China Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'China' originates from the Persian word 'Chin,' which is linked to the Qin dynasty. It denotes 'the Middle Kingdom' and has evolved through several languages. The term gained popularity in the West during the 16th century. Today, it symbolizes a significant global influence and a deep cultural history, with no direct biblical references.
The name China is most popular in Georgia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, China has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'China' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2882nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3639th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4170th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2640th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1237th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2156th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6115th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'China' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "China"
Pronunciation
/ˈtʃaɪ.nə/
Origin
Old Persian
Etymology
The name 'China' is derived from the Persian word 'Chin,' which refers to the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC). The term was later adopted into Latin and subsequently into various European languages.
Meaning
the Middle Kingdom
Language Evolution
Chin (Old Persian), Sinae (Latin), China (English)
Historical Usage
The term 'China' began to be widely used in the West during the Age of Exploration in the 16th century when European traders and explorers began to establish contact with the country.
Variants & Derivatives
Zhōngguó (Mandarin), Qin (historical reference), Chine (French)
Modern Popularity & Image
China is currently perceived as a major global power with a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly growing economy.
Famous People
Confucius, Zhuangzi, Sun Tzu, Deng Xiaoping
Explore More China Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "China"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "China"
"China" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2882nd of 9107 | 175 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3639th of 9204 | 115 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4170th of 12526 | 166 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2640th of 19264 | 456 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1237th of 27321 | 2,064 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2156th of 35406 | 1,366 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6115th of 30306 | 241 |
Regional Popularity of "China" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "China" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
76.00% 2232nd/2937 |
- | - |
49.70% 2010th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
24.07% 887th/3685 |
31.31% 1401st/4475 |
21.62% 1123rd/5194 |
26.93% 1701st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
37.67% 1726th/4582 |
42.85% 2213th/5164 |
24.24% 1773rd/7313 |
47.39% 3537th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
71.86% 4902nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "China"
This map shows the relative popularity of "China" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.