China first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name China has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of China

A feminine name of French origin alluding to porcelain and pottery.

Popularity of China by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, China is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named China being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name China.

YearMale CountFemale Count
202407
2023010
2022014
202106
2020016
2019018
2018015
2017011
2016033
2015033
2014034
2013044
2012046
2011057
2010052
2009039
2008044
2007042
2006051
2005047
2004053
2003054
2002064
2001092
20000151
19990156
19980194
19975224
19960190
19950186
19945195
19930222
19920245
19910192
19900163
19890148
19880109
1987087
1986066
1985044
1984051
1983053
1982052
1981061
1980065
1979047
1978045
1977046
1976037
1975029

The history of the first name China

China is a unique and intriguing name with a rich history that spans across cultures and time periods. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where it was likely derived from the word "Qin," which referred to the powerful Qin Dynasty that ruled from 221 to 206 BC. This dynasty was instrumental in unifying China and establishing a centralized government, leaving an indelible mark on the country's history.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), a famous poet and scholar named Du Fu (712-770 AD) penned a poem titled "Qin Ting," which celebrated the beauty and grandeur of the Qin region. This literary work further solidified the name's association with the ancient Chinese empire and its cultural heritage.

The name China also appears in ancient Buddhist texts, where it is sometimes used as a metaphor for enlightenment or the attainment of spiritual wisdom. In the Avatamsaka Sutra, a revered Buddhist scripture, the name is mentioned in connection with the concept of "pure lands," which are realms of spiritual transcendence.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name China. One of the earliest recorded examples is China Ikkyu (1394-1481), a renowned Zen Buddhist monk and poet from Japan. His unconventional teachings and eccentric lifestyle made him a celebrated figure in Japanese literature and culture.

In the realm of literature, China Achebe (1930-2013) was a Nigerian novelist and poet who played a pivotal role in the development of African literature. His acclaimed novel "Things Fall Apart" is considered a classic and has been translated into numerous languages, earning him global recognition.

Another prominent figure was China Harahap (1924-2015), an Indonesian politician and diplomat who served as the country's ambassador to various nations, including the United States and the United Nations. Her dedication to international relations and diplomacy left a lasting impact on Indonesia's foreign policy.

In the world of sports, China Jude (born 1993) is a Nigerian-American soccer player who currently plays for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer. Her athletic achievements have earned her recognition as one of the rising stars in women's soccer.

Lastly, China Miéville (born 1972) is a renowned British author known for his works of speculative fiction and literary criticism. His novels, such as "Perdido Street Station" and "The City & The City," have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, cementing his place as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name China was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of China, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.

Search
Search
Background shape