Browse meaningful Chinese characters for names — pronunciations, core meanings, radicals, stroke counts, and structure.
A stand for tools or utensils; a carpenter's tool rest; an ancient term for a bed or couch
A wooden container or tube; an ancient term for a specific type of vessel or implement.
A wooden tool used for straightening thread in weaving; a weaver's shuttle; also refers to a type of tree.
A type of tree, specifically the Chinese pistache or related species; also refers to a type of oak or a club/stick made from
A type of wood; a type of tree; used in ancient texts to refer to a specific kind of timber.
Raft; small wooden boat; drumstick
A type of small tree or shrub, specifically referring to the Chinese
Bucket — a cylindrical container, typically made of wood or metal, used; also refers to a unit of capacity.
Square rafters; squared timber used in traditional Chinese architecture for roof construction.
A type of ancient ladle or dipper used for scooping liquids; also refers to a type of tree (possibly a specific species).
Palm tree; specifically refers to the betel palm or areca palm, sometimes used in
Willow — refers to the willow tree; used in names and poetry to symbolize grace, flexibility, and sometimes sorrow.
Tip of a tree; treetop.
Lacquer — the sap of the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum); also refers to the lacquerware made from this sap; ancient form of the character 漆.
A variant form of the character 稳 (wěn), meaning stable, firm, steady,
A type of tree; used in ancient texts, particularly in the name of a fruit tree.
rod, pole, lever, handle; a long, slender piece of wood or metal used for support or
Sù — a type of tree; also refers to a short, coarse-grained wood; can mean rapid or sudden in some contexts.
Liang — refers to a beam, bridge, or ridge; also a surname and historical state name; used metaphorically for something that supports or connects.
Acorn — the nut of an oak tree; also refers to the cupule or receptacle of certain fruits.
club; stick; a wooden pole or cudgel
A variant form of 槱 (yǒu), meaning to pile up firewood for; to accumulate.
Plum — refers to the plum tree and its fruit; also used metaphorically for resilience and beauty in Chinese culture.
Bang — a wooden clapper or watchman's rattle; onomatopoeia for a knocking or clapping sound; also refers to a type of Chinese opera.
Lòng — an archaic character referring to a type of tree or; also appears in some ancient place names and personal names.
Peng — an archaic character referring to a type of wood or; also used in ancient texts for certain tools or structures.
Zhuang — used in the name of the Zhuang ethnic group in; also appears in some place names.
To squeeze; to press out; to extract
A type of tree; a round opening; a place name in ancient times.
A type of tree, possibly referring to the Chinese tallow tree; also used in some names and historical texts.
A type of tree (possibly referring to a specific species); also used in some compound words.
Axe handle; also refers to a type of ancient weapon or tool handle.
Shackles, fetters; manacles; to bind, restrain
A fence or railing; a barrier or obstruction; historically referred to a type of wooden fence or stockade.
An ancient name for a type of tree, possibly referring to a; archaic character rarely used in modern Chinese.
Han — a small cherry-like fruit; an archaic term for a type of cherry tree.
Catalpa tree — a type of deciduous tree native to China; metaphorically used to refer to one's hometown or native place; in modern usage, commonly used in personal names.
Gardenia — refers to the gardenia plant (genus Gardenia), known for its; also used in traditional Chinese medicine and dyeing.
An ancient, rare character meaning 'small branch' or 'twig'; also a variant form of 杒, which can mean 'handle' or 'small
A type of palm tree (Arenga pinnata), also known as sugar palm; historically used to refer to a type of betel nut.
Stem, stalk, peduncle; also refers to a plot element in stories, jokes, or memes; obstacle, blockage.
Soap; also refers to a faucet or tap, especially in Cantonese usage.
A variant form of 槵, referring to a type of tree (uncommon
An ancient Chinese character referring to a type of tree or wood; also used in historical personal names.
A type of tree, specifically referring to the Nagi tree (Podocarpus nagi),
Chopsticks; also refers to a type of wooden tablet or slip used in
Strip; long narrow piece; item
A type of tree or plant, possibly referring to a specific species; also used in historical or literary contexts.
Owl — a nocturnal bird of prey; also meaning fierce, brave, or cunning; historically used to refer to bandits or rebels.
Eaves — the projecting edge of a roof; also refers to a beam or rafter in traditional Chinese architecture.
Chopping block; a wooden block used for cutting meat or vegetables in ancient times.
tip; end; twig
Ash tree — refers to the Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) or related; also known as 白蜡树.
Pine tree — an evergreen coniferous tree known for its longevity and; often symbolizes steadfastness and integrity in Chinese culture.
Dream — a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a; also refers to an aspiration, hope, or cherished desire.
Chinese parasol tree (Firmiana simplex); wutong tree; used in names to convey elegance, nobility, and resilience.
Pear — a sweet, juicy fruit; also refers to the pear tree.
A type of ancient agricultural tool, similar to a spade or shovel; also refers to a handle or shaft.
Ancient sacrificial vessel; an ancient term for a bean or bean-shaped container; also an archaic form of 豆 (bean/vessel).
A type of plant, specifically referring to the Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica); also used in some place names.
Practical guidance for evaluating characters by radical, stroke balance, and cultural resonance.
Radicals group characters by their core semantic or structural elements. When you filter by radical, you surface characters that share meaning cues and writing patterns, making it easier to shortlist options with aligned symbolism.
Most parents stay within 6–16 strokes so signatures remain elegant and readable. Avoid extremes—overly complex forms slow writing, while ultra-simple characters may feel plain next to a more expressive partner character.
Chinese characters themselves are largely gender-neutral. Perceived gender comes from imagery and cultural associations, so review meanings and radicals together to find characters that match the tone you want.