All about the name

Ying

Female

« Ying is a historic Chinese female given name meaning "meeting" or "greeting," derived from the character 迎, composed of 亻 (person) and 迎 (meet/greet). Associated with notable figures like Empress Wu Zetian, Ying has been used in literature and remains popular today for its positive connotations. »

#16733 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Ying is a Chinese given name for females that has a rich history and meaningful significance. It originates from the ancient Chinese language where it was written as 迎. This character is composed of two smaller components: 亻 (a radical representing a person) and 迎 (which means "to greet" or "to meet"). Thus, Ying as a name signifies meeting or greeting. The name Ying has been associated with several notable historical figures in China. One of the most famous was Empress Wu Zetian, born Yang Zhengguang, who later changed her given name to Ying. She ruled during the Tang Dynasty and is known for her political acumen and accomplishments as a female emperor. In addition to its historical significance, Ying has also been used as an artistic expression in Chinese literature and poetry. For example, there is a well-known poem called "Yingying's Lament" from the Tang Dynasty, which tells the tragic love story of Yingying and Danqiu. Today, Ying continues to be a popular choice among parents in China and other countries with significant Chinese populations. It is often selected for its positive connotations related to welcoming or greeting, as well as its connection to prominent figures like Empress Wu Zetian. In conclusion, the name Ying carries with it a deep-rooted history and meaningful significance that spans centuries of Chinese culture and tradition. Its unique origins make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet culturally rich name for their daughters.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ying since 1880

Total births
260
Total since 1880
Peak year
1992
16 births
in 2009
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years