Browse meaningful Chinese characters for names — pronunciations, core meanings, radicals, stroke counts, and structure.
A type of tree (Japanese black pine); a young sapling; in Japanese, also used to mean truth, sincerity, or to correct/straighten.
Catalpa tree — a type of deciduous tree native to East Asia,; historically used to make chessboards and coffins; also appears in classical texts.
Threshold; windowsill; railing
An ancient place name referring to Zuili, an ancient city in present-day
Japanese character for 'oak tree'; specifically refers to the Japanese evergreen oak (Quercus phillyraeoides) or similar species.
A variant form of 櫳 (lóng), meaning cage, pen, or enclosure; also appears in some historical texts and names.
Betel nut — refers to the areca nut, specifically the fruit of
Zhu — refers to evergreen trees of the genus Castanopsis, particularly the
Ancient name for the mulberry tree; variant form of 桑 (sāng).
A wooden peg or pin used to join pieces of wood together; a wooden nail or dowel.
To carry on a pole; to bear a load (archaic/obscure character).
Lian — a type of ancient agricultural tool; also refers to a type of lotus seedpod; used in some names.
A small, simple coffin; a crude burial chest.
Rong — refers to a type of tree; also appears in historical place names and personal names.
Wooden tablet for writing; printing block; edition of a book.
Outer coffin — the outer protective case that encloses an inner coffin
General; approximate; outline
General; approximate; outline
A type of ancient carriage or chariot; also refers to a round or circular shape; a type of tree.
Large; huge; massive
Maple — refers to maple trees, particularly species in the genus Acer; also used to describe the color of maple leaves in autumn.
Dense growth of trees; luxuriant foliage; also refers to a type of ancient sacrificial vessel.
A type of wood or tree; to gather or collect wood; (in ancient texts) a kind of tree used for making utensils.
A type of tree; also refers to a type of grass or plant.
To burn, to kindle; to sacrifice by burning firewood; to illuminate.
Oak tree — specifically refers to the Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) or; used in plant names and some place names.
Oar, paddle — a tool used for rowing or propelling a boat
A box or case for storing books or documents; a book cover; a protective container for scrolls or volumes.
A type of tree, specifically the soapberry tree (Sapindus mukorossi); used in Buddhist texts and occasionally in names.
Frame; casing; rim
Wooden peg or marker; ancient astronomical instrument; carpenter's tool for marking straight lines
A tree with intertwined branches; a tree with twisted or gnarled branches.
A well-sweep; a device for drawing water from a well, consisting of a long
A character used in the word 'kāngláng' (槺榔), referring to the areca; also appears in classical texts.
Zelkova tree — a type of hardwood tree native to East Asia,; used in woodworking and historically for making bows.
Gui — an archaic variant form of the character 規, meaning 'rule',
Trough; groove; slot
Man — refers to a type of tree (ash tree); also used in ancient texts to mean 'beautiful', 'graceful', or 'long-lasting'.
Hibiscus — specifically refers to the Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon) or; a flowering plant known for its beautiful but short-lived blooms.
Ridgepole; the main beam or ridge of a roof; also refers to the axle of a cart.
Pile — a wooden or concrete stake driven into the ground as; also refers to a stump or stub; used as a classifier for items or events in certain contexts.
Happy, joyful, to enjoy; also means music, pleasure; can be used as a surname.
A type of tree; also appears in historical texts and names.
Chen — an ancient type of tree; also used in personal names.
Fir tree — refers to a type of evergreen coniferous tree in; also used in place names.
Pear tree; a type of pear; also used in ancient texts for a kind of wood or tree.
An ancient term for a type of tree; also used as a rare surname and in personal names.
A type of ancient wooden support or pillar; an old term for a specific kind of wooden beam or architectural
Lush, luxuriant growth of trees; flourishing vegetation; also used in names.
Fence, enclosure; cage; surname Fan
Gutter; water pipe; drain
Dense forest; thick grove; refers to a dense growth of trees or a forest.
To accumulate, to store; a type of wood or tree; a surname.
horse stable; manger; feeding trough for animals
A type of ancient sedan chair or palanquin; also refers to a mountain-climbing tool or a type of basket.
A lookout tower or watchtower; a structure used for observation and defense, often in military contexts.
Beam — refers to a horizontal support beam in architecture, particularly a; also used metaphorically for pillars or mainstays of society.
Mitsumata — Japanese name for the paper bush plant (Edgeworthia chrysantha); also refers to incense wood or fragrant wood used in traditional ceremonies.
Building — a multi-storied building, tower, or mansion; also refers to a floor or level of a building.
Nest — refers to a bird's nest; a dwelling place; to collect or gather
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.