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HelpChinese Name Suggestions
I’m looking for some Chinese name suggestions for a character. This character is somewhat in hiding/just doesn’t want to give out his actual name, so I’m looking for Chinese names that would be the kind of names someone would just make up for themselves if they wanted to keep their real name a secret. Here’s some additional info about the story that might help:
1. This is set in ancient China (during the early days of the Silk Road)
2. This character is a former prince of a conquered kingdom
3. This character was the third son in his family
4. This character has a very quiet, serious disposition. He would probably pick something really basic or something that isn’t exactly a name but more of a basic title
Thanks for any assistance with this!
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
***Formerly known as Layla***
1. This is set in ancient China (during the early days of the Silk Road)
2. This character is a former prince of a conquered kingdom
3. This character was the third son in his family
4. This character has a very quiet, serious disposition. He would probably pick something really basic or something that isn’t exactly a name but more of a basic title
Thanks for any assistance with this!
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
***Formerly known as Layla***
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Replies
The Song dynasty book (960–1279) "Hundred Family Surnames" lists the most common Chinese surnames. I would pick from one of the top ten most common, but I would not use the most common because that would be like using John Smith as a pseudonym. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundred_Family_Surnames
For the first name, he might choose a name that doesn't exactly reflect who he is but is close enough to not seem unlikely. He wouldn't want a name that seems royal, but, if anything in his manners or appearance suggests that he is from a slightly higher station, then he might want a name that makes sense for his assumed station. I'm not familiar with the naming conventions during that era, but maybe something like Qing, Shui, or Yun would be okay?
For the first name, he might choose a name that doesn't exactly reflect who he is but is close enough to not seem unlikely. He wouldn't want a name that seems royal, but, if anything in his manners or appearance suggests that he is from a slightly higher station, then he might want a name that makes sense for his assumed station. I'm not familiar with the naming conventions during that era, but maybe something like Qing, Shui, or Yun would be okay?
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Oh, thanks for the resource! I’ll check it out and see what I can find. 😁
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I'm not very well versed in ancient Chinese names but that does sound like a fun concept
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Thanks! It’s still in the early stages (I’ve literally written nothing for it, just thought about it) but maybe I’ll post an excerpt or something a little more in depth about the story on the Writing Room forum.
This message was edited 9/26/2022, 1:50 PM
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