Chinese surnames, without the guesswork.
Chinese surnames come first in a full name. The hundred most common surnames cover most of the population, and a few — Li, Wang, Zhang, Liu, Chen — are especially familiar. If you are composing a Chinese name as a foreigner, the surname decision is separate from the given name.
The order of a name
A Chinese full name is surname first, then given name: 林芷宁 is surname 林 and given name 芷宁. In English writing, the same person may appear as Lin Zhining or Zhining Lin.
Keeping or choosing a surname
Some foreigners keep a transliterated family name; others choose a Chinese surname that sounds close to it or has a meaning they like. A composed full name can use a familiar surname such as 林, 陈 or 李, but the choice should be explained rather than hidden.
Why the surname matters
The surname links you to family and to a long naming tradition. It also affects the rhythm of the full name. A two-character given name after a one-character surname is common, but the combination should be easy to say.
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Begin my readingQuestions
What is the most common Chinese surname?
王, 李 and 张 are among the most common; 陈, 刘, 杨, 黄 and 赵 are also widespread.
Can foreigners choose any surname?
A familiar surname is usually fine for a cultural name, but avoid names that imitate a specific real person or carry a strongly negative association.
Should my surname be first?
In Chinese, yes. In English contexts, you can write the given name first.