Speaking of naming customs, it has been around since ancient times. When choosing names, the ancients tried to consider many aspects such as the meaning, shape, and sound of the characters, and tried to provide their own interests, pursuits, hopes, ambitions, rankings and other information through the names, so as to give people a visual, auditory and ideological sense. Leave a good impression so that people can understand the profound meaning of the namer. Its forms are roughly as follows.
First, respect the ancients. The ancients often expressed their admiration for ancient institutions and characters when naming, similar to what Confucius said: "The word "xin" is used as one's name. For example, Cao Ziyu, whose courtesy name is Ximeng (Meng Ke's courtesy name is Ziyu); Wu Zhongdan, whose courtesy name is Xi Zhou (Zhou Gongdan); Fan Xue Zhu's courtesy name is Hui (Zhu Xi's courtesy name is Hui); Lei Yuan's courtesy name is Xiyan (Yan Hui); Zu Mengzheng's courtesy name is Xilu (Lü Mengzheng). Some admire Xianda's ancient philosophers. Then directly add the words Yang, Mu, Zong, etc. in the middle of the name, such as Qian Zongni, Yu Muyuan, Fang Jingyu, Lu Xiliang, Ming Shihong, Wu Yanghe, Nie Jingbai, etc.
Second, Chinese people attach great importance to ethics and achievements when naming. Those named after virtue include Cao Ren, Xue Rengui, Wang Shouren, Kang Guangren, etc. Li Yifu, Li Yishan, etc. Those named after loyalty include Guo Fengxiao, Fang Xiaoru, etc. Those named after Qian are mostly used. , Yu Qian, Qian Qianyi. Those who expressed their aspirations as saints are like Lu Biyong, who showed a strong ambition to serve the world. Later, he had no hope of becoming an official and changed his name to Lu Buoyong, whose courtesy name was Gengtian.
Third, pray for blessings. Even the great sage Confucius once admitted that wealth is a human desire: "Wealth is something that can be sought after. Even if you are a man with a whip, I will do it." Therefore, people sometimes use this when choosing names. The prayer for a prosperous life and noble status is expressed through naming, such as Li Guangli, Liu Chuanfu, Gai Kuanrao, Wang Fugui, Qian Guang, Wu Shoufu, Sun Fushou, etc. Modern people often use such words in their names, such as Wang Yonggui, Li Maofu, etc. Zhang Deli, etc. The same is true for the pursuit of official career. Since the Sui and Tang Dynasties, people have generally sought fame and wealth through imperial examinations. Once they are named in the imperial examination, glory and wealth will come naturally. Therefore, among the names, there are many names such as Fan Xinke, Qiu Zhuangyuan, and so on. Tang Diankui, Xu Zhankui, Huang Kaibang, Wei Kuishi, Wang Yankui, etc.
Fourth, people always express their desire to eliminate disasters and turn bad luck into good luck in various ways, and naming sometimes also expresses it. One method, such as Huo Qubing, Sima Xiaonan, Xin Qiji, Feng Quji, Huang Quji, Shi Baoji, Sun Fengji, etc.
Fifth, although there are many people in the world. No one can transcend the limit of "my life has an end" and get rid of the constraints on life by the laws of nature. However, people always hope to extend their lives as long as possible, and it is best to live as long as the sky and achieve this ideal of Sun Wukong. The persistence and wishes of life are sometimes expressed through naming. Therefore, people like to use the word longevity when naming: such as Mao Yanshou, Zhang Chengshou, Xu Zengshou, Pan Tianshou, etc. In addition, they like to use Yannian, Wannian, Yongnian, Danian, etc. There are also many names for Turtle Year, Wanling, Trillium, Pine Ling, and Crane Ling. Since the Tang and Song Dynasties, the words "Lao", "Li", "Weng", and "Fu (Fu)" have been used in naming. I'm afraid it also reveals the namer's expectation of octogenarian life and fear of dying early.
Have you learned some naming methods from the above naming customs? I hope this knowledge of naming can be used in the future. I wish you a helping hand when choosing a name for your baby.