Traditionally speaking, choosing a name for ourself should not be our worry; it should be for our parents and grandparents to fuss over. Yet today as Eastern and Western cultures meet, many Chinese guys and girls are now choosing an English name for themselves. There are a few reasons for this:
1. An English name is easier to remember, especially for people of other races. We live in a multicultural country, and I think it is generally acknowledged that a name like "Jane" is much easier to remember than a name like "Sze Ying". In fact the only memorable Chinese names for those of other races are Mulan and Ah Beng. This is especially true if you want to go overseas to study. You wont have to endure westerners butchering the pronunciation of your name.
2. It sounds cool. Since Hollywood's influence is so pervasive nowadays, having a name like those movie stars is now in fashion. This shows the power of Western culture around the world today. Likewise, if Bollywood and Indian culture was the dominant force in the world, people all over would be taking names like Siva and Raja.
3. It's your chance to pick a name that suits yourself. If your parents made the mistake of naming you Tong Sam Pah, you can now modify this to, say, William Tong. Sounds much better doesn't it!
In any case, many people want an English name nowadays. Many of my friends have consulted me in the process of choosing one, as they want one which suits them self. In my opinion, it's really vital to choose one that suits you. Let's look at a couple of celebrities whose name suits them, and what would happen if their names were different:
Jessica Alba
Jessica is a hot sounding name. Its origins were from ancient Hebrew, meaning "God is watching". Yes with that body and face I do suppose even God is watching.
Imagine what if she was called Doris Alba. I'm not against girls named Doris, but you have to admit it just doesn't sound hot. Of course the bearer of that name may be actually hot, but that's a different matter.
Bruce Lee, the legendary martial arts star. The name "Bruce" sounds tough doesn't it? That's why Batman's real name is Bruce Wayne too. Imagine what if he was called "Simpson Lee". The same punch is not quite there, isn't it.
Since we have established the importance of choosing a right name, let us proceed to my copyrighted "Name Choosing Matrix", which I have spent a long time researching. All the names inside have been checked for their roots in ancient languages as well as their popularity and common usage.
There are two sections, one for the ladies and another for the gentlemen.
Name Choosing Matrix:
Now, how do we use this? Let me explain.
First, choose the table that corresponds to your gender. If you are not clear on this point, I think you have more pressing issues at this moment than reading my blog.
Second, pick the characteristic that describes yourself MOST. Pick this characteristic from the horizontal column on top.
Third, pick the characteristic that describes yourself SECOND. Pick this characteristic from the vertical column on the left.
Finally, trace the columns to meet each other on the table. The name in the square where both columns meet is the name that suits you. Easy as pie!
Example: A guy thinks he is firstly refined, and secondarily reliable. So we take "refined", which is the second on the horizontal column on top, and "reliable", which is fifth on the column on the left. The intersection of these two is "William", which is the name suitable for him.
Example 2. A girl thinks she is really cute, comparable to Pikachu. So she picks "cute", which is third on the top, and "cute" again for the secondary, which is third on the side too. The intersection produces "Katy", which suits a very cute girl.
If you are not sure what is the exact meaning of each characteristic, please look below the chart.
Chart (you have to click on it to see full size):
Click on it if u can't see it!
Meaning of characteristics for girls:
Elegant: High class and cool. Like a lady.
Demure: Sweet-looking, conservative, more towards the quiet type.
Cute: Should be self explanatory. "kawaii".
Sexy: Hot, makes guys drool. Think of Angelina Jolie.
Lively: Full of energy, likes to talk and move.
Artistic: A sensitive and perceptive face, as well as actual artistic or musical talent fits in here.
Meaning of characteristics for guys:
Tough: Think athlete or action hero. Manly.
Refined: The gentlemanly, polite, well-dressed type.
Carefree: Relaxed and calm, seeming without care. This does not mean a bum with stubble.
Metrosexual: Takes great care in appearance, the "pretty-boy" type.
Reliable: The steady, conservative type.
Artistic: Same as the girls, see above please.
Have fun picking your English name here, and remember, if you have a name there that doesn't fit you, don't blame your parents. Remember, all babies look the same, so its not easy to choose one that will be suitable in later life. If you don't believe that, look at these two photos of celebrities when they were kids:
Can't tell who they are right! That proves that its really hard to predict what a kid will look like in later life.
