The Origin of the Chinese Surname
The Chinese name If you are reading this page, chances are likely that you understand the structure of a typical Chinese name when compared with a typical western name. In the western world, a person’s family name is positioned after the person’s given name. In the Chinese culture, a person’s name usually consists of three characters, but can range from two to four characters. A person’s family name is positioned first and their given name is positioned last. Symbolism and the name Chinese traditions rely heavily on symbolism and a persons name is no different. A Chinese surname is passed down through the generations and tells others about the person’s family history. The surname is often looked upon as a symbol of a man’s pride and honor. The history associated with the surname often tells of past glorious deeds by the person’s ancestors. Just as there are common male and female names in the west like John, Peter, Mary, and Sue; there are common names given to men and women...