前言 1.选材理由 生活中最重要的东西不是钱财而是一种具有抽象意义的东西叫做名字。做为世界上历史悠久，文化灿烂的国家，中国也非常重视给人起名这一问题，人名字的发展与中国传统历史文化密不可分。人名字不仅仅是一个标记符号，每个人的名字都具有一定的意义。名字与人终身相伴，在某个程度上是一个人一身的缩影。一看到一个人的名字我们就可以看出他家庭的愿望、本人的兴趣、志向情操和抱负，
中国人起名的历史来源
中国人起名的历史来源
A name is more than just a personal identifier; it carries profound meaning and reflects an individual's cultural background and the hopes parents have for their children A name influences various aspects of life, including personality, emotions, and career success Therefore, a good name is not merely a label; it embodies cherished wishes and aspirations, aiming to bring good fortune and a bright future.
Chinese onomastics, a profound cultural heritage, emphasizes the significance of names, as highlighted by Confucius: "If the names are not correct, the words will not be in order." In ancient times, names were highly valued, serving not only as distinctive markers for families but also as essential identifiers for individuals Understanding a person begins with knowing their name, underscoring its critical role in personal identity.
Over 5,000 years ago, during the matriarchal society before the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors in China, surnames began to emerge Clans used their totems as symbols to signify identity in social interactions, which laid the foundation for the concept of surnames According to the "Shuowen Jiezi," the term "xing" (surname) reflects the idea of being born from a mother, emphasizing the maternal lineage in early societies In this context, surnames were associated with maternal clans, as stories of "saints without fathers" emerged, highlighting the belief in divine conception.
名 称 或 氏 族 的 标 志 符 号 ， （ 简 称 是 族 号 ） 就 成 了 她 出 生 的 孩 子 的
The term "surname" originally means "to be born," reflecting the historical characteristics of matriarchal societies During this period, generations of descendants sharing the same mother lived together, forming a primitive collective known as a clan based on blood relations Consequently, surnames were initially understood to represent these clans.
The invention of specific identification symbols aimed to prevent consanguineous marriages is rooted in ancestral lineage As a clan name, it represents not just individuals or families, but the entire tribe Historical records indicate that the primary purpose of surnames in China was to distinguish marriages, clarify lineages, and differentiate ethnic groups.
“姓”的形成除与图腾关系密切外，还与女性分不开。“姓”是
The characters for "woman" and "life" reflect a matriarchal society that recognized mothers but not fathers According to legend, the origin of surnames is linked to the totem worship of primitive tribes, with symbols such as wheat, bears, and snakes representing ancestral totems Clans revered these totems, prohibiting their consumption or harm, and used them as unified clan identifiers In early tribes, totems, clan names, and ancestors were often synonymous, leading to the evolution of totem names into shared surnames Historical records indicate that the king of the Yelang state had bamboo as his totem, while the Jin state had surnames like Fox and Snake, and the Han dynasty featured surnames such as Dog and Wolf These unusual names, alongside others like Tiger, Dragon, and various plants, highlight the enduring influence of totem worship on the origins of surnames Given the limited number of ancient tribes, very few surnames from the distant past have survived.
夏，商，周的时候，人们的姓也有氏。传说，皇帝治理天下时，也有
The concept of "clan names" emerged as populations grew and original tribes divided into several new ones To distinguish themselves and express their uniqueness, these tribes created specific symbols, known as "clans." However, some smaller tribes chose to retain the original tribe's surname, while others adopted a dual approach, using both the old surname and their new clan name.
The term "氏" refers to smaller clans that emerged from larger family groups, each establishing their own distinct identity Over time, these clans proliferated, leading to a significant increase in the number of "氏," far surpassing the original family names In essence, "氏" can be viewed as a branch of the broader concept of family names.
The emergence of the "氏" (shi) system peaked during the Zhou Dynasty, which began large-scale feudal divisions to control conquered territories The descendants of these feudal states adopted the names of their domains as their "氏." Similarly, local lords distributed titles to their vassals, who also took on names based on their granted lands As a result, the number of "氏" significantly surpassed that of "姓" (xing), with only nobles possessing "氏," while the lower classes remained nameless This distinction highlighted the exclusivity of noble status, as women in noble families were required to use their "姓," reflecting the strict authority of the ancient Chinese feudal system However, by the Warring States period, significant social upheaval led to the decline of the old aristocracy, rendering the noble-associated "氏" unnecessary.
The relationship between "xing" (surname) and "shi" (family name) is well illustrated by the saying in the "Tongqian Waiji," which states that "xing" represents the lineage of one's ancestors, while "shi" distinguishes the descendants "Xing" remains constant, whereas "shi" can change Gu Yanwu noted that "shi can change with each generation, while 'xing' remains unchanged for thousands of years." Before the Qin and Han dynasties, there were strict regulations on the use of "xing" and "shi," specifying who had a surname and who used a family name After the Han dynasty, the distinction between "xing" and "shi" faded, and they were collectively referred to as "xing." The "Records of the Grand Historian" provides notable examples of this evolution, tracing the origins of existing surnames and the reasons they were initially established.
Surnames with the female radical, such as Si, Jiang, and Ji, reflect the matriarchal society's reverence for women Some of these names directly represent the titles of female clan leaders.
Surnames derived from animals and natural elements, such as Horse, Cow, Sheep, Pig, Snake, Dragon, Forest, Wood, Wind, Jade, Steel, and Iron, often reflect tribal totems These names embody a deep connection to nature and cultural heritage, showcasing the significance of flora and fauna in ancestral identities.
开始 母系社会 父系社会
功能 是族号，表示血统 分别同个家族的支系
性质 重要 不重要
表 1.1 姓氏的比拟
A name serves as a personal symbol for each individual, while surnames are shared among the public The emergence of names dates back to the Xia and Zhou dynasties, reflecting the gradual awakening of individual consciousness According to the "Shuowen Jiezi," a name is derived from one's self-identification, symbolizing the need for recognition in a world where darkness obscures visibility In this context, a name combines the invisible essence of "命" (ming) with visible, meaningful characters that can be spoken "命" represents an intangible, spiritual quality, akin to what modern Western scientists refer to as "dark matter."
The concept of "name" is a tangible, audible, and meaningful symbol that embodies masculine qualities It signifies the "destiny" of individuals and objects The structure of the word combines "evening" (夕) on top and "mouth" (口) below, suggesting the idea of greeting someone at night In ancient times, before names existed, people could only nod or gesture to acknowledge each other, which was insufficient in the dark when identities were unclear In such situations, a unique vocal symbol was necessary for recognition—this symbol is the "name." Before the advent of written language, sounds were represented by syllables, but with writing, these sounds could be documented in corresponding characters Thus, a name serves as an identifier, representing not just a family but each individual within it As people recognized the convenience of using names, their adoption became more widespread.
The emergence of names is an inevitable result of the development of private ownership economies In ancient times, the world was considered public, with each tribe having its own designation, such as the Emperor, Yan Emperor, and Gonggong Chulong Naming conventions throughout history reflect the social ideologies of their respective periods Due to variations in ethnicity, society, history, religious beliefs, moral traditions, and cultural cultivation, naming practices differ significantly among people.
图 1 1 姓名的演变过程
中国起名的历史发展过程
The origin of surnames can be traced back over five thousand years, evolving into a unified system in today's world Initially, surnames served to distinguish individuals from one another, maintaining this distinction for a considerable period It took nearly a thousand years for the concepts of "xing" (姓) and "shi" (氏) to develop into the surnames we recognize today.
The early form of human society is often referred to as a "matriarchal society." In the initial stages of human civilization, due to a lower level of development, ancient people exhibited many lifestyle habits similar to those of other species.
The concept of "mating" significantly influences societal structures, as it highlights the distinction from "marriage." Initially, human mating lacked restrictions, leading to occurrences akin to modern-day "incest." However, with the advancement of agriculture and civilization, the term "marriage" emerged, prompting ancient societies to recognize the dangers of consanguineous unions This awareness led to inter-tribal marriages, which helped mitigate the risks associated with close kin marriages In this context, marriage involved all eligible males and females from two tribes, resulting in a "mother knows but father unknown" scenario for children Consequently, lineage was traced through the maternal line, establishing a matriarchal society where power and wealth were predominantly held by women, all descending from a common female ancestor.
The existence of matriarchal societies in Chinese history is evidenced by various myths and legends For instance, emperors are said to have been born from their mothers' connections to celestial bodies, such as the legendary Emperor's mother sensing the Big Dipper, and the Yan Emperor being born from a union between his mother and a divine dragon Other figures, like Yao and Shun, also have origins linked to their mothers and celestial phenomena Additionally, ancestral tales from the Shang and Zhou dynasties depict births resulting from maternal actions, such as Qi being born from a bird egg consumed by his mother These stories highlight a significant period in Chinese culture where lineage was traced through maternal lines, indicating a matriarchal societal structure.
Chinese surnames originated during ancient times, primarily based on matrilineal principles It is noted that surnames existed among the Chinese people even before the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors During this period, a phenomenon emerged where individuals recognized their maternal lineage but not their paternal lineage, indicating that the earliest surnames were derived from the mother's surname.
The concept of "surname" represents clan lineage and was developed as a means to distinguish blood relations and prevent incestuous marriages Its origins are linked to the totem worship of primitive tribes, emphasizing a matriarchal core Various legends and the etymology of certain surnames reflect this fundamental awareness to varying degrees Archaeological evidence indicates that fewer than thirty surnames can be definitively identified from ancient bronze inscriptions, with many containing the female radical, such as Jiang, Yao, Si, Ji, Wa, Bi, Ren, Fei, and Hao This connection between ancient surnames and the character for "woman," along with the character "xing" itself also derived from the female radical, suggests a characteristic product of matrilineal clan systems.
With the development of social productivity, surplus labor products emerged within tribal groups, significantly enhancing the efficiency of producers Due to the physical differences between genders, most of the wealth in society was generated by men, positioning them as the primary force in production Naturally, as the main contributors to societal wealth, men sought power within tribal groups, leading to a desire to control wealth and the complexities of maternal lineage, where children knew their mothers but not their fathers This contradiction sparked a transition from matriarchal to patriarchal structures in human society, marking the long-standing existence of patriarchy from primitive to modern times.
The transition from matriarchy to patriarchy represents one of the most significant social revolutions in human history, marking a decisive step toward the threshold of civilization This revolution was fundamentally driven by the development of productive forces, yet it manifested through humanity's inherent desire for wealth.
In the late matriarchal society, the rapid development of productivity led to a significant surplus of labor products, with men contributing the majority to social production and wealth creation However, they held no status or power within tribal groups As a result, men, as the primary force in production and wealth generation, sought dominance and control over their tribes, desiring to pass their wealth to their descendants This necessitated the abolition of the matrilineal system and inheritance practices, as well as the acknowledgment of paternity By the time of the legendary figure "Yu," the invention and use of bronze tools accelerated production, prompting men to consolidate economic power, thus initiating a shift from matriarchy to patriarchy This transition marked the emergence of surnames, with paternal lineage becoming significant, representing merit and status, especially during the Western Zhou dynasty's feudal system, where noble families were identified by their land grants Eventually, in the Xia and Zhou periods, personal names also emerged to distinguish family members.
1.2.3 当代社会观念
The history of names is long and dates back to a time before written language existed In those early days, names served merely as vocal symbols for distinguishing individuals within a group, lacking the formal structure we recognize today The advent of writing marked a significant advancement in human society, leading to the emergence of tangible names that are formally associated with individuals While a person's name is fundamentally separate from their identity, it plays a crucial role in how they are perceived in society.
Social animals possess their own knowledge and experiences, and before getting to know someone, the most significant source of first impressions often comes from that person's name People tend to infer various attributes, such as gender, personality, interests, and profession, based on a name Once acquainted, a name serves as a symbol of identity, retained in written form or in the memories of others, and begins to carry numerous social functions Thus, a close relationship emerges between individuals and their names.
In traditional Chinese culture, many believe that a person's name is closely linked to their destiny, significantly influencing a child's future As societal values evolve, so too does the approach to naming, reflecting these changes The vast literary heritage of the Chinese nation showcases its rich history and culture over five millennia, while contemporary naming trends reveal the transformations within modern society.
During the founding period of New China, the traditional practice of naming based on family lineage began to change, reflecting the political significance of the era After enduring humiliation from foreign powers and internal strife, the Chinese Communist Party led the people through tremendous struggles to break free from darkness and establish a new nation The founding of New China was a moment of immense pride and excitement for the entire nation With this historic event, people hoped to remember the sacred day forever, envisioning a prosperous and thriving country, free from war, and a future filled with happiness and peace, aspirations they projected onto their children This led to the emergence of names such as "Jian Guo" (Establishing the Nation), "Guo Hua" (National Splendor), "Guo Qing" (National Celebration), and "Jie Fang" (Liberation).
In Shenyang, Liaoning Province, a recent authoritative survey revealed that since 1949, a total of 491 individuals born on October 1 have been named "Jian Guo" (建国) and "Guo Qing" (国庆) Among them, 35 were named "Jian Guo" and 456 "Guo Qing." Notably, of the ten individuals who share their birth year with the Republic, four were named "Jian Guo" and six "Guo Qing," highlighting a cultural trend in naming associated with the founding of the nation.
出生的有 11 名“建国”。202 名“国庆”；60 年代 12 名“建国”，
129 名“国庆”；80 年代 3 名“建国”，43 名“国庆”；90 年代，20 名“国庆”，没有叫“建国”的。
Between the 1950s and the mid-1960s, the emergence of terms like "nation-building" and "National Day" infused traditional naming practices with political significance As history progressed, names reflecting historical events began to emerge more prominently The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 saw the U.S imperialist forces advancing towards the Yalu River In response to a request from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China dispatched volunteer troops from June 1950 to July 1953 to combat the U.S.-led "United Nations forces" and protect national security This period witnessed a surge in names inspired by the anti-American resistance during the war.
中国人起名的习惯
A name is a powerful asset in a person's life, embodying significant energy that can influence one's destiny and the success of their career The saying "If a name is not right, words will not be smooth" emphasizes the importance of a name, suggesting that it plays a crucial role in shaping one's path and achievements.
“遗子千金，不如教子一艺，不如赐子佳名”。“不怕生错命，只怕起
A good name can positively influence one's destiny, while a poor name may warrant a decisive change Therefore, choosing an appropriate name involves considering various factors, including specific rules and taboos associated with naming.
1.3.1 中国人起名的一般规则
1.3.1.1 起名要讲究字义
Many people choose names primarily based on their meanings, reflecting diverse aesthetic views, desires, pursuits, personalities, and hobbies Focusing on the significance of a name is a fundamental requirement for creating a good name This approach not only embodies the namer's hopes and wishes for the named individual but may also reflect the namer's personality traits and preferences Additionally, the meaning of a name often carries deeper implications, symbolically representing other concepts When selecting a name with meaningful significance, it is essential to consider several key aspects.
Avoid using names that sound foreign or exotic Chinese characters typically carry significant meanings, so it's important to choose one or two characters that convey a clear message While there's nothing inherently wrong with foreign-sounding names, they can create an unpleasant impression in social interactions, potentially hindering personal and professional development.
When choosing a name for a girl, it's important to avoid overly common or rustic options, such as "Cauliflower" or "Emerald Auntie," as these can create a perception of being unsophisticated Names that evoke a sense of simplicity may lead others to assume that the individual lacks education and ambition, reinforcing negative stereotypes about women.
When choosing a name, it is essential to consider the meaningful combination of the surname and given name This involves not only the individual meanings of the characters but also how they interact with each other For instance, the name "Bai Ru Bing" exemplifies a harmonious blend, where "Bai" as a surname may lack inherent meaning, but when paired with "Bing," it evokes the elegant and profound imagery of "pure as ice."
1.3.1.2 起名要讲究字音
The phonetics of a character refers to the sound produced when it is pronounced, and a name should possess appealing phonetics that are both melodious and resonant When choosing a name, it is essential to pay attention to the phonetic aspects to ensure it sounds pleasant and striking.
(1) 尽量避免不雅谐音。例如，“财”与“材”、“朱”与“猪”、
Names that appear elegant and meaningful can sometimes sound similar to vulgar or crude words, leading to discomfort It is important to pay attention to the phonetic similarities in names to avoid unintended negative associations.
When choosing names in Chinese, it's essential to focus on the rhyming of characters The study of rhyme in Chinese characters is significant, as organizing them according to phonetics can create pleasing sounds, while neglecting this can lead to unpleasant combinations To ensure harmonious names, avoid using the same initial consonants, refrain from repeating final vowels, and steer clear of identical tone combinations Additionally, considering the four tones of Chinese characters is crucial for achieving a musical quality and rhythmic flow in names.
1.3.1.3 起名要讲究字形
When choosing a name, it is essential to select one that is both visually appealing and easily recognizable Some individuals tend to opt for uncommon characters, with some being so rare that they are not found in dictionaries This practice can lead to negative experiences, as people may feel uncomfortable or unwilling to engage with someone whose name they cannot read or understand.
This ancient custom offers two significant benefits Firstly, it is simple and convenient; by carefully observing the components of a surname, one can easily derive a given name, except for certain names that are difficult to break down, such as Zhou, Wang, Sun, Long, and Kong Secondly, it adds a fresh and interesting element to social interactions Particularly in unfamiliar settings, the practice of "breaking down surnames into given names" can enhance the atmosphere, foster connections, and create a harmonious environment, much like a forest.
1.3.1.5 增减姓字笔画
This method cleverly utilizes the characteristics of the zodiac sign Gemini by ingeniously altering the shape of the surname, resulting in a flexible and engaging approach that can be likened to a word game Examples include variations like Wang Yu, Wang Feng, and Wang Wu.
1.3.1.6 字义上、谐音、字形以姓生名
Naming conventions in Chinese culture often derive names directly from surnames, as seen in examples like Ma Shangfei and Niu Qun Another method involves using idiomatic expressions, which require a high level of literary knowledge to create names that are elegant, unique, and thought-provoking, such as Shi Chengjin (点石成金) and Cheng Fangyuan (无规矩不成方圆) Additionally, homophonic names play on similar sounds with different meanings, leveraging the characteristics of Chinese characters, resulting in names that are subtle, intriguing, and creative, like Jiang Bufan, where "Jiang" sounds like "Jiang" (将), implying a future of distinction Furthermore, the approach of creating names from surnames differs from simply using parts of the surname; it involves reconstructing characters to form a new name, conveying a sense of education and sophistication, particularly in contexts where naming is significant.
1.3.1.7 合父母二姓为名
Naming customs that combine the surnames of parents are quite common, as a child's name symbolizes the union of their parents and love This practice is meaningful and helps to strengthen family bonds Examples of such names include Marin, Ankang, Changle, and Wenzhang.
1.3.1.8 以仰慕者起名
The admiration of celebrities and great figures is a common human sentiment This collective admiration has led to the tradition of naming individuals after those they revere For instance, Sima Xiangru named himself after Lin Xiangru, Yan Wu honored Su Wu, and Gu Yewang took on the name Feng Yewang, reflecting their deep respect for these historical figures.
1.3.1.9 以十二生肖起名