If you type an English name into a typical converter, Michael becomes 迈克尔 and Emily becomes 艾米莉. Those are standard spellings of the English sounds. They are not the kind of name Chinese speakers usually use in daily life.
NihaoName turns your English name into a real Chinese name: 2–3 characters, a matching surname, and a given name chosen for meaning. You can preview one name free before you buy.
A converter is useful if you only want to see how your English name is written in Chinese characters. It is a poor way to get a name you will actually be called.
| English name | Sound-based spelling | A real-length Chinese name |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Johnson | 迈克尔 | 钟天佑 Zhōng Tiānyòu — a 3-character name with a surname, chosen for meaning |
| Sophia Lee | 索菲亚 | 李慧琳 Lǐ Huìlín — 李 matches Lee; 慧琳 is a given name chosen for meaning, not a translation of Sophia |
The real-length names in this table are labeled samples from NihaoName, not a promise that every Michael or Sophia will receive that exact name. They show the difference in shape: a short, usable Chinese name instead of a long spelling.
We also will not deliver a surname stuck in front of a transliteration, such as 史艾米莉.
You can also tell us a purpose — everyday use, a wedding, a personal brand, or a character — and an optional gender lean or style preference.
The preview is free, up to two times per day. A full set of three names starts at $19. Basic is $19, Standard is $29, and Brand is $79. Payment is one-time, and your names appear instantly after checkout.
Standard and Brand also include written stories and Name Cards you can download or share.
Enter your English first name and last name to preview a meaning-based Chinese name for free. If you want the full set of three names, choose a package on the order page. You will not get a long spelling such as 迈克尔 or 艾米莉.
No. A translation or converter writes the sounds of your English name in Chinese characters. A Chinese name is shorter, includes a surname, and is chosen so it can be used as a name — for its characters, its meaning, and how natural it sounds.
A personal NihaoName result is a 2–3 character full name, with pinyin and the meaning of each character. The free preview shows one meaning-based option. The paid set adds two more approaches, plus pronunciation audio.
Yes. You can enter a preferred Chinese surname on the order form. Otherwise we match a common surname to your last name. All personal names in one order share that surname.