Browse meaningful Chinese characters for names — pronunciations, core meanings, radicals, stroke counts, and structure.
Widower; a man who has lost his wife and has not remarried; also refers to being solitary or bereaved.
A type of ray or skate fish; refers to cartilaginous fish in the Rajiformes order, characterized by flat bodies
A small freshwater fish, specifically the bitterling fish; often used in the name of the pond loach or related small
A type of flatfish, often referring to the large-tooth flounder or similar; also used metaphorically for a couple or pair, especially in the context
Chinese herring — a type of fish (Ilisha elongata) found in coastal
swim bladder of fish; isinglass; fish glue.
Cod — refers to codfish, specifically the Gadidae family of marine fish,
Turtle — refers specifically to soft-shelled turtles or terrapins; metaphorically used to describe something slow, stubborn, or someone who is cuckolded.
Eel — a long, snake-like fish, often migratory, such as the freshwater
Mǐn — a type of fish, specifically the large yellow croaker or; also used in the name of the Min River in Fujian province.
Bighead carp — a species of freshwater fish (Aristichthys nobilis) commonly cultivated
Blenny — a type of small, elongated marine fish belonging to the
Xi — refers to a type of loach fish (Cobitidae); also used in place names, particularly Xishui County in Guizhou Province.
Mandarin fish — a freshwater fish species (Siniperca chuatsi) prized in Chinese; also refers to the fish in general.
Eel — refers to various species of eels, particularly the Asian swamp
scale (of fish, reptiles); scaly; scale-like object or pattern
Trout — a freshwater fish of the salmon family, typically with spotted; also refers to certain fish species in the genus Salmo.
A type of freshwater fish, specifically the Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris),
Elopichthys bambusa — a large predatory freshwater fish species known as the; characterized by its elongated body and aggressive feeding habits.
Snakehead fish — a freshwater fish species known for its predatory nature
Sturgeon — a large, primitive fish species, especially the Chinese sturgeon; also an archaic term for a type of large fish or eel.
Ochetobius elongatus — a species of freshwater fish in the carp family,; also known as the duckbill fish or long-spine bitterling.
Bird — a warm-blooded vertebrate animal with feathers, wings, and a beak,
Swallow (the bird); swift; martin
Wild duck; teal; a type of waterfowl
A type of bird; also refers to a kind of wild goose or swan.
dove, pigeon; to gather, collect; a type of bird known for its gentle nature and cooing sound.
A type of bird, possibly referring to a specific species of pheasant
Wild goose; a type of large migratory bird.
Wild duck; to swim; ancient form of 凫.
A small bird, specifically a type of titmouse or chickadee.
Chicken — an archaic or variant form of 雞/鸡 (jī), meaning chicken; fowl; poultry.
Phoenix — a mythical bird in Chinese mythology, symbolizing grace, virtue, and; often paired with the dragon to represent imperial harmony.
A small waterbird, grebe; also used in Japanese names and place names.
A type of bird, possibly a crane or wild goose; also used in ancient texts as a variant form.
Shrike — refers to a type of bird, specifically the shrike or
Phoenix — a mythical bird in Chinese mythology, symbolizing grace, virtue, and; often paired with the dragon to represent imperial harmony.
To chirp, sing, or cry (of birds, insects, etc.); to sound, ring, or resonate; to express or voice (opinions, feelings).
A type of water bird, possibly a heron or egret; archaic character rarely used in modern Chinese.
Kite (bird) — refers to the black kite (Milvus migrans) and similar; also used in the name for the traditional Japanese kite.
A type of bird, possibly a magpie or similar species; historically used in ancient texts and place names.
A type of bird; ancient term for a migratory bird, possibly referring to a specific species
A bird that pecks with its beak; also an ancient name for a type of bird.
A type of bird, specifically referring to the cuckoo or similar bird
Wild pigeon; wild dove; also refers to the flight of birds in formation.
A type of bird; young bird; also used in some ancient texts.
A type of heron or bittern; also refers to a legendary bird in ancient texts.
Nuthatch — refers to a small songbird of the family Sittidae, known
A type of water bird, possibly a mythical bird or a crane-like; used in historical and literary contexts.
A type of waterfowl, possibly referring to a specific species of duck
A mythical bird in Chinese mythology; also an ancient name for a type of pheasant or similar bird.
A type of bird, specifically a cuckoo; also refers to the shrike bird. In classical Chinese literature, it often
A shrike (bird); also refers to a bird with a harsh cry, sometimes used metaphorically
A wild duck; a type of waterfowl.
A mythical bird in ancient Chinese mythology; a legendary creature mentioned in classical texts.
Zhen — a legendary poisonous bird; poison; to poison someone.
Bustard — a large ground-dwelling bird; historically, a term for a madam or procuress in a brothel.
Wild goose; a large migratory waterfowl, often used interchangeably with 雁 in classical texts.
Crow — refers to various species of crows and ravens; often associated with black color, ominous signs, or death in Chinese culture.
Zheng — an ancient term for a type of hawk or falcon; also used as a surname in ancient China.
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.