Chinese Names

Chinese people have family names and given names. However, unlike English names, Chinese last names come first while Chinese first names come last. For example, a famous Chinese film director is called 'Zhang Yimou'. His surname is 'Zhang' and his first name is 'Yimou'.

In China, when a woman gets married, she doesn't have to change her surname. In fact, most women don't. However, there is a phenomenon (mostly seen in Hong Kong) that a woman would add her husband's surname before her full name.

As a foreigner in China, you may find it useful to have a Chinese name (something that sounds like your original name and has a good meaning). Many Chinese people have English (or foreign) names. I guess it's all about finding common ground and making better communication. The video below is about names and really fun to watch.

Sexy Beijing - Lost in Translation - Danwei TV