Find out how popular the first name Zhen has been for the last 29 years (from 1995 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zhen by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Zhen is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 85% of people named Zhen being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 21 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zhen.

The history of the first name Zhen

The name Zhen has its origins in Chinese culture and language. It is a unisex name that has been in use for centuries. The name is derived from the Chinese character '贞', which means 'pure', 'chaste', or 'virtuous'. It is a name that carries a sense of moral uprightness and integrity.

In ancient Chinese texts and literature, the name Zhen is often associated with individuals of great virtue and character. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in the Shijing, also known as the Book of Songs, which dates back to the 11th-7th centuries BC. In this ancient collection of poetry, the name Zhen is used to refer to a virtuous and upright individual.

Throughout Chinese history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Zhen. One of the most famous is Zhen Luan, a renowned calligrapher and painter who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). His works are celebrated for their elegance and mastery of the brushstroke.

Another prominent individual with the name Zhen is Zhen Dexiu (1178-1235), a Confucian scholar and philosopher during the Song Dynasty. He was known for his contributions to the Neo-Confucian school of thought and his teachings on moral cultivation.

In more recent history, there is Zhen Chengxu (1815-1879), a prominent Qing Dynasty scholar and statesman. He was a prolific writer and played a significant role in the Self-Strengthening Movement, which aimed to modernize China's military and industry.

Zhen Zonglian (1892-1924) was a Chinese revolutionary and military leader who fought against warlordism and for the reunification of China. He is remembered for his bravery and unwavering commitment to the cause of national unity.

Lastly, Zhen Zhengdao (1913-1996) was a renowned Chinese calligrapher and artist, known for his mastery of the traditional Chinese brush painting technique. His works are celebrated for their graceful lines and harmonious compositions.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Zhen, a name that carries a rich cultural significance and a sense of virtue and integrity.

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

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

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