Browse meaningful Chinese characters for names — pronunciations, core meanings, radicals, stroke counts, and structure.
A type of caterpillar or larva; refers to the larva of certain insects, particularly sawflies.
A rare character with uncertain meaning, possibly a variant form or used
Razor clam — a type of edible marine bivalve mollusk with an
Praying mantis; specifically refers to the insect in compound words.
A type of snail or spiral shell; also refers to a spiral pattern or form.
Crab — a marine or freshwater crustacean with a broad carapace, stalked
Earthworm; also refers to a type of snake or serpent; to wriggle or move like a worm.
Ant — refers to the insect ant; also used metaphorically to describe something small, numerous, or industrious.
A type of toad or frog; also refers to a kind of insect.
A type of clam or shellfish; used in the name of a specific clam species.
toad; specifically refers to the toad in Chinese mythology, often associated with the
A type of insect, specifically referring to a cicada or katydid in
Maggot — refers to insect larvae, particularly those of flies; grub.
Larva of certain insects; also refers to a type of spirit or ghost in ancient Chinese
A type of insect, possibly a variant or rare character for certain
A solitary wasp; refers to parasitic wasps that build mud nests and provision them with
A type of large toad or frog; also refers to a mythical creature in Chinese folklore.
Fly — refers to various species of flies, particularly houseflies; often associated with filth, annoyance, and persistence.
Scorpion — refers to venomous insects like scorpions and other poisonous creatures; used metaphorically for venomous or harmful things.
Venomous snake; refers to a type of poisonous snake, often used in classical texts
A rare character referring to a type of sea creature or marine; also appears in some ancient texts with obscure meaning.
A small flying insect, gnat; to fly rapidly; to move quickly.
Cockroach — refers to insects of the order Blattodea, particularly in compound
caterpillar — refers to the larval stage of butterflies and moths; often used in classical texts.
A type of sea turtle or terrapin; refers to a specific species of turtle in classical Chinese texts.
Scorpion — a venomous arachnid with a curved tail bearing a poisonous; also refers to things shaped like or resembling a scorpion.
Python — a large non-venomous constricting snake; specifically refers to pythons and large boas.
Crab — refers to crustaceans of the infraorder Brachyura, typically with a
Maggot — refers to grubs or larvae, particularly the larvae of certain
Salamander — refers to amphibians of the order Caudata, particularly newts and
Silkworm cocoon — the protective casing spun by silkworms around themselves before; also refers to cocoon-like objects or situations.
midge — refers to small biting insects of the family Ceratopogonidae, similar
Oyster — a type of mollusk with a hard shell, often harvested
To wriggle; to squirm; to move like a worm
inchworm; looper caterpillar; geometer moth larva that moves by looping its body.
A type of ape or monkey mentioned in ancient Chinese texts; also refers to a kind of jade.
Swimming crab — refers to various species of marine crabs in the
A pearl; also refers to mother-of-pearl or nacre.
To sting; to bite (of insects or plants); to irritate.
A tiny insect, especially a gnat or midge; used in classical Chinese to refer to very small flying insects.
A type of insect, specifically referring to a kind of locust or
A type of flying squirrel or similar small mammal; also refers to a kind of rat or rodent in classical Chinese
A type of sea crab found in coastal regions of China, particularly
Wax — a solid, fatty substance used for candles, sealing, polishing, and
Strive — archaic character meaning to strive, exert effort, or work diligently; now extremely rare and mostly found in classical texts.
Li — a wooden ladle or dipper; a calabash gourd; to carve or engrave
Stupid, foolish, silly; to move slowly or clumsily; (archaic) to wriggle, to squirm like an insect.
Oyster — refers to the edible marine bivalve mollusk; also appears in the name of the East Asian rock oyster (牡蠣).
Ancient character meaning 'cicada' or 'cicada-like insect'; archaic and rarely used in modern Chinese.
Calamity, disaster, misfortune; also refers to evil, wickedness, or causing harm.
Louse — refers to small parasitic insects, specifically lice.
Moth; insect that bores into and eats books, clothing, or wood; to bore through
Spider — specifically refers to a type of long-legged spider, often used
A type of crab; also used in classical Chinese texts, possibly referring to a specific species
A legendary creature in Chinese mythology, often described as a type of; also refers to a kind of insect.
To cut or carve; an archaic character for cutting or dismembering.
A type of insect, specifically referring to a kind of caterpillar or; also used in the name for a type of dragon-like creature in
Wasp — refers to wasps, hornets, and other stinging insects; also used metaphorically for swarming or attacking in large numbers.
A type of bee or wasp, specifically referring to the potter wasp
A type of clam or oyster; specifically refers to a small oyster species.
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.