Auspicious Chinese Names

Do you know what are the popular Chinese names used by renowned and prominent persons in Singapore?

Choosing a good Chinese name for their children is a way for parents to express their love and wishes for them. Every parent has hopes for their children to possess certain desired traits such as integrity and hardworking, have a smooth journey in their lives and turn out to be successful individuals in the future. This is why parents will always want to select a Chinese name that are associated with such meanings and qualities. For example, 惠 (hui) is a popular choice by many Singaporean parents for their baby girls, which implies kind, while 杰 (jie) is a common name for boys, which means outstanding.

We have compiled a list of Chinese names of about 100 prominent figures in Singapore including political leaders, successful businessmen, educators and artists. Here are our findings:

The Chinese name character “文” is associated with many prominent figures in Singapore. They include political leaders such as 王邦文 (Ong Pang Boon), 杨荣文 (George Yeo), 李文献 (Lee Boon Yang), 林文兴 (Lim Boon Heng), 许文远 (Khaw Boon Wan), celebrity 范文芳 (Fann Wong), artists 陈文希 (Chen Wen Hsi) and 李文 (Lee Wen) and business leader 杨缵文 (Yeo Chan Boon). In Chinese, “文” means gentle, composed and educated and is a word that can be used for both genders. It also belongs to the “water” element in the traditional Five Elements.

This is followed by “瑞 (rui)”, which is found widely in the names of successful individuals. Political leaders with “瑞” in their names include 吴庆瑞 (Goh Keng Swee), 韩瑞生 (Hon Sui Sen, former minister), 林瑞生 (Lim Swee Say), 王瑞杰 (Heng Swee Keat) and artists陈瑞献 (Tan Swie Han), 陈宗瑞 (Chen Chong Swee) and 赖瑞龙 (Nai Swee Leng). The Chinese character “瑞 (rui)” brings the meaning of lucky or auspicious and success and belongs to the “metal” element in the traditional Five Elements.

“成 (cheng)”, which implies success, is also associated with four prominent figures 黄根成 (Wong Kan Seng), 李成伟 (Lee Seng Wee), 魏成辉 (Sam Goi Seng Hui) and 王金成 (Ong Kim Seng).

Another popular character “生 (sheng)” is associated with successful and well-known figures 陈笃生 (Tan Tock Seng), 韩瑞生 (Hon Sui Sen), 林瑞生 (Lim Swee Say) and蔡其生 (Chua Kee Seng Thomas).

The character “耀 (yao)”, which implies bringing glory and standing out, is in the Chinese names of our founding Prime Minister 李光耀 (Lee Kuan Yew), former minister 吕德耀 (Lui Tuck Yew) and current UOB chairman 黄祖耀 (Wee Cho Yaw).

The Chinese character “光” which means light is also used in the names of 李光前 (Lee Kong Chian), 李光耀 (Lee Kuan Yew) and renowned literature author吴之光 (Fang Xiu).

Check our 800 auspicious Chinese names for your selection.