Manchu Names and Their Meanings
Manchu Names and Their Meanings A Guide to Traditional Manchu Surnames, Personal Names, and Name Ideas
MING YE
10/2/20266 min read
Manchu Names and Their Meanings
A Guide to Traditional Manchu Surnames, Personal Names, and Name Ideas
By MING YE
Names are often small pieces of history.
Traditional Manchu names preserve traces of language, family lineage, geography, social identity, and cultural values. Some names refer to mountains, rivers, animals, plants, precious stones, virtues, strength, good fortune, or longevity. Others sound unusual when translated literally into modern Chinese or English, but were perfectly understandable within the linguistic and cultural environment in which they were created.
The history of Manchu surnames is equally interesting. Traditional Manchu clan names were often quite different from the single-character Chinese surnames commonly used by Manchus today.
Over several centuries, many traditional clan names were gradually represented or replaced by Chinese surnames. One common method was to take the first syllable or character used in the Chinese transcription of the original clan name.
Examples traditionally given include:
Magiya (马佳) → Ma (马)
Tunggiya (佟佳) → Tong (佟)
Uya (乌雅) → Wu (吴)
Cigiya (齐佳) → Qi (齐)
Ligiya (李佳) → Li (李)
Fuca (富察) → Fu (富)
Nara (纳喇) → Na (那)
Donggo (董鄂) → Dong (董)
Hešeri (赫舍里) → He (何/赫)
Niohuru (钮祜禄) → Niu (钮) or Lang (郎)
Gūwalgiya (瓜尔佳) → Guan (关)
Šumuru (舒穆鲁) → Shu (舒)
Irgen Gioro (伊尔根觉罗) → Yi (伊)
Another method was to adopt a Chinese surname associated with the perceived meaning of the original name.
A well-known example is Aisin Gioro (爱新觉罗), in which aisin means “gold.” Some descendants therefore adopted the Chinese surname Jin (金), meaning “gold.”
Other traditional explanations include:
Akjan (阿克占) — associated with lightning or a flash → Lei (雷)
Ningguta (宁古塔) — associated with “six” → Liu (刘)
Wehe (倭赫) — stone → Shi (石)
Sakda (萨克达) — old or aged → Lao (老)
There were also cases in which the relationship between an older Manchu clan name and a later Chinese surname was less obvious.
Traditional examples include:
Buyakoci (布雅科齐) → Yan (阎)
Furha (伏尔哈) → Yang (杨)
Ila (伊喇) → Xiao (肖)
Bodori (博都理) → Lu (鲁)
Borji (博尔济) → Bian (边)
According to accounts concerning Manchu clans in Shenyang, more than two hundred Manchu surnames were recorded in the region. After generations of linguistic and cultural change, many eventually came to resemble ordinary Chinese surnames so closely that ethnic origin could no longer be determined from the surname alone.
Traditional Manchu personal names were even more diverse.
When translated literally, some can sound surprisingly direct to modern readers.
Nikan (尼堪) means “Chinese” or “Han Chinese.”
Ajige (阿济格) means “little” or “the younger one.”
Dorgon (多尔衮) has traditionally been interpreted in connection with the badger.
Feiyanggū (费扬古) has been explained in relation to the youngest child or the little finger.
Manchu naming traditions could also make use of numbers, Buddhist vocabulary, animals, natural phenomena, virtues, desirable personal qualities, and auspicious concepts.
This is why a traditional Manchu name does not necessarily function like a modern Chinese personal name. Many names were meaningful words or expressions in their own right.
The following collection provides a large selection of Manchu words and expressions that may be useful for understanding traditional names or for choosing a Manchu-style personal name, artistic name, pen name, or online name.
Note on transcription: The Latin-letter forms below are Manchu romanizations/transliterations. They represent Manchu words in Latin script rather than English spellings. They have therefore been retained as supplied rather than translated or replaced. The English text following each form gives its approximate meaning.
Manchu Name Vocabulary
Abkai horgiku — Pivot of Heaven
Abkai morin — Heavenly horse
Acangga — Benefit; “benefit” in the traditional sequence of fundamental virtues
AcuhUn — Harmony
Aisin — Gold
Akdun — Firm; solid; trustworthy
Alin — Mountain
Alingga — Mountainous; associated with mountains
Amba — Great; large
AmbalinggU — Generous; imposing; magnificent
AmbaEtuhUn — Great Strength
AmbaBisiren — Great Possession
AnahUjan — Modesty
Argatu — Strategy; planning
Baili — Kindness; favor
Baksi — Scholar; learned person
Baturu — Brave; heroic warrior
Bayan — Wealthy; rich
BayanWesihUn — Wealth and honor
Bikita — Jade disk; associated with an eastern constellation
BoconggoWehe — Colored stone
Bodohonggo — Resourceful; strategic
Bodon — Strategy; military planning
Boisile — Amber
BojiriIlha — Chrysanthemum
Boobai — Treasure; precious object
Bulukan — Gentle; mild
Busumda — Lily
Buyecuke — Lovely; lovable
Cibsen — Quiet; tranquil
Cibsonggo — Bright; associated with order and ancestral hierarchy
Colgoroko — Outstanding; surpassing others
Colgorokobi — To stand out; to excel
Colhorokongge — Exceptional; outstanding
Dacun — Quick; sharp; agile
Dade — Root; origin
Daipun — Peng, the great mythical bird
Dahasu — Harmonious; agreeable
Dasan — Government; administration; rule
Dekjike — Flourishing; prosperous
Deocin — Fraternal respect
Doro — The Way; principle; ritual order
Dorolon — Ritual; ceremony
Doronggo — Proper; dignified; courteous
Doshon — Favor; affection
Eldeke — Radiance; glory
Eldembu — Light of wisdom or virtue
Eldengge — Brilliant; splendid; radiant
ElderiUsiha — A star name; Yaoguang
Ele — Increasingly; ever more
Elgiyen — Abundant; ample
Elhe — Peace; safety; tranquility
Enteheme — Eternal; enduring
Entehen — Constancy
Etenggi — Powerful; flourishing
Erdeme — Virtue; ability
Erdemungge — Virtuous; talented
Fafursambi — To exert oneself; to strive courageously
FaSSambi — To encourage oneself; strive
FaSSan — Achievement; merit
FaSSangga — Meritorious; accomplished
Fengsen — Blessing; prosperity
Fengsengge — Fortunate; blessed
Ferguwecuke — Wondrous; extraordinary; rare
Ferguwecun — Auspicious wonder
Ferguwen — Wisdom; intelligence
Fisin — Honest; substantial; dependable
Fiyangga — Bright; handsome; impressive in appearance
Fiyangtahun — Strong; robust
Fujurungga — Graceful; distinguished in appearance
Fulingga — Blessed by Heaven; fortunate
FuncenDaban — Prosperity; abundance
Fulehun — Grace; favor
FungkeriIlha — Orchid-like fragrant flower
Funglu — Fortune and emolument
FusuriIlha — Hibiscus
Gabsihiyan — Vanguard; swift and vigorous
Galbingga — Intelligent; perceptive
Gali — Clever; quick-witted
Ganggan — Resolute; strong-willed
Garudai — Phoenix; sacred bird
Gebkeljembi — Lustrous; radiant
GebuAlgika — Illustrious reputation
Gefehe — Butterfly
Gelmerjembi — Radiant in appearance
Genggen — Gentle; graceful
Genggitungga — Bright; illustrious
Genggiyen — Clear; bright; lucid
GenggiyenTug — Azure clouds
Getuken — Clear; lucid; well ordered
GetukenObu — Pure; spotless
Giljangga — Forgiving; tolerant
Giljan — Forgiveness
Gilmarjambi — Radiant; glowing
GiltaGilta — Glittering; sparkling
Giltahun — Brilliant; shining
GiltariNioweri — Splendidly colorful
Giltukan — Refined and talented
Gingge — Upright; incorruptible
Gingguji — Respectful; cautious
Ginggule — Worthy of respect
Giyahun — Eagle
Gocishun — Modest; humble
Gocisun — Modesty
Gosicuka — Lovable
Gosin — Benevolence; humaneness
Gosingga — Benevolent; compassionate
Gu — Jade; precious stone
GuWehe — Uncut jade
Guceng — Fine jade
Gufan — Beautiful jade
Guhang — Jade pendant
Guigu — Healthy and vigorous even in old age
GukiMoo — Jade tree; marvelous tree
Gukikung — Pure, flawless jade
Guliyatun — A ritual or musical vessel
Gulu — Simple; sincere; unadorned
Gungge — Merit; achievement
GungkeriIlha — Magnolia
Gungnecun — Respectful; humble
Hacihiyan — Diligent; striving
Hafun — Peace and prosperity
Hafungga — Success; favorable progress
Haihu — Graceful; elegant
Hajilambi — To be intimate; affectionate
Hajilan — Affection
HaksabaTugi — Rosy clouds
HalhunEdun — Warm breeze
HanjaBolgo — Loyal, pure, and incorruptible
Hiyebele — Sparrowhawk
Hiyoosungga — Filial; deeply devoted to one's parents
HocikonIlha — Beautiful and elegant flower
HojonIlha — Poppy flower
Hojo — Beautiful; graceful in appearance
Hurugan — Tortoiseshell
Huru — Hill; high ground
HUba — Amber
HojiriIlha — Beautiful chrysanthemum
HUturi — Blessing; good fortune
HUturingga — Fortunate; blessed
HUwangga — Harmonious
HUturiImiyarabi — Blessings gathered together
HUturiIsimbi — Blessing arrives; to receive good fortune
HUturiFengsenJalafun — Fortune, prosperity, and longevity
Ibeden — Advancement
Ibenembi — To move forward
IcihiAku — Spotless; pure
IjifunNiyehe — Mandarin ducks
IjishUn — Obedient; filial; compliant
Ikengge — Origin; beginning
Ildamungga — Graceful; elegant
Iletu — Eminent; distinguished
Ilibu — To establish; set upright
IIimbu — To stand; rise; establish
Ilihen — Stillness; associated with the Gen trigram
Imiyambi — To gather; blessings gathering together
Imiyan — Gathering
Isimbi — To attain; receive; be sufficient
Jabduhangga — Composed; unhurried
Jakdan — Pine tree
Jaksaka — Rosy clouds
Jaksan — Rosy cloud; glow
Jalafun — Longevity
Jalafungga — Long-lived
JalganGolmin — Long life
Jalumbi — Full; fulfilled
Jilan — Compassion; affection
JoborakUIlha — Flower of freedom from sorrow
Joktonda — Lily
Juktu — Great; substantial
Jalantai — Compassionate; affectionate
Jurgan — Righteousness; moral principle
Jurgangga — Righteous; loyal to principle
Kadaraku — Courageous; advancing boldly
Kangtarsambi — Inspired; spirited
Kemnen — Restraint; moderation
Kengse — Wise and decisive
Kesingge — Grace; blessing
KinaIlha — Balsam flower
KiongguriIlha — Qiong flower
Kiri — Forbearance; patience
Kiyakiyabumbi — To praise; commend
Kumun — Music
Kundu — Respectful; reverent
Kuru — High ground; elevated terrace
Labdu — Many; abundant; extensive
Len — Strong; great
Lergiyen — Broad-minded; generous in spirit
Lingge — Illustrious achievement
Lirha — Willow; a constellation name
Lulu — Ordinary; unremarkable
Maktacun — Praise; acclaim
Mangga — Strong; difficult; valuable; skilled
Mederi — Sea; ocean
Mucihiyan — Tripod vessel; also associated with a hexagram
Mujilen — Heart; mind; spirit
Mujangga — Genuine; true
Muduri — Dragon
MufiIlha — A flower name
Muhu — High hill; ridge
MuduriMorin — Dragon horse
MubUlu — Hornless dragon
Mujin — Aspiration; determination
Mukdeke — Rising; flourishing
Mukdembi — To rise; flourish
Mukden — Rising; flourishing
Mukdenbu — To cause to flourish; prosperity
Muke — Water
MukeUsiha — Mercury; “water star”
Mumin — Deep pool; abyss
Mutembi — Ability; skill
Muten — Talent; ability
Nacihiya — Consolation; comfort
Namu — Sea; ocean
NamuCoko — Peacock
Nelhe — Peace; well-being
Nemeyen — Gentle; graceful
Nemgiyen — Mild; gentle
NendenIlha — Plum blossom
NeoreTugi — Floating clouds
Nergi — Intelligent; clever
Nesuken — Gentle; sincere; substantial
NicunIlha — Pearl flower
Nicuhe — Pearl
NicuheSungkeriIlha — Pearl orchid
Nilukan — Soft luster
Nimanggi — Snow
Nioron — Rainbow
NiwanggaMoo — Evergreen tree
NiowanggiyanGu — Green jade
NiowargiGasha — Green bird
Nonggibun — Increase; benefit
OkdoriIlha — Winter jasmine
Olhosombi — To be cautious and respectful
OmosiMama — Deity of good fortune
Onco — Broad-minded; generous
Paltari — Diamond
Sabi — Auspiciousness
SabiFerguwecu — Auspicious marvel
SabinggaOrho — Auspicious herb
SabinggaSence — Lingzhi; sacred fungus
Sabintu — Qilin
Sabitun — Qilin
Saikan — Beautiful; good-looking
Sain — Good; virtuous; excellent
Salsa — Wise or virtuous person
Sekiyen — Spring; source
Sektu — Clever; perceptive
Selambi — Comfortable; refreshed
Senggime — Friendly; affectionate
SenggiriIlha — Azalea
Sidarambi — To unfold; become relaxed
Sijihun — Upright; honest
Sithumbi — To concentrate; devote oneself
Sucungga — Beginning; origin
Sunggiyen — Wise; intelligent
Sure — Wise; intelligent; sagacious
Susultungga — Intelligent person
SuwayanYadana — Yellow swan
Sanyanbulehen — Crane
Seri — Spring; fountain
Setuhen — Zither
SeyenGu — White jade
Solontu — Two-horned young dragon
Songkoro — Gyrfalcon
SuIlha — Lotus
SuceriIlha — Violet
SunggaIlha — Osmanthus flower
Sunggeri — Elegant; refined
Sungke — Clear-minded; inner clarity
Sungkeriilha — Orchid
Suru — Coral
Tacibu — To cause to learn; teach
Taifin — Peace; tranquility
Tebcimbi — To endure; be patient
Tob — Upright; just
Tojin — Peacock
Tondo — Just; upright
TondoAkdun — Righteousness and faithfulness
TondoGiljan — Loyalty, fairness, and tolerance
Ulden — Dawn; morning light
Ulhisu — Intelligent; perceptive
Urgun — Joy; happiness
Urgungga — Joyful; happy
UrgunSehjen — Joy; happiness
Wesihun — Exalted; noble
Wenjehun — Wealthy; prosperous
Yargiyan — True; genuine; substantial
Yebcungge — Splendid; magnificent
Yebken — Intelligent; decisive; handsome
YebkenHaha — Fine man; good fellow
Yendebun — Rising; flourishing
Yendehe — Prosperous; flourishing
Yendembi — To rise; prosper; flourish
Yohibun — Strategy; resourcefulness
ArasanAga — Welcome rain; beneficial rain
Gobi — Bohai Sea
Buraki — Dust
Ula — River
Bira — River
Desereke — Vast waters; boundless expanse
Wesimbi — To rise; ascend
DabaliWesimbi — To surpass; rise beyond
Huwekiyembi — To strive; exert oneself
Girkumbi — To devote oneself; be determined
Kicembi — To be diligent
Eru — Strong; healthy
Etuhun — Strong; robust
Kulun — Qian, the Creative; associated with the Book of Changes
Traditional Manchu names reveal a naming culture far richer than a simple list of surnames and given names.
Mountains could become names. Rivers could become names. So could dragons, horses, eagles, flowers, jade, snow, the sea, sunlight, wisdom, courage, benevolence, prosperity, longevity, and good fortune.
Words such as Aisin (“gold”), Alin (“mountain”), Baturu (“heroic warrior”), Bayan (“wealthy”), Elhe (“peace”), Erdeme (“virtue”), Fulingga (“blessed”), Hūturi (“good fortune”), Jalafun (“longevity”), Mederi (“sea”), Muduri (“dragon”), Muke (“water”), Nimanggi (“snow”), Sain (“good”), Sure (“wise”), and Taifin (“peace”) immediately show how closely naming could be connected with language and cultural ideas.
Today, many Manchus bear Chinese surnames and Chinese personal names. From the name alone, it is often impossible to determine whether a person is Manchu or Han.
But older Manchu clan names and personal names preserve another linguistic world.
To read those names is not simply to read a genealogy.
It is also to rediscover how Manchu speakers once used their own language to name people, describe character, express hopes, and understand the world around them.
— MING YE