Browse meaningful Chinese characters for names — pronunciations, core meanings, radicals, stroke counts, and structure.
Fierce, predatory bird; ferocious; violent
Emu — refers to the emu bird, specifically the Australian emu (Dromaius
A general term for certain birds, particularly referring to the crow or; often used in specific bird names.
Owl — specifically refers to certain species of owls, often used in
Plover — a type of small to medium-sized wading bird in the
A type of bird, specifically referring to the turtledove or similar species; used in classical Chinese literature.
Pigeon; dove; a bird of the family Columbidae, often symbolizing peace or used as
Luan — a mythical bird in Chinese mythology, often described as a; symbol of marital harmony and imperial authority.
Vast, grand, great; wild swan; refers to something on a large scale
Bunting — refers to small passerine birds in the family Emberizidae, characterized
A kind of pigeon or dove; specifically refers to the turtle dove.
Oriole — refers to the oriole bird, particularly the yellow oriole species
cuckoo — refers to the cuckoo bird, particularly the Chinese cuckoo or; often appears in classical poetry.
Swan — refers to a swan, particularly a whooper swan; by extension, a target in archery; figuratively, an aspiration or goal.
Goose — a large waterfowl with a long neck, known for its; domesticated for meat, eggs, and feathers.
Myna — refers to myna birds, specifically the crested myna (Acridotheres cristatellus),
Silver pheasant — a type of pheasant native to East Asia, known; often associated with elegance and nobility in Chinese culture.
Pelican — refers to the pelican bird, specifically used in the Chinese
Parrot — refers to the parrot bird, often used in the word
Magpie — a bird of the crow family, known for its black
Emu — refers to the large flightless bird native to Australia, Dromaius
Quali — refers to the quail, a small game bird; used primarily in the compound word '鹌鹑' (quail).
Kun — a mythical large bird in Chinese mythology, often paired with; also refers to a type of crane.
Bulbul — refers to a family of passerine birds found in Africa
Peng — a mythical giant bird of enormous size and power in; symbolizes great aspirations, ambition, and soaring achievement.
To peck; to bite or nip with the beak (of birds).
Quail — a small, ground-nesting bird in the pheasant family; also refers to something shabby or ragged.
Oriole — refers to the oriole bird, specifically the yellow oriole species
Yuan — a legendary bird in Chinese mythology, often associated with the; used in classical literature to symbolize nobility and purity.
A legendary water bird in Chinese mythology; also appears in historical names and literary works.
Pelican — refers to the pelican bird, specifically used in the word
A type of pheasant or partridge, specifically referring to the long-tailed pheasant; also refers to a type of ancient military helmet decoration made from
osprey — a large fish-eating bird of prey, also known as the; used in classical Chinese to refer to a person of talent or
Falcon, hawk; a swift bird of prey used in falconry; also appears in historical names.
A type of large water bird, specifically referring to the greater scaup
Cormorant — refers to various species of cormorant birds, particularly the common
Mei — refers to a group of small passerine birds in the
duck; wild duck; to pursue
A type of pheasant or partridge; specifically refers to the Reeves's pheasant or similar game birds in Chinese
Sparrowhawk — a small to medium-sized bird of prey; also refers to a type of kite or hawk used in falconry.
Flycatcher — a type of small passerine bird in the family Muscicapidae,
A type of owl, specifically referring to the brown hawk-owl or similar
Wagtail — refers to small passerine birds of the genus Motacilla, known
Yì — a type of water bird, possibly a tern or egret; historically refers to a mythical aquatic bird; used in classical literature and poetry.
Jian — refers to a mythical bird in Chinese mythology that has; often used metaphorically to describe an inseparable couple.
Crane — a large wading bird with long legs and neck, symbolizing
Yī — refers to a type of water bird, possibly a gull; also used in ancient texts as a decorative element on chariots.
Parrot — refers to the parrot bird species, known for their ability
Partridge — refers to the Chinese francolin or partridge bird, often used
Pipit — a small to medium-sized slender bird of the family Motacillidae,
Wren — refers to small passerine birds, particularly the wren family (Troglodytidae).
Wren — refers to small birds, particularly the wren family; used in the name of the Eurasian wren.
Vulture — a large bird of prey; specifically refers to Old World vultures; also used metaphorically for predatory or scavenging characteristics.
Snipe — a type of wading bird; also refers to the act of standing firm or being resolute.
Egret — refers to various species of herons and egrets, elegant white
Ibis — refers to birds of the ibis family, particularly the crested
A type of hawk or falcon; specifically refers to sparrowhawks or similar birds of prey in Chinese ornithology.
Eagle — a large bird of prey with keen eyesight, powerful talons,; symbolizes power, courage, and sharp vision.
Shearwater — a type of seabird in the family Procellariidae, known for
Frigatebird — a type of large seabird with long wings, forked tail,
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.