Browse meaningful Chinese characters for names — pronunciations, core meanings, radicals, stroke counts, and structure.
Zhi — used exclusively in the word '槟榔' (betel nut) in the
Quan — a variant form of 棬 (quān), meaning a wooden bowl; also an archaic term for a type of tree or wood used
椧 — a character used in Korean names and place names, particularly
Japanese place name character; used in Japanese toponyms, particularly in the name of Atago Shrine (愛宕神社)
Geng — a rare character, possibly a variant or used in specific; not commonly found in standard dictionaries.
Pong — refers to the pomelo fruit (Citrus maxima), particularly in Taiwanese; also used in 椪柑 for ponkan mandarin orange.
A type of tree, specifically referring to the Chinese tallow tree (Sapium
A type of tree; specifically refers to the Indian coral tree (Erythrina variegata), known for its
Ellipse; oval; elliptical shape
Dense growth of trees; thick forest; also refers to an ancient type of fishing net.
To whittle; to cut; to carve
Coconut — refers to the coconut palm tree and its fruit; used in words related to coconut products.
A shuttle used in weaving; a tool for passing the weft thread through the warp threads in
A type of tree mentioned in ancient Chinese texts; also used in the name of a mountain in ancient China.
door pivot; the socket in which a door pivot turns.
Basswood, linden tree; a type of deciduous tree in the Tilia genus, valued for its
A type of tree, possibly referring to a pomelo or citrus-like tree; historically used in place names.
Palm — specifically refers to palm trees, particularly the coir palm or
Letter, missive; container, box; to contain
Clothes rack; clothes hanger; a stand for hanging garments.
Mulberry tree; anvil; also used historically to refer to a type of fruit or tree.
A wooden component, possibly a beam or structural part in ancient architecture; also historically used as a personal name.
Yan — refers to a type of gate or barrier; also used in ancient texts for a kind of wooden structure or
A type of ancient tree or timber; also refers to a type of ancient building structure or ship component.
rafter — a structural beam in traditional Chinese architecture that supports the; metaphorically refers to an important person or pillar of society.
Slip of bamboo or wood used for writing in ancient times; a variant form of 箋 (jiān), meaning note paper or annotation.
Chinese Toon tree (Toona sinensis); tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima); metaphor for longevity and father
Yu — a surname; also refers to a type of tree or wood.
A wooden peg or wedge; a wooden support or bracket; a surname.
Hawthorn — refers to the hawthorn tree and its fruit; also used in words for crutch, support, or in some contexts as
House; dwelling; room
A type of wood used for coffins; a board placed inside a coffin; a type of tree.
Ancient sacrificial vessel; wooden frame for restraining cattle; to bind or restrain.
楆 — a type of tree; a type of fruit tree (possibly referring to a specific variety of
A type of ancient carriage; also refers to a wooden frame or yoke used in vehicles.
A type of tree; specifically refers to the Chinese hackberry or similar trees.
Ruò — a type of pomegranate tree (Punica granatum); also refers to a type of plant used in traditional medicine.
Yang — a common Chinese surname; poplar tree; also appears in words related to willow and aspen trees.
An ancient, rare character referring to a type of tree; also appears in historical texts and personal names.
A type of ancient tree, specifically referring to the Chinese hackberry tree
Ancient variant form of 本 (běn), meaning 'root', 'origin', 'foundation', or 'this'.
A peg or hook on a wall for hanging clothes or other; a clothes rack.
A type of ancient agricultural tool, specifically a wooden plow or farming
A wooden frame or shelf; a rack or stand for holding objects.
A kind of tree; a type of food vessel or container in ancient times; also used in names.
Si — a Chinese character used primarily in personal names; refers to the silk tree (Albizia julibrissin).
Maple — refers to the maple tree, known for its distinctive leaves; also used metaphorically for autumn scenery.
Wedge — a triangular-shaped piece of wood, metal, or other hard material; also refers to something that serves to connect or join.
Ellipse — an oval shape; used in mathematical and scientific contexts to describe elliptical forms.
A tool for combing hair; a comb. Also used in ancient texts to refer to certain types
A wooden bar or bolt used for locking a door; a support or prop; in traditional Chinese medicine, refers to acupuncture points or channels.
Mu — refers to a decorative ornament or tassel on a whip; also used in names.
Lush, luxuriant, flourishing; abundant growth; variant form of 茂 meaning luxuriant
Chu — refers to the ancient state of Chu during the Zhou; also means clear, distinct, neat; can denote pain, suffering
Crude, coarse, rough; of poor quality; also refers to a type of tree (Vitex negundo).
Hu — used primarily in the word for black pepper (胡椒), referring
Chinaberry — refers to the Melia azedarach tree, also known as the
Lèng — wooden block; cube; to be blunt, dull, or stupid
A type of wild pear tree (Pyrus betulifolia) with small, sour fruits; also used in ancient texts to refer to certain trees or plants.
Nanmu — refers to the Phoebe zhennan tree, a type of precious; often used metaphorically for pillars of society or valuable talents.
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.