  • Yireng (义仍) – "righteousness still"; zi of the playwright Tang Xianzu
  • Yishang (贻上) – "bequeathed from above"; zi of the Qing poet Wang Shizhen
  • Yishao (逸少) – "carefree youth"; zi of the calligrapher Wang Xizhi
  • Yizhen (义贞) – "righteous and loyal"; zi of the Tang general Cheng Zhijie
  • Yizhong (一中) – "one center"; for a given name meaning balance
  • Yonggu (永固) – "ever firm"; zi of the Former Qin ruler Fu Jian
  • Yongnian (永年) – "long years"; for a given name meaning longevity
  • Yongshu (永叔) – "ever the third son"; zi of Ouyang Xiu
  • Youan (幼安) – "youngest, at peace"; zi of Xin Qiji
  • Youchang (幼常) – "youngest, constant"; zi of Ma Su, Ma Liang's little brother

Y, continued

  • Youping (幼平) – "youngest, level"; zi of the bodyguard Zhou Tai
  • Youwei (幼微) – "youngest, subtle"; zi of the poet Yu Xuanji
  • Youzhen (幼贞) – "youngest, chaste"; for a youngest daughter named for virtue
  • Yuanchang (元常) – "primal constancy"; zi of the calligrapher Zhong Yao
  • Yuanfu (元抚) – "primal comfort"; zi of the commissioner Lin Zexu
  • Yuanhua (元化) – "primal transformation"; zi of the physician Hua Tuo
  • Yuanhui (元晦) – "primal obscurity"; zi of Zhu Xi, whose name means bright
  • Yuanjian (元俭) – "primal frugality"; zi of the general Liao Hua
  • Yuanjing (元敬) – "primal reverence"; zi of the general Qi Jiguang
  • Yuanliang (元亮) – "primal brightness"; zi of Tao Yuanming
  • Yuanlong (元龙) – "primal dragon"; zi of Chen Deng
  • Yuanrang (元让) – "primal yielding"; zi of the general Xiahou Dun
  • Yuansu (元素) – "primal plainness"; zi of the general Yuan Chonghuan

Y, continued

  • Yuantan (元叹) – "primal sigh"; zi of the chancellor Gu Yong
  • Yuanxun (元逊) – "primal modesty"; zi of the regent Zhuge Ke
  • Yuanzhang (元章) – "primal composition"; zi of the painter Mi Fu
  • Yuanzhi (元直) – "primal and straight"; zi of the strategist Xu Shu
  • Yuanzi (元子) – "primal one"; zi of the general Huan Wen
  • Yucai (豫才) – "talent of Yu"; zi of Zhou Shuren, who wrote as Lu Xun
  • Yuejiao (月娇) – "moon's charm"; zi of the Ming painter Ma Xianglan
  • Yueshi (越石) – "crossing stone"; zi of the general-poet Liu Kun
  • Yunchang (云长) – "long cloud"; zi of Guan Yu, whose name means feather
  • Yunqi (云起) – "clouds rising"; for a given name meaning dragon
  • Yunqing (云卿) – "cloud minister"; for a given name meaning sky
  • Yunshu (韵书) – "rhyme and book"; a zi for a daughter named for poetry
  • Yunzhuang (云装) – "cloud attire"; zi of the painter Bian Yujing

Z: 82 names

  • Zaichū (在中) – "dwelling in the center"; azana of Arai Hakuseki
  • Zaizhi (载之) – "the bearer"; zi of Sun Wen (Sun Yat-sen)
  • Zeping (则平) – "model of fairness"; zi of the Song chancellor Zhao Pu
  • Zhaoji (昭姬) – "radiant lady"; Cai Yan's original zi before the Jin taboo
  • Zhaojun (昭君) – "radiant lady"; zi of Wang Qiang, the Han bride of the steppe
  • Zhengdao (正道) – "the right Way"; zi of the painter Zhang Zeduan
  • Zhengqing (正卿) – "upright minister"; for a given name meaning straight
  • Zhengshu (正叔) – "upright third son"; zi of the philosopher Cheng Yi
  • Zhengzhong (征仲) – "summoned second son"; zi of the painter Wen Zhengming
  • Zhensu (贞素) – "chaste and plain"; zi of the general Qin Liangyu
  • Zhenyi (贞一) – "upright and single-minded"; for a name meaning constancy
  • Zhenzhi (振之) – "the rousing one"; zi of the traveler Xu Hongzu (Xiake)
  • Zhibai (知白) – "knowing white"; Daodejing; for a name meaning black

Z, continued

  • Zhihe (志和) – "will toward harmony"; zi of the Tang poet-hermit Zhang
  • Zhiji (知几) – "knowing the subtle"; from the Book of Changes
  • Zhiming (知明) – "knowing brightness"; for a given name meaning wisdom
  • Zhixue (志学) – "set on learning"; Analects; for a name meaning fifteen
  • Zhiyan (知言) – "knowing words"; from Mencius
  • Zhiyuan (致远) – "reaching far"; Zhuge Liang's maxim; for a name meaning quiet
  • Zhizu (知足) – "knowing contentment"; from the Daodejing
  • Zhongda (仲达) – "second son, accomplished"; zi of Sima Yi
  • Zhongfu (仲父) – "second father"; honorific zi-style name for Guan Zhong
  • Zhonghui (仲晦) – "second son, obscure"; later zi of the philosopher Zhu Xi
  • Zhongji (仲姬) – "second daughter"; zi of the painter Guan Daosheng
  • Zhongjing (仲景) – "second son, bright view"; zi of the physician Zhang Ji
  • Zhongjun (仲钧) – "second son, potter's wheel"; for a second son named for balance
  • Zhongli (中立) – "standing in the center"; zi of the chancellor Pei Du

Z, continued

  • Zhongmou (仲谋) – "second son, strategist"; zi of Sun Quan
  • Zhongni (仲尼) – "second son, of Mount Ni"; zi of Confucius
  • Zhongren (仲仁) – "second son, benevolent"; for a second son named for kindness
  • Zhongrong (仲容) – "second son, tolerant"; zi of the musician Ruan Xian
  • Zhongxuan (仲宣) – "second son, proclaimer"; zi of the poet Wang Can
  • Zhongying (仲颖) – "second son, brilliant"; zi of the tyrant Dong Zhuo
  • Zhuoran (卓然) – "standing out"; for a given name meaning eminent
  • Zhuoru (卓如) – "eminent and so"; zi of the reformer Liang Qichao
  • Zi'an (子安) – "peaceful one"; zi of the Tang poet Wang Bo
  • Zi'ang (子昂) – "one who lifts his head"; zi of the painter Zhao Mengfu
  • Zian (子安) – "the peaceful one"; for a given name meaning calm or rest
  • Zibu (子布) – "one who spreads"; zi of the elder statesman Zhang Zhao
  • Zichang (子长) – "the elder"; zi of the historian Sima Qian
  • Zicheng (子诚) – "the sincere one"; for a given name meaning truth

Z, continued

  • Zidan (子丹) – "cinnabar one"; zi of the general Cao Zhen
  • Zifang (子房) – "chamber"; zi of the strategist Zhang Liang
  • Zigang (子纲) – "guiding principle"; zi of the adviser Zhang Hong
  • Zigong (子贡) – "tribute"; zi of Duanmu Ci
  • Zigu (子固) – "steadfast one"; zi of the essayist Zeng Gong
  • Zihou (子厚) – "generous one"; zi of the essayist Liu Zongyuan
  • Zihuai (子怀) – "one who cherishes"; for a name meaning bosom or embrace
  • Zihuan (子桓) – "pillar"; zi of Cao Pi
  • Zijian (子建) – "builder"; zi of the poet Cao Zhi
  • Zijin (子晋) – "one who advances"; for a given name meaning progress
  • Zijing (子敬) – "respectful one"; zi of Lu Su
  • Zijing (子静) – "quiet one"; zi of the philosopher Lu Jiuyuan
  • Zijiu (子久) – "enduring one"; zi of the painter Huang Gongwang

Z, continued

  • Zijun (子俊) – "the talented one"; for a given name meaning handsome
  • Ziling (子陵) – "of the hill"; for a given name meaning mound or tomb-hill
  • Zilong (子龙) – "dragon"; zi of Zhao Yun, whose name means cloud
  • Zilu (子路) – "the road"; zi of Zhong You
  • Zimei (子美) – "beautiful one"; zi of the poet Du Fu
  • Ziming (子明) – "bright one"; zi of Lü Meng
  • Ziqi (子期) – "appointed one"; zi of the scholar Xiang Xiu
  • Ziqian (子谦) – "the modest one"; for a given name meaning high or lofty
  • Ziqing (子卿) – "young minister"; zi of Su Wu
  • Zishan (子山) – "mountain one"; zi of the minister Bu Zhi
  • Zishi (子师) – "teacher one"; zi of the minister Wang Yun
  • Zishou (子寿) – "long-lived one"; zi of the Tang minister Zhang Jiuling
  • Zishu (子书) – "the scholar"; for a given name meaning book or brush
  • Ziwen (子文) – "cultured one"; zi of the warrior prince Cao Zhang

Z, continued

  • Zixia (子夏) – "summer"; zi of Bu Shang
  • Zixian (子先) – "foremost one"; zi of the scientist Xu Guangqi
  • Zixiu (子脩) – "cultivated one"; zi of Cao Cao's eldest son Cao Ang
  • Ziyan (子言) – "one of his word"; for a given name meaning speech or trust
  • Ziyi (子仪) – "dignified one"; zi of the general Guo Ziyi
  • Ziyou (子游) – "wandering"; zi of Yan Yan
  • Ziyou (子由) – "one who follows"; zi of Su Zhe, whose name means wheel track
  • Ziyu (子瑜) – "fine jade one"; zi of the Wu minister Zhuge Jin
  • Ziyu (子舆) – "chariot"; zi of Mencius (Meng Ke)
  • Ziyuan (子渊) – "deep pool"; zi of Yan Hui, Confucius's favored student
  • Zizhan (子瞻) – "one who gazes far"; zi of Su Shi, whose name means carriage rail
  • Zizhang (子张) – "extended"; zi of Zhuansun Shi
  • Zizhao (子昭) – "the illustrious one"; for a given name meaning light
  • Zizhong (子仲) – "second one"; zi of the merchant-loyalist Mi Zhu