300+ Chinese Names for Girls (with Deep Cultural Meanings)

Chinese names for girls carry over 4,000 years of linguistic beauty, with each character containing layers of meaning that Western names simply can’t match.

Trust me, once you dive into the world of Chinese naming traditions, you’ll be amazed at how much thought and intention goes into every single syllable.

I still remember the moment this fascination began for me. Picture this: I was at a multicultural festival here in Portland, chatting with vendors and sampling amazing food, when I met this incredible young woman named Mei-Lin.

When she told me her name meant “beautiful forest,” I was struck by how perfectly it captured her gentle, nature-loving personality.

She explained how her grandmother had chosen each character carefully, considering not just the meaning but the harmony of the sounds and the balance of elements. That conversation opened my eyes to the profound artistry behind Chinese naming traditions.

Here’s the thing – Chinese names aren’t just labels. They’re wishes, hopes, and blessings woven into characters that have been refined over millennia.

Whether you’re expecting a daughter, creating a character for your novel, or simply appreciate the beauty of Chinese culture, you’re about to discover 300+ carefully curated names that represent the very best of traditional and modern Chinese naming.

Traditional Chinese Names for Girls

These timeless names have graced generations of daughters, carrying forward the wisdom and beauty of Chinese heritage. Each name here represents classic elegance that never goes out of style.

• Ai Ling (愛玲) – Beloved tinkling sound
• Bao Yu (寶玉) – Precious jade
• Chang E (嫦娥) – Moon goddess
• Chun Hua (春花) – Spring flower
• Dai Yu (黛玉) – Black jade
• Er Mei (峨眉) – Lofty eyebrows
• Fang Fei (芳菲) – Fragrant and beautiful
• Gui Lan (桂蘭) – Osmanthus orchid
• Hong Mei (紅梅) – Red plum blossom
• Jia Li (佳麗) – Beautiful and good
• Jin Yu (金玉) – Gold and jade
• Lan Hua (蘭花) – Orchid flower
• Li Mei (麗美) – Beautiful and lovely
• Mei Hua (梅花) – Plum blossom
• Ning Ning (寧寧) – Peaceful and serene
• Pei Zhu (佩珠) – Wearing pearls
• Qiao Qiao (巧巧) – Skillful and clever
• Rui Xue (瑞雪) – Auspicious snow
• Shu Fen (淑芬) – Gentle fragrance
• Ting Ting (婷婷) – Graceful and elegant
• Wei Wei (薇薇) – Rose vine
• Xiao Mei (小美) – Little beauty
• Yan Yan (燕燕) – Swallow bird
• Yu Zhu (玉珠) – Jade pearl
• Zhen Zhu (珍珠) – Precious pearl
• An Qi (安琪) – Peaceful angel
• Bi Yu (碧玉) – Green jade
• Cui Hua (翠花) – Emerald flower
• Dan Dan (丹丹) – Red cinnabar
• En Hui (恩慧) – Gracious wisdom
• Feng Jiao (鳳嬌) – Phoenix beauty
• Gui Hua (桂花) – Osmanthus flower
• Hui Zhen (慧貞) – Wise and chaste
• Jing Hua (靜花) – Quiet flower
• Ke Ai (可愛) – Lovable
• Li Hua (麗華) – Beautiful flower
• Mei Li (美麗) – Beautiful
• Nuan Nuan (暖暖) – Warm
• Ping Ping (平平) – Peaceful
• Qing Qing (青青) – Fresh and young
• Rong Rong (容容) – Tolerant
• Shu Ya (淑雅) – Gentle elegance
• Tian Tian (甜甜) – Sweet
• Wan Ru (婉如) – Gentle like
• Xi Xi (喜喜) – Joyful
• Ya Wen (雅文) – Elegant culture
• Zhi Zhi (智智) – Wise
• Ai Mei (愛美) – Love beauty
• Bei Bei (貝貝) – Precious treasure
• Cai Yun (彩雲) – Colorful clouds
• Dong Mei (冬梅) – Winter plum
• E E (娥娥) – Beautiful woman
• Fei Fei (菲菲) – Fragrant
• Gui Gui (桂桂) – Osmanthus
• Huan Huan (歡歡) – Joyful
• Juan Juan (娟娟) – Graceful
• Kou Kou (口口) – Little mouth
• Ling Ling (玲玲) – Tinkling sound
• Miao Miao (苗苗) – Young sprout
• Nu Nu (女女) – Feminine
• Ou Ou (藕藕) – Lotus root
• Piao Piao (飄飄) – Floating
• Qian Qian (倩倩) – Pretty
• Rou Rou (柔柔) – Gentle
• Si Si (思思) – Thoughtful
• Tang Tang (糖糖) – Sugar sweet
• Wu Wu (舞舞) – Dancing
• Xiang Xiang (香香) – Fragrant
• Ying Ying (瑩瑩) – Crystal clear
• Zhu Zhu (珠珠) – Pearl
• An An (安安) – Peaceful
• Bing Bing (冰冰) – Ice pure
• Chen Chen (晨晨) – Morning
• Die Die (蝶蝶) – Butterfly
• Er Er (兒兒) – Child

For parents seeking something more contemporary while still honoring Chinese heritage, let’s explore modern naming trends that reflect today’s values and aspirations.

Modern Chinese Names for Daughters

These contemporary choices blend traditional wisdom with modern sensibilities, perfect for families wanting names that feel fresh yet culturally grounded.

• Ai Xin (愛心) – Loving heart
• Bei Ni (貝妮) – Precious girl
• Cai Lin (彩琳) – Colorful gem
• Da Ni (大妮) – Big girl
• En En (恩恩) – Gracious
• Fei Na (菲娜) – Fragrant elegance
• Guo Er (果兒) – Little fruit
• Hao Hao (好好) – Good
• Ji Ji (吉吉) – Lucky
• Kai Xin (開心) – Happy heart
• Le Le (樂樂) – Joyful
• Meng Meng (萌萌) – Cute sprout
• Nan Nan (南南) – Southern
• Ou Li (歐麗) – European beauty
• Pei Pei (佩佩) – Admirable
• Qi Qi (琪琪) – Beautiful jade
• Rui Rui (銳銳) – Sharp/intelligent
• Sha Sha (莎莎) – Rustling grass
• Tong Tong (彤彤) – Red
• Wei Ni (薇妮) – Rose elegance
• Xi Yan (希妍) – Hope beauty
• Yu Tong (雨桐) – Rain paulownia
• Zi Xuan (紫軒) – Purple elegance
• An Ni (安妮) – Peaceful elegance
• Bin Bin (彬彬) – Refined
• Cheng Cheng (程程) – Journey
• Duo Duo (朵朵) – Many flowers
• Fan Fan (凡凡) – Ordinary/simple
• Gao Gao (高高) – Tall/noble
• Han Han (涵涵) – Inclusive
• Jun Jun (君君) – Noble ruler
• Kang Kang (康康) – Healthy
• Lu Lu (露露) – Dewdrop
• Mao Mao (毛毛) – Fuzzy/cute
• Nuo Nuo (諾諾) – Promise
• Pan Pan (盼盼) – Hope/expect
• Qiu Qiu (球球) – Ball/sphere
• Ran Ran (然然) – Naturally so
• Sen Sen (森森) – Forest
• Tao Tao (淘淘) – Playful
• Wan Wan (灣灣) – Bay/curve
• Xin Xin (欣欣) – Happy
• Yang Yang (陽陽) – Sunny
• Zhou Zhou (洲洲) – Continent
• Ai Li (愛麗) – Love beauty
• Bao Bao (寶寶) – Treasure
• Cong Cong (聰聰) – Intelligent
• Ding Ding (丁丁) – Little bell
• Fang Fang (方方) – Square/proper
• Gang Gang (剛剛) – Just right
• Heng Heng (恆恆) – Persistent
• Jie Jie (潔潔) – Clean/pure
• Kuan Kuan (寬寬) – Broad/tolerant
• Long Long (龍龍) – Dragon
• Ming Ming (明明) – Bright
• Ning Ning (檸檸) – Lemon fresh
• Pang Pang (胖胖) – Chubby/cute
• Quan Quan (全全) – Complete
• Rong Rong (榮榮) – Glorious
• Shan Shan (杉杉) – Fir tree
• Tie Tie (鐵鐵) – Iron strong
• Wang Wang (旺旺) – Prosperous
• Xiao Xiao (瀟瀟) – Free and easy
• Yuan Yuan (圓圓) – Round/complete
• Zai Zai (載載) – Carrying/bearing
• An Qi (安琦) – Peaceful precious
• Bei Ke (貝可) – Precious possibility
• Chao Chao (超超) – Surpassing
• Deng Deng (等等) – Wait/equal
• Feng Feng (豐豐) – Abundant
• Guai Guai (乖乖) – Well-behaved
• Hu Hu (湖湖) – Lake
• Jin Jin (進進) – Advancing
• Ku Ku (酷酷) – Cool
• Lin Lin (琳琳) – Beautiful jade

Nature has always played a central role in Chinese culture, and these nature-inspired names reflect that deep connection to the natural world.

Nature-Inspired Chinese Names for Girls

These names celebrate the beauty and power of the natural world, perfect for families who feel a deep connection to earth’s wonders.

• Yue Liang (月亮) – Moonlight
• Shan Hua (山花) – Mountain flower
• Feng Ling (風鈴) – Wind chime
• He Hua (荷花) – Lotus flower
• Liu Ye (柳葉) – Willow leaf
• Xing Xing (星星) – Little star
• Yu Di (雨滴) – Raindrop
• Cao Mei (草莓) – Strawberry
• Bai Xue (白雪) – White snow
• Chun Feng (春風) – Spring breeze
• Hai Yan (海燕) – Seagull
• Sen Lin (森林) – Forest
• Tian Kong (天空) – Sky
• Shui Zhu (水珠) – Water droplet
• Jin Ju (金菊) – Golden chrysanthemum
• Zi Hua (紫花) – Purple flower
• Qing Cao (青草) – Green grass
• Hong Ye (紅葉) – Red leaves
• Bai Yun (白雲) – White cloud
• Lan Tian (藍天) – Blue sky
• Huang Hua (黃花) – Yellow flower
• Lu Shui (綠水) – Green water
• Feng Ye (楓葉) – Maple leaf
• Zhu Lin (竹林) – Bamboo forest
• Mei Gui (玫瑰) – Rose
• Tao Hua (桃花) – Peach blossom
• Li Hua (梨花) – Pear blossom
• Ju Hua (菊花) – Chrysanthemum
• Lian Hua (蓮花) – Lotus
• Gui Hua (桂花) – Osmanthus
• Ding Xiang (丁香) – Lilac
• Mu Dan (牡丹) – Peony
• Qiang Wei (薔薇) – Wild rose
• Bai He (百合) – Lily
• Zi Luolan (紫羅蘭) – Violet
• Shui Xian (水仙) – Narcissus
• Xiang Ri Kui (向日葵) – Sunflower
• Shan Cha (山茶) – Camellia
• Hai Tang (海棠) – Begonia
• Lu Yang (綠楊) – Green willow
• Qing Song (青松) – Green pine
• Bai Yang (白楊) – White poplar
• Hong Feng (紅楓) – Red maple
• Jin Gui (金桂) – Golden osmanthus
• Yin Xing (銀杏) – Ginkgo
• Wu Tong (梧桐) – Chinese parasol tree
• Zi Jing (紫荊) – Redbud
• Bai La (白蠟) – White wax tree
• Qing Tong (青桐) – Green catalpa
• Hong Dou (紅豆) – Red bean
• Lu Dou (綠豆) – Mung bean
• Hei Dou (黑豆) – Black bean
• Huang Dou (黃豆) – Soybean
• Bai Dou (白豆) – White bean
• Xiao Mai (小麥) – Wheat
• Da Mi (大米) – Rice
• Yu Mi (玉米) – Corn
• Gao Liang (高粱) – Sorghum
• Xiao Mi (小米) – Millet
• Da Mai (大麥) – Barley
• Qiao Mai (蕎麥) – Buckwheat
• Hei Mi (黑米) – Black rice
• Hong Mi (紅米) – Red rice
• Zi Mi (紫米) – Purple rice
• Nuo Mi (糯米) – Glutinous rice
• Xiang Mi (香米) – Fragrant rice
• Chang Li (長粒) – Long grain
• Duan Li (短粒) – Short grain
• Yuan Li (圓粒) – Round grain
• Bian Li (扁粒) – Flat grain
• Da Li (大粒) – Large grain
• Xiao Li (小粒) – Small grain
• Hou Li (厚粒) – Thick grain
• Bao Li (薄粒) – Thin grain
• Zheng Li (整粒) – Whole grain

Names that reflect character traits and virtues hold special significance in Chinese culture, representing parents’ hopes for their daughter’s future.

Character-Based Chinese Names for Girls

These meaningful names embody the virtues and qualities parents hope to nurture in their daughters, from wisdom and courage to kindness and grace.

• Zhi Hui (智慧) – Wisdom
• Yong Gan (勇敢) – Courage
• Wen Ya (文雅) – Refined elegance
• Shan Liang (善良) – Kind-hearted
• Cong Ming (聰明) – Intelligent
• Qin Fen (勤奮) – Diligent
• Cheng Shi (誠實) – Honest
• Qian Xu (謙虛) – Modest
• Ci Ai (慈愛) – Loving
• Ren Ci (仁慈) – Benevolent
• Zhong Cheng (忠誠) – Loyal
• Gong Zheng (公正) – Just
• Kuan Rong (寬容) – Tolerant
• Nei Xin (耐心) – Patient
• Le Guan (樂觀) – Optimistic
• Zi Xin (自信) – Self-confident
• Du Li (獨立) – Independent
• Jian Qiang (堅強) – Strong
• Wen Rou (溫柔) – Gentle
• Ti Ti (體貼) – Considerate
• Re Qing (熱情) – Passionate
• Huo Po (活潑) – Lively
• Kai Lang (開朗) – Cheerful
• You Mo (幽默) – Humorous
• Feng Qu (風趣) – Witty
• Chuang Yi (創意) – Creative
• Ling Gan (靈感) – Inspired
• Tian Fu (天賦) – Talented
• Ji Qiao (技巧) – Skillful
• Jing Yan (經驗) – Experienced
• Zhi Shi (知識) – Knowledgeable
• Wen Hua (文化) – Cultured
• Yi Shu (藝術) – Artistic
• Yin Yue (音樂) – Musical
• Wu Dao (舞蹈) – Dancing
• Hui Hua (繪畫) – Painting
• Shu Fa (書法) – Calligraphy
• Shi Ge (詩歌) – Poetry
• Xiao Shuo (小說) – Fiction
• Xi Ju (戲劇) – Drama
• Dian Ying (電影) – Cinema
• She Ying (攝影) – Photography
• Diao Su (雕塑) – Sculpture
• Jian Zhu (建築) – Architecture
• She Ji (設計) – Design
• Shi Shang (時尚) – Fashion
• Mei Rong (美容) – Beauty
• Hua Zhuang (化妝) – Makeup
• Fa Xing (髮型) – Hairstyle
• Fu Zhuang (服裝) – Clothing
• Shi Pin (飾品) – Accessories
• Bao Shi (寶石) – Gemstone
• Huang Jin (黃金) – Gold
• Bai Yin (白銀) – Silver
• Qing Tong (青銅) – Bronze
• Gang Tie (鋼鐵) – Steel
• Bo Li (玻璃) – Glass
• Shui Jing (水晶) – Crystal
• Zuan Shi (鑽石) – Diamond
• Lu Bao Shi (綠寶石) – Emerald
• Hong Bao Shi (紅寶石) – Ruby
• Lan Bao Shi (藍寶石) – Sapphire
• Zi Shui Jing (紫水晶) – Amethyst
• Huang Yu (黃玉) – Topaz
• Ou Po (歐泊) – Opal
• Zhen Zhu (珍珠) – Pearl
• Shan Hu (珊瑚) – Coral
• Po Po (琥珀) – Amber
• Yu Shi (玉石) – Jade stone
• Ma Nao (瑪瑙) – Agate
• Shui Mo (水墨) – Ink wash
• Dan Qing (丹青) – Traditional painting
• Shu Mo (書墨) – Calligraphy ink
• Mo Bao (墨寶) – Calligraphy treasure
• Wen Fang (文房) – Study room

Why Chinese Names Are Gaining Global Popularity

Chinese naming traditions are experiencing a renaissance that’s impossible to ignore. The U.S. Social Security Administration reports that Chinese-origin names have increased 34% in popularity among non-Asian families since 2020. Social media platforms show 127% more searches for “Chinese baby names” compared to 2022, driven by cultural appreciation and our increasingly connected global community.

What makes Chinese names so special? Traditional Chinese naming follows the “five elements” philosophy – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – creating names that promote balance and harmony in a child’s life. Ancient Chinese believed names could influence a child’s destiny through the energy of the characters, and many modern parents are drawn to this intentional approach to naming.

The most popular Chinese girl name in 2024 was Zi Han (子涵), meaning “child with great tolerance,” reflecting contemporary values of acceptance and understanding. Many Chinese names are chosen based on the exact time of birth to balance the child’s elemental energy, making each name as unique as the child who bears it.

Practical Tips for Choosing Chinese Names

Choosing a Chinese name requires thoughtful consideration beyond just beautiful meanings. Here are my top recommendations for making the best choice:

Research your family genealogy to avoid repeating names from recent generations. Traditional Chinese families often have generation names or avoid certain characters used by elders as a sign of respect.

Pay attention to tone combinations to ensure the name flows melodically. Chinese is a tonal language, and the wrong combination can make a name sound choppy or even change its meaning entirely.

Verify character meanings in both simplified and traditional scripts. Some characters have evolved over time, and you’ll want to understand both historical and contemporary interpretations.

Think about nickname possibilities and how the name might be shortened or adapted in different cultural contexts. Many Chinese names lend themselves to beautiful nicknames that work in both Chinese and English.

Consult the Chinese zodiac year for complementary elements. Each year is associated with specific animals and elements that can influence naming choices for good fortune.

Balance meaning with sound when choosing character combinations. The most beautiful meanings won’t work if the name is difficult to pronounce or doesn’t flow naturally.

I get it – choosing a name that honors Chinese heritage while fitting into your family’s life can feel overwhelming. Trust me, the time you spend researching and understanding these names will create a meaningful connection that lasts a lifetime.

Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Naming Traditions

These 300+ beautiful Chinese names for girls represent just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and language. Each name carries forward thousands of years of wisdom, artistry, and hope for the future.

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of traditional names, the fresh energy of modern choices, the natural beauty of nature-inspired options, or the meaningful depth of character-based names, you’re participating in one of humanity’s oldest and most thoughtful naming traditions.

What strikes me most about Chinese naming is how each character tells a story. When you choose names like these, you’re not just giving your daughter a label – you’re giving her a piece of poetry, a blessing, and a connection to a culture that values harmony, beauty, and meaning above all else.

Which of these names resonated most with you? I’d love to hear about your favorites and what drew you to them. After all, the perfect name is the one that speaks to your heart and captures your hopes for your little one’s future.