Name translation 艾 明賢

[zhongguo672]

I recently asked my penpal to help me choose a Chinese name. She is a native mandarin speaker, but I want to cross reference to make sure this name is okay. Let me give the story of my English name, because the meaning is how she chose my Chinese name. My mom is christian, and so named me Michael, after the archangel. He is supposed to be perfect, I think. So, my friend gave me the first name 明賢, which she said is Míng xián. The first character means brightness, but can also mean understanding. The second character roughly means saint. So, a saint who brings understanding. Then, the surname, 艾 ài, she said is a type of herb to dispel evil, which fits with the meaning of the first name. She told me it may be a more common name, but I don't mind. I hope it is a good name, because I have already fallen in love with it. Thanks for any feedback!

[Kamille]

I'm not a native speaker but I can tell you it's a very good name. You get about everything you'd want for a Chinese name: 1) connection with your real name, 2) a cool meaning and 3) it sounds like a real Chinese name (as opposed to a phonetic transcription).

 

That's a win.

[skylee]

What is your surname?

[Lu]

Sounds good to me, for the reasons Kamille mentions. But maybe wait for confirmation by a native speaker.

[zhongguo672]

Thanks for the responses. Skylee, my English surname is Etheridge. It has no meaning that I am aware of.