Ming Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Ming originates from Chinese, meaning 'bright' or 'clear'. It has evolved through Ancient and Classical Chinese into its modern form. The name is associated with traits of intelligence and positivity, and it is not biblically referenced. Ming gained prominence during the Ming Dynasty and remains popular today, with several variants.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Ming"
Pronunciation
/mɪŋ/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name Ming (明) means 'bright' or 'clear' in Chinese. It is derived from the Chinese characters that denote brightness and clarity.
Meaning
bright, clear
Language Evolution
Ancient Chinese, Classical Chinese, Modern Standard Chinese
Historical Usage
The name Ming gained popularity during the Ming Dynasty in China (1368–1644), which was known for its cultural and political advancements.
Variants & Derivatives
Mingyu, Minghao, Mingzhe
Modern Popularity & Image
Ming is perceived as a name that conveys intelligence and brightness. It remains popular in Chinese-speaking communities and is often associated with positive traits.
Famous People
Ming Na Wen, Ming Xi, Ming-Na Wen
📊 Ming Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Ming Name Visualizations
✨ Ming Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 23 peak births in 1981
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Ming"
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 "Ming"
"Ming" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5344th of 10718 | 57 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5421st of 16616 | 127 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8627th of 24088 | 113 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 12339th of 23106 | 47 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 13184th of 19264 | 21 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 14169th of 27321 | 46 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15827th of 35406 | 69 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 28476th of 30306 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Ming" 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) |
- |
59.17% 2648th/4475 |
- |
47.06% 2973rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
64.60% 3336th/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Ming" by Generation for Female 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) |
- |
91.44% 4092nd/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
100.00% 5164th/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Ming"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Ming" 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Ming" in the United States
The name Ming is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West 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, Ming has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Ming' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5344th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5421st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8627th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 12339th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 13184th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 14169th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15827th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 28476th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Ming' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.