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boy name · Chinese origin

Ming

/ MING /
Boy Chinese 1 syllable
Meaning
Ming means Bright (明) (Chinese).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Chinese
Pronunciation
MING
Popularity of Ming in the US, 1880–2025
192019401960198020002020

Ming first appears in US records in 1920. It peaked in 1981, when 14 boys were given the name.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Ming popular?

Declining Ming is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1981 peak.

US babies given the name Ming, by decade
2020s 21
2010s 41
2000s 75
1990s 80
1980s 77
1970s 33
1960s 17
1920s 5

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Ming mean?

Ming is commonly the character 明, “bright, brilliant.”

Names like Ming

Chinese names with a similar feel and popularity.

Names that pair well with Ming

Popular Chinese names for a sibling or a middle name.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ming mean?

Ming means Bright (明). Ming is commonly the character 明, “bright, brilliant.”

What is the origin of the name Ming?

Ming is of Chinese origin.

How do you pronounce Ming?

Ming is pronounced “MING.”

Is Ming a boy or a girl name?

Ming is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Ming a popular name right now?

Ming is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1981 peak.

When was the name Ming most popular?

Ming was most popular in 1981, when about 14 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Ming?

Names similar to Ming include Yong, Wei, Chen, Feng, Jie.

What names go well with Ming?

Chinese names that pair well with Ming include Long, Lan, Xia, Tao, Hao.