From Jackie Chan to Lucy Liu: 5 Ways Foreigners Choose Chinese Names

📝 TL;DR
While foreigners’ Chinese names may seem similar at first glance, they actually stem from five distinct pathways: pure transliteration, transliteration combined with meaning, meaning-based translation, names given by mentors, and professional stage names. The key to understanding these approaches lies in a simple analogy—name-giving = translation vs creation: some names are simply “copying sounds,” while others represent “creating a new work just for you.” Jackie Chan’s martial arts stage name and Lucy Liu’s Chinese name chosen by her family sit at opposite ends of this spectrum. This 8-minute introductory article will help you understand these five routes and identify which one fits you best.

I. Let’s Start with Two Celebrities’ Names

Jackie Chan’s Chinese name, “Chéng lóng” (成龙), has nothing to do with the pronunciation of “Jackie” — it isn’t a translation but rather a stage name he adopted while learning acting in Hong Kong’s opera troupes and building his career in the film industry. Similarly, Hollywood star Lucy Liu’s Chinese name, “Liú Yù líng” (刘玉玲), is not a transliteration of “Lucy” either — it was a Chinese name prepared for her by her family since she was born into a Chinese immigrant household.

Now consider most ordinary people: John often gets the Chinese name “Yuēhàn” (约翰), and Michael becomes “Màikè'ěr” (迈克尔) — these represent yet another entirely different origin story.

For the same question, “How do foreigners choose Chinese names?”, there are at least five possible answers. These paths are like five distinct routes: some simply copy the sound of a name, while others involve creating something completely new just for that person. Onomastics expert He Rongzhu once said:

"A good name is worth more than a beautiful face."
—— He Rongzhu, Textbook of Name Studies, China Materials Publishing House, 2012

Since your Chinese name functions as your “face” in the Chinese-speaking world, it’s worth taking some time to understand these five paths before deciding which one to follow.

II. Core Analogy: Naming = Translation vs. Creation

Imagine ordering a drink at a café. When the bartender asks for your name, you spell out “Stephen” letter by letter, and they write down a spelling that approximates how it sounds. This is what’s known as translation-style naming: the focus is purely on producing a sound that resembles the original.

Creation-style naming, on the other hand, is quite different—it’s like adapting an English song into a Chinese version: the melody (pronunciation) can stay the same, but the lyrics (meaning) need to be rewritten in Chinese.

With this comparison in mind, the five approaches become clear at a glance:

Why do approaches ② and ③ stand the test of time? A researcher in the field of names, Fang Lichen, proposed an evaluation framework based on sound (yīn), form (xíng), and meaning (yì): the name should sound pleasant when read, look good when written, and have a meaning that can withstand scrutiny.

“The quality of a name shouldn’t be judged superficially or from just one perspective. Instead, it needs to be evaluated based on its sound, form, and meaning.”
—— Fang Lichen, Zhengming Daoxing, Civil Aviation Press of China, 2007

Pure transliteration usually focuses only on sound, leaving the meaning aspect largely unaddressed. Meanwhile, masterful examples of transliteration with meaning are some of the most famous cases in the world of brand translation: when Coca-Cola first entered the Chinese market, it was translated based on pronunciation, resulting in a name that sounded like “a wax mare” and received little attention. Later, it was recreated as “可口可乐”—both delicious and cheerful—keeping the similar sound while giving it a completely new meaning (this story is included in Zhengming Daoxing). The same applies to BMW and Pentium: their sounds are close, and their meanings are appealing—here, the translator transforms into a creator.

III. Returning to Chinese Names: Five Paths on the Same Spectrum

④⑤ Focus on relationships and context. A teacher, friend, or elder can draw on what they know about you; a stage name serves a professional identity. A classroom name chosen by a teacher and a stage name associated with a role have different origins.

① Preserve the sound of your original name. 约翰 lets Chinese readers recognize John. Transliteration can carry your identity and is a valid choice when continuity matters.

②③ Make room for meaning in Chinese. Sound-and-meaning adaptation balances pronunciation with character meanings; meaning-based naming focuses on the ideas you want to express. Neither is automatically better than transliteration or a name given by someone close to you. Choose according to context, preference, and everyday use.

IV. Back to Reality: These Five Paths Are Right Around You

Scene 1: The first Chinese class for exchange students. At the start of a new semester, Chinese teachers often assign each student a Chinese name—this is the most common④ approach. Many students stick with this “introductory name” for years on end.

Scene 2: A foreign colleague’s Chinese business card. Foreign professionals working in China take great care to choose the right two or three characters for their business cards. Local colleagues gather to offer suggestions, comparing transliteration versions with interpreted ones—it’s like a mini creative session.

Scene 3: “Who gave you your Chinese name?” In China, this is almost always an inevitable greeting. Those who can answer, “It was my university teacher—she said I look like spring when I smile,” instantly make the conversation more interesting. The story behind a name itself becomes a form of social currency.

💡 Cultural Tip: There’s no hierarchy among these five methods—only differences, depending on whether you prioritize efficiency, meaning, or building relationships. This article focuses on choosing a naming path, not implying that a name can determine one’s fate.

V. Practical Tips for You

1. Identify Your Situation First: Refer to the table above to determine your circumstances—whether it’s a short-term exchange, long-term work, or you’re looking for a name to use for life.
2. Choose Your Approach Next: If you want speed, go with option ①; if you prefer a name that can stand up to detailed questioning about its meaning, follow options ② and ③; if a teacher or Chinese friend offers to give you a name, it’s a gesture of goodwill—consider accepting it.
3. Final Review: Assess the chosen name using the three criteria of “sound,” “appearance,” and “meaning”—Does it roll off the tongue easily? Does it look good when written down? Can its meaning withstand scrutiny from others?

Struggling to start on the creative path of options ② and ③? Give GetHanName a try—we combine your English name, your personal story, and the principles of sound, appearance, and meaning to create a Chinese name that truly belongs to you.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which method is the best?
There is no universal answer. Pure phonetic translation offers speed; translations that blend sound and meaning or use literal meanings ensure deeper significance; names bestowed by others carry emotional value. It depends on what you need.

Q2: Can I create my own Chinese name?
Absolutely. Literal translation (③) almost always means you’ll be handling it yourself. It’s a good idea to have a native-speaking friend review the pronunciation and meaning first to avoid unintended mistakes.

Q3: Will choosing my own name seem rude?
Not at all. Inviting a Chinese friend or teacher to help shows respect; choosing a name on your own first and then seeking feedback is equally appropriate, and both approaches are well-received.

Q4: Do all foreigners use phonetic names?
No. Official documents often feature characters in their phonetic form; however, many long-term residents in China use literal translations, names given by teachers, or even stage names—Jackie Chan and Da Shan are two prominent examples.

VII. Further Reading

• 📖 Transliteration vs. Free Translation: Should Your Name “Sound Like You” or “Hold Meaning”? —— A detailed exploration of the two extremes to help you make a decision.
• 📖 Chinese Names of Kung Fu Legends: From Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan —— The behind-the-scenes stories behind those iconic stage names.
• 📖 7 Golden Rules for Foreigners Choosing Chinese Names —— Ready to pick a name? Start with this practical checklist.

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References

• Fang Lichen, Zhengming Daoxing, Civil Aviation Press of China, 2007.
• He Rongzhu, Textbook of Name Studies, China Materials Publishing House, 2012.

This article is originally published on the GetHanName blog at gethanname.com. Please contact us for permission to reproduce it.