Find out how popular the first name Ying has been for the last 30 years (from 1980 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ying by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Ying is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 65% of people named Ying being female.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ying.

The history of the first name Ying

Ying is a Chinese given name with a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. The name is derived from the Chinese character "瑩" which means "bright" or "luminous". It is believed to have originated during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 256 BC) when it was used to describe the radiant beauty of gemstones and pearls.

In ancient Chinese literature, the name Ying appears in several notable works. One of the earliest mentions is found in the Classic of Poetry, a collection of ancient Chinese poems and songs compiled around the 6th century BC. The name is also referenced in the Analects, a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to the philosopher Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC).

Throughout Chinese history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Ying. One of the earliest recorded examples is Ying Qu (fl. 500 BC), a renowned Confucian philosopher and scholar during the Spring and Autumn period. Another famous bearer of the name was Ying Zheng (259 BC - 210 BC), the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty who unified China and established the Great Wall.

During the Tang Dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD), a prominent figure named Ying Xingzhi (fl. 650 AD) was a celebrated calligrapher and poet. She is known for her exceptional calligraphic skills and her contributions to the development of the cursive script.

In more recent times, one of the most renowned individuals with the name Ying was Ying Chen (1916 - 2017), a renowned Chinese physicist who made significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics. She was the first female president of the Chinese Physical Society and played a crucial role in the development of China's nuclear program.

Another notable figure was Ying Li (1925 - 1994), a Chinese composer and musician who is considered one of the pioneers of modern Chinese music. His compositions blended traditional Chinese elements with Western influences, creating a unique and influential style.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Ying. The name's association with brightness and radiance has endured for centuries, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a rich cultural heritage and positive connotations.

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

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

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