Chinese Names for Boys

Tai, which rhymes with Kai, is a unisex name with a range of international references. It means the equivalent of "too much" in Chinese but is also used as a Maori name meaning "the tide" and in Romanian means "yours." While it's only ever ranked in the U.S. Top 1000 as a girls' name, during the height of the popularity of Olympic skater Tai Babilonia, Tai makes a simple intriguing modern choice for either gender.

A simple and charismatic Chinese and Korean name, also spelled Joon.

Actor Terrence Howard and wife Miranda created this name for their son inspired by the Chinese mythological creature called the Qilin, a good omen predicting the arrival of a sage or ruler. Pronunciation is like the Irish name Kieran.

Yu the Great founded China's first dynasty, but in this country "Hey, you!" would make this name utterly confusing, in an Abbott and Costello way.

Kija was a legendary king who brought Chinese civilization -- including rice and writing -- to the Korean people, probably in the 2nd century BC. Kija is also the name of a group of Aboriginal people in Australia. Though the original Kija was male, this name would work better for girls in the modern Western world.

An Asian name that may be thought of as an English word name, for better or worse.

Asian name with positive meaning.

In China, the ox represents patience and determination, a commendable combination.

An Asian favorite.

A well-used name in China that has some potential for assimilation.

Might be asking for trouble, especially when your son reaches the Terrible Twos.

For admirers of modernist architect I. M.