All about the name

Shou

Male

« Shou is a Chinese name derived from the character 守, meaning 'to protect' or 'guard', and is often chosen for its powerful and protective connotations. »

#34508 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Shou is a name of Chinese origin, derived from the character 守, which means "to protect" or "to guard." It is often used as both a given name and a surname in China. The name Shou has a rich history dating back thousands of years. In ancient Chinese culture, it was believed that certain characters had inherent powers, and the character 守 was thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. As such, many families chose this character as part of their surname or given name in the hope of protecting their loved ones from harm. Today, Shou remains a popular choice among parents in China seeking a strong and protective name for their children. It is often paired with other meaningful characters to create unique and powerful combinations, such as 守义 (Shǒu Yì), meaning "guard righteousness," or 守信 (Shǒu Xìn), meaning "guard faith." Despite its deep roots in Chinese culture, the name Shou has also gained international recognition due to its simple yet meaningful pronunciation. It is often chosen by parents outside of China who are drawn to its powerful and protective connotations. In summary, Shou is a Chinese name with a long history and profound meaning. Derived from the character 守, which means "to protect" or "to guard," it has been used as both a given name and surname for thousands of years. Today, it remains popular among parents seeking a strong and protective name for their children, while also gaining international recognition for its simplicity and power. Sources: * China Highlights: * Family Education: * Behind the Name:

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shou since 1880

Total births
10
Total since 1880
Peak year
1991
5 births
in 1999
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years