​
​
Advanced Search

Names that (hopefully) go with Chinese middle names

mudmud
By mudmud
Updated Mon May 22 2023
I am ethnically Chinese and have a Mandarin "other" name (goes behind surname on my official identifying documents). We think it might be easier to have our children's Chinese names go in the middle. Chinese names are traditionally picked out by the paternal grandfather, so we need first names that are easy enough for him to work with. First names should also ideally be easy enough for non-native English speakers to pronounce.
  1. Caleb

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "dog; whole heart"

    • Description:

      Caleb is an attractive Old Testament name that has been in the US Top 100 for nearly three decades now. Consistently popular but never too popular, Caleb feels more like a classic than a momentary trend.
  2. Callum

    • Origin:

      Scottish form of Columba, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Callum, a charming Scottish name high on the list in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is rising through the ranks in the US now too. And it comes complete with the easy nickname Cal.
  3. Cameron

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "crooked nose"

    • Description:

      With its friendly, sensitive, and approachable feel, Cameron is a 90’s favorite that remains popular today. It has a pleasing balance of soft and strong sounds, and holds unisex appeal, thanks to Cameron Diaz. Still, eight times more boys than girls are named Cameron in the US.
  4. Cassidy

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "curly-headed"

    • Description:

      A lean and lanky Irish cowboy name with great nickname potential to boot (Cass or Sid are both options). This is one of the great under-rated American names!
  5. Cedar

    • Origin:

      English and French from Latin tree name

    • Meaning:

      "cedar tree"

    • Description:

      Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic.
  6. Cedric

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "bounty"

    • Description:

      Cedric was invented by Sir Walter Scott for the noble character of the hero's father in Ivanhoe, presumed to be an altered form of the Saxon name Cerdic. The name was later also given to Little Lord Fauntleroy, the long-haired, velvet-suited, and lace-collared boy hero of the Frances Hodgson Burnett book, who became an unwitting symbol of the pampered mama's boy.
  7. Chesley

    • Description:

      Chesley is a masculine name of Old English origin meaning 'camp clearing' or 'meadow settlement.' With roots as an English surname, it transitioned to occasional first-name use in the 19th century. The name gained modern recognition through Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the pilot who heroically landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. This association has given the name connotations of heroism and competence. While never extremely popular, Chesley maintains steady if uncommon usage, particularly in North America. The name has a dignified, somewhat traditional quality that balances uniqueness with familiarity, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet established name.
  8. Christopher

    • Origin:

      Greek and Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of Christ"

    • Description:

      Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos, referring to Christ, and phero, meaning "to bear."
  9. Claran

    • Description:

      Claran is a masculine name with Gaelic origins, derived from the Irish name Ciarán, meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired.' This refers to someone with dark features, particularly hair. The name has deep historical roots in Irish heritage, with several notable Irish saints bearing the name Ciarán, including Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise. The anglicized spelling 'Claran' gives the traditional name a slightly modern touch while maintaining its Celtic essence. While not among the most common names, Claran offers a distinctive choice with authentic cultural roots. It maintains an air of gentle strength and carries the rich historical and spiritual heritage of Ireland.
  10. Clay

    • Origin:

      English word name; diminutive of Clayton

    • Description:

      Clay is a rich, earthy one-syllable name with a southern-inflected handsome-rogue image, featured on soap operas and reality TV. Its longer forms are Clayton and Clayborne.
  11. Clement

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather."
  12. Colby

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "coal town"

    • Description:

      Combining the sounds of Colton and Toby, Colby has been in the US Top 1000 since the 70s. It peaked in 2021, entering the Top 100 thanks to Colby Davidson's appearance on reality TV show, Survivor that same year. Currently on the rise in the UK, in the US, its popularity has been shaky, dipping one year, rising the next. Given to around 470 boys in 2023, it is also chosen for around 50 girls each year.
  13. Conery

    • Description:

      Conery is a masculine name with likely Irish or Scottish Gaelic origins, possibly derived from surnames or place names in those regions. It may be related to the Gaelic "Connor" (meaning "lover of hounds") or represent a variant of "Connery" (a surname made famous by actor Sean Connery). The name has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic sound while maintaining approachability. Conery is extremely rare as a first name, giving it a distinctive quality appealing to parents seeking uncommon options. Its sound combines traditional Celtic naming elements with contemporary appeal. The name's scarcity means it carries few preconceptions, allowing bearers to define its character themselves. For families with Irish or Scottish heritage, Conery offers a subtle connection to those roots without being an obvious cultural identifier.

  14. Connor

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "lover of hounds"

    • Description:

      Connor, the appealing name of an early semi-legendary king of Ulster in Irish mythology, sits firmly in the Top 100 and taken together with its alternate spellings would rank even higher. In its native Ireland the Conor version is one of the highest charting boys’ name.
  15. Conrad

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave counsel"

    • Description:

      Conrad has a somewhat intellectual masculine image, a solid name that has been consistently on the popularity lists, especially well used in the 1920s and 30s, and given a pop of rock energy by the Elvis-like character of Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye, Birdie--("We love you Conrad, oh yes we do!").
  16. Cooper

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "barrel maker"

    • Description:

      The genial yet upscale and preppy Cooper was one of the first occupational last names to catch on -- and Cooper remains a pleasing option.
  17. Corey

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the hollow"

    • Description:

      Former teen idol name, now middle-aged. This name has been on a steady decline since the early-1990s.
  18. Craig

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "from the rocks"

    • Description:

      Craig is a single-syllable baby-boomer name, still common in its native Scotland, but most modern Americans would prefer something like Kyle.
  19. Curtis

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "courteous, polite"

    • Description:

      Curtis is an attractive if somewhat dated surname name that has been borne by several significant musicians and athletes--think Curtis Mayfield, Curtis James Jackson III--aka 50 Cent, and also director Curtis Hanson.
  20. Cyprus

    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "cypress tree; copper"

    • Description:

      This Mediterranean island name would be a plausible choice for parents with a Greek or Turkish heritage.