A collection of 45 names
Boy names in Chinese
Compare Chinese versions of English boys’ names, from familiar transliterations to suggestions chosen for meaning. Unisex entries are included where the collection records mixed usage.
Compare the namesNames, characters and meanings
The sound-based and meaning-based names serve different purposes. Open an entry for all three candidates, pronunciation, script options and writing guides.
Liam in Chinese
Irish/Germanic · resolute protector
- Sound-based
- 利亚姆Lì Yà Mǔ
- Meaning-based
- 浩然Hào Rán
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #1 for boys, 124,842 registrations.
Noah in Chinese
Hebrew · rest, comfort
- Sound-based
- 诺亚Nuò Yà
- Meaning-based
- 安平Ān Píng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #2 for boys, 116,024 registrations.
Oliver in Chinese
Latin · olive tree, peace
- Sound-based
- 奥利弗Ào Lì Fú
- Meaning-based
- 嘉树Jiā Shù
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #3 for boys, 89,293 registrations.
James in Chinese
Hebrew · supplanter
- Sound-based
- 詹姆斯Zhān Mǔ Sī
- Meaning-based
- 文杰Wén Jié
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #4 for boys, 72,523 registrations.
Elijah in Chinese
Hebrew · my God is Yahweh
- Sound-based
- 以利亚Yǐ Lì Yà
- Meaning-based
- 瑞恒Ruì Héng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #5 for boys, 72,049 registrations.
William in Chinese
Germanic · resolute protector
- Sound-based
- 威廉Wēi Lián
- Meaning-based
- 志刚Zhì Gāng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #6 for boys, 68,067 registrations.
Henry in Chinese
Germanic · ruler of the home
- Sound-based
- 亨利Hēng Lì
- Meaning-based
- 瑞涛Ruì Tāo
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #7 for boys, 68,047 registrations.
Lucas in Chinese
Latin · light; from Lucania
- Sound-based
- 卢卡斯Lú Kǎ Sī
- Meaning-based
- 明辉Míng Huī
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #8 for boys, 65,795 registrations.
Theodore in Chinese
Greek · gift of God
- Sound-based
- 西奥多Xī Ào Duō
- Meaning-based
- 天轩Tiān Xuān
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #9 for boys, 65,579 registrations.
Benjamin in Chinese
Hebrew · son of the right hand
- Sound-based
- 本杰明Běn Jié Míng
- Meaning-based
- 博文Bó Wén
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #10 for boys, 64,922 registrations.
Mateo in Chinese
Spanish, from Hebrew via Matthew · gift of God
- Sound-based
- 马特奥Mǎ Tè Ào
- Meaning-based
- 恩礼Ēn Lǐ
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #11 for boys, 62,272 registrations.
Levi in Chinese
Hebrew · joined, attached
- Sound-based
- 利瓦伊Lì Wǎ Yī
- Meaning-based
- 博毅Bó Yì
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #12 for boys, 57,122 registrations.
Sebastian in Chinese
Greek · venerable, revered
- Sound-based
- 塞巴斯蒂安Sài Bā Sī Dì Ān
- Meaning-based
- 宏阳Hóng Yáng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #13 for boys, 53,454 registrations.
Jack in Chinese
English/Hebrew · God is gracious
- Sound-based
- 杰克Jié Kè
- Meaning-based
- 瑞远Ruì Yuǎn
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #14 for boys, 53,384 registrations.
Daniel in Chinese
Hebrew · God is my judge
- Sound-based
- 丹尼尔Dān Ní Ěr
- Meaning-based
- 天恩Tiān Ēn
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #15 for boys, 52,726 registrations.
Michael in Chinese
Hebrew · who is like God
- Sound-based
- 迈克尔Mài Kè Ěr
- Meaning-based
- 天佑Tiān Yòu
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #16 for boys, 52,631 registrations.
Alexander in Chinese
Greek · defender of the people
- Sound-based
- 亚历山大Yà Lì Shān Dà
- Meaning-based
- 志刚Zhì Gāng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #17 for boys, 51,145 registrations.
Ethan in Chinese
Hebrew · strong, firm
- Sound-based
- 伊森Yī Sēn
- Meaning-based
- 勇毅Yǒng Yì
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #18 for boys, 50,594 registrations.
Samuel in Chinese
Hebrew · God has heard
- Sound-based
- 塞缪尔Sài Miù Ěr
- Meaning-based
- 承佑Chéng Yòu
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #19 for boys, 50,328 registrations.
Owen in Chinese
Welsh · noble, well-born
- Sound-based
- 欧文Ōu Wén
- Meaning-based
- 君毅Jūn Yì
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #20 for boys, 48,832 registrations.
John in Chinese
Hebrew · God is gracious
- Sound-based
- 约翰Yuē Hàn
- Meaning-based
- 佑安Yòu Ān
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #21 for boys, 48,370 registrations.
Asher in Chinese
Hebrew · happy, blessed
- Sound-based
- 阿舍尔Ā Shè Ěr
- Meaning-based
- 嘉悦Jiā Yuè
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #22 for boys, 47,998 registrations.
Ezra in Chinese
Hebrew · help
- Sound-based
- 以斯拉Yǐ Sī Lā
- Meaning-based
- 佑仁Yòu Rén
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #23 for boys, 47,728 registrations.
Leo in Chinese
Latin · lion
- Sound-based
- 利奥Lì Ào
- Meaning-based
- 毅诚Yì Chéng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #24 for boys, 47,481 registrations.
Jackson in Chinese
English · son of Jack
- Sound-based
- 杰克逊Jié Kè Xùn
- Meaning-based
- 浩宇Hào Yǔ
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #25 for boys, 47,360 registrations.
Mason in Chinese
English · stone worker
- Sound-based
- 梅森Méi Sēn
- Meaning-based
- 怀瑾Huái Jǐn
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #26 for boys, 47,313 registrations.
Hudson in Chinese
English · son of Hudde
- Sound-based
- 哈德森Hā Dé Sēn
- Meaning-based
- 子恒Zǐ Héng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #27 for boys, 46,951 registrations.
Joseph in Chinese
Hebrew · God will increase
- Sound-based
- 约瑟夫Yuē Sè Fū
- Meaning-based
- 天恩Tiān Ēn
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #28 for boys, 46,334 registrations.
David in Chinese
Hebrew · beloved
- Sound-based
- 大卫Dà Wèi
- Meaning-based
- 嘉乐Jiā Lè
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #29 for boys, 45,615 registrations.
Jacob in Chinese
Hebrew · supplanter
- Sound-based
- 雅各布Yǎ Gè Bù
- Meaning-based
- 文杰Wén Jié
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #30 for boys, 45,178 registrations.
Julian in Chinese
Latin · youthful
- Sound-based
- 朱利安Zhū Lì Ān
- Meaning-based
- 青云Qīng Yún
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #31 for boys, 44,640 registrations.
Logan in Chinese
Scottish · small hollow
- Sound-based
- 洛根Luò Gēn
- Meaning-based
- 岳峰Yuè Fēng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #32 for boys, 44,192 registrations.
Luke in Chinese
Greek · light; from Lucania
- Sound-based
- 卢克Lú Kè
- Meaning-based
- 明辉Míng Huī
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #33 for boys, 44,149 registrations.
Luca in Chinese
Italian, from Luke · from Lucania
- Sound-based
- 卢卡Lú Kǎ
- Meaning-based
- 陆宁Lù Níng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #34 for boys, 44,138 registrations.
Matthew in Chinese
Hebrew · gift of God
- Sound-based
- 马修Mǎ Xiū
- Meaning-based
- 嘉乐Jiā Lè
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #35 for boys, 44,052 registrations.
Wyatt in Chinese
English · brave in war
- Sound-based
- 怀亚特Huái Yà Tè
- Meaning-based
- 威远Wēi Yuǎn
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #36 for boys, 42,814 registrations.
Maverick in Chinese
English word name · independent person
- Sound-based
- 马弗里克Mǎ Fú Lǐ Kè
- Meaning-based
- 志远Zhì Yuǎn
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #45 for boys, 39,317 registrations.
Santiago in Chinese
Spanish · Saint James
- Sound-based
- 圣地亚哥Shèng Dì Yà Gē
- Meaning-based
- 恩承Ēn Chéng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #47 for boys, 37,145 registrations.
Ezekiel in Chinese
Hebrew · God will strengthen
- Sound-based
- 以西结Yǐ Xī Jié
- Meaning-based
- 健佑Jiàn Yòu
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #55 for boys, 33,114 registrations.
Waylon in Chinese
English, variant of Wayland · from Wayland; probably associated with craft
- Sound-based
- 韦伦Wéi Lún
- Meaning-based
- 艺恒Yì Héng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #66 for boys, 28,366 registrations.
Bennett in Chinese
English, from Benedict · blessed
- Sound-based
- 本内特Běn Nèi Tè
- Meaning-based
- 祺宁Qí Níng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #68 for boys, 27,444 registrations.
Kai in Chinese
Multiple traditions, including Hawaiian and Chinese · sea in Hawaiian; other origins differ
- Sound-based
- 凯Kǎi
- Meaning-based
- 海宁Hǎi Níng
Recorded as a unisex English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #71 for boys, 26,927 registrations.
Brooks in Chinese
English surname name · of a brook or stream
- Sound-based
- 布鲁克斯Bù Lǔ Kè Sī
- Meaning-based
- 溪远Xī Yuǎn
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #72 for boys, 26,835 registrations.
Axel in Chinese
Scandinavian, from Absalom · father of peace
- Sound-based
- 阿克塞尔Ā Kè Sài Ěr
- Meaning-based
- 和宁Hé Níng
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #73 for boys, 26,475 registrations.
Weston in Chinese
English surname and place name · western settlement
- Sound-based
- 韦斯顿Wéi Sī Dùn
- Meaning-based
- 西原Xī Yuán
Recorded as a male English name in this collection.
US 2020–2025: #78 for boys, 25,855 registrations.
Keep identity and character meaning separate
A longer English name may need several Chinese syllables to remain recognizable. That does not mean its separate dictionary definitions combine into a statement about you. A transliteration carries sound first. If you want a compact given name with a particular association, compare the meaningful candidate rather than trying to turn every character of the transliteration into a literal message.
The shortest candidate is not automatically the best choice. Think about whether people should recognize the original name immediately, whether you want to explain its background, and how it sounds with a surname. The full entries preserve the phonetic, meaningful, and balanced options so you can make that comparison without treating one style as the correct answer for every setting.
Look beyond a generic strong name
Names associated with courage, kindness, learning, nature, or religious tradition can all be meaningful choices. Read the original name’s history separately from the Chinese suggestion. For example, a biblical name may contain a reference to God, while a secular Chinese adaptation keeps only an idea such as help or steadiness. A good explanation makes that change visible rather than claiming a word-for-word translation.
These labels describe the English names’ recorded usage. Chinese naming preferences vary across families, generations, and regions; a character’s meaning alone does not give it an exclusive gender. Use the pinyin and complete written form for discussion with a teacher or fluent reader. Pronunciation and stroke controls on the linked pages support practice after you have a shortlist.
Questions about this collection
Does the tool provide a full Chinese name?
It provides candidates based on a first name. It does not assign a surname. If you want a full name for daily use, discuss the complete family-name and given-name combination rather than simply joining two independently attractive choices.
Why do some transliterations have more than two characters?
Mandarin and English organize sounds differently. A sound-based rendering may need additional syllables to approximate consonant clusters or endings. Meaningful and balanced choices can be shorter because they serve a different goal.
Are the first entries the most popular Chinese names?
No. Recent US registrations of the English name help order the featured entries. The figures cover a stated birth-year period and do not describe popularity of the suggested Chinese characters in China or other Chinese-speaking communities.
About the selection
Usage figures come from the SSA’s 2020–2025 table, checked on 2026-10-15. They describe US registrations by recorded sex, not search volume or Chinese naming trends. The partial decade can change when more years are published.
The list features 36 names ordered by recent US usage where available, plus the newly researched entries in this group. Catalog position breaks ties; it is not an additional popularity measure.