Find out how popular the first name Xiang has been for the last 16 years (from 2001 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Xiang by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Xiang is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Xiang.

The history of the first name Xiang

The name Xiang originates from Chinese and has its roots dating back to ancient times. It is a gender-neutral name that carries various meanings depending on the specific Chinese character used to write it.

One of the most common meanings of Xiang is "fragrant" or "sweet-smelling," often associated with the pleasant aroma of flowers or incense. This interpretation can be traced back to the Chinese character 香, which depicts a burning incense burner.

Another interpretation of Xiang is "village" or "countryside," derived from the character 鄉. This meaning reflects the name's connection to rural life and the tranquility of the Chinese countryside.

The name Xiang can also be written with the character 祥, which means "auspicious" or "fortunate." This usage has its roots in the ancient Chinese belief in auspicious symbols and the importance of choosing names with positive connotations.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Xiang can be found in the Shijing, an ancient collection of Chinese poetry dating back to the 11th-7th centuries BCE. In this text, the name is mentioned in the context of describing the beauty of nature and the countryside.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Xiang. One of the earliest was Xiang Yu (232-202 BCE), a renowned military leader and contender for the throne during the Chu-Han Contention period in ancient China.

Another famous figure with the name Xiang was Xiang Xiu (circa 535-594 CE), a prominent scholar and philosopher during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period. He is known for his contributions to the development of Confucian thought and his influential work, the "Xiang Xiu Ji."

In the realm of literature, Xiang Kairan (1932-1992) was a celebrated Chinese novelist and essayist. His works, including the novel "The Eternal Wave," explored themes of love, family, and the complexities of human relationships.

Xiang Jingyu (1925-2000) was a renowned Chinese calligrapher and painter. Her calligraphic works were highly regarded for their elegance and mastery of traditional Chinese brush techniques.

More recently, Xiang Liqing (born 1963) is a prominent Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist. She co-founded the Shenzhen-based technology company Meizu and has been recognized for her contributions to charitable causes.

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 Xiang was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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