Post-90s Parents in China Shun Internet Celebrity-Inspired Names
As the first batch of "20后" (post-2000) babies are born, parents are once again faced with the daunting task of choosing the perfect name for their little ones. In recent years, certain names have become increasingly popular, with some even dominating the top spots for consecutive years. According to the latest data released by the Public Security Bureau of Foshan City, the top three most popular names for boys in 2019 were "梓睿" (Zi Rui), "俊宇" (Jun Yu), and "浩然" (Hao Ran), while the top three most popular names for girls were "梓晴" (Zi Qing), "芷晴" (Zhi Qing), and "思颖" (Si Ying). However, there is a growing trend among young parents in China to avoid giving their children names that are associated with celebrities or internet personalities.
7 February 2025
This phenomenon is particularly notable among the post-1990s generation, who are increasingly wary of the potential drawbacks of having a name that is too closely tied to the public eye. Experts warn that children with celebrity-inspired names may face unwanted attention and scrutiny, particularly in the age of social media. With the rise of the internet and social media, it's becoming increasingly difficult for children to maintain a sense of anonymity, and parents are starting to realize that giving their child a name that is too closely associated with a celebrity or internet personality can have unintended consequences, such as bullying, harassment, or even stalking.
Some parents are also concerned about the potential impact on their child's future career prospects. In China, a person's name is often seen as a reflection of their character and reputation, and if a child has a name that is associated with a celebrity or internet personality who has been involved in a scandal or controversy, it could potentially harm their future job prospects or social standing. As a result, many young parents are opting for more traditional or unique names that are less likely to be associated with celebrities or internet personalities. They want their child to have a name that is meaningful and significant, but not one that will attract unwanted attention.
The naming trends for post-90s babies reflect a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors that are shaping the values and preferences of this new generation of parents. Many post-90s parents are shying away from names that were popular among internet celebrities, also known as "net reds" or "wang hong" in Chinese. Instead, they are opting for more unique and traditional names that reflect their cultural heritage. Some of the most common names for babies born to post-90s parents include classic Chinese names such as Wang, Li, and Zhang, as well as more modern names that incorporate elements of Chinese culture, such as names inspired by Chinese literature and history.
This shift away from net red-inspired names may be a reflection of the post-90s generation's desire to distinguish themselves from the previous generation and to create a distinct identity for their children. By choosing more traditional and unique names, post-90s parents are able to give their children a sense of cultural roots and individuality that sets them apart from their peers. The avoidance of net red-inspired names may also be a response to the growing concern about the commercialization of baby naming in China, where some parents have begun to name their children after popular net reds or use names that are associated with certain brands or products.
In the context of Chinese culture, the names that parents choose for their children often reflect the values, trends, and cultural influences of the time. The rise of social media and online culture has given birth to a unique set of naming conventions, with many parents drawing inspiration from internet slang, memes, and popular online characters. However, this trend has also raised concerns about the potential negative consequences of naming children after fleeting online phenomena. The average lifespan of a Chinese internet buzzword is approximately 6 months, with some words gaining widespread usage and eventually becoming incorporated into mainstream language.
The use of internet slang and online terminology in naming has also led to the creation of new words and phrases, such as "X粉" (X fan) or "X黑" (X hater), which reflect the complex and often nuanced relationships between fans, idols, and online communities. These terms have become an integral part of China's online culture, with many young people using them to express their identities, affiliations, and interests. Ultimately, the cultural significance of naming in the context of online culture and influencer names reflects the complex interplay between technology, social media, and traditional values. As Chinese society continues to evolve and adapt to new technological advancements, it will be interesting to see how naming conventions and online culture continue to intersect and influence one another.
