The traditions of naming royal children in Imperial China were steeped in rich cultural and symbolic significance, reflecting both the status of the family and the cosmic order. The naming of princes and princesses was not simply a matter of personal preference or family tradition, but rather an intricate process governed by strict conventions and rituals. These names were believed to carry deep meanings, providing insight into the child’s future role, potential, and connection to the divine.

In this article, we will explore the historical and cultural aspects of naming royal children in the Chinese imperial courts, focusing on the practices surrounding the naming of princes and princesses. From the selection of auspicious names to the cultural and philosophical ideas that guided the process, we will examine how these names were designed to ensure prosperity, divine favor, and harmony for the royal family and the empire.

1. The Importance of Names in Imperial China

In Chinese culture, names have always been viewed as far more than mere identifiers. They are believed to shape an individual’s destiny, reflecting their personality, fate, and relationship with the natural and supernatural world. This belief is rooted in the Chinese philosophy of Daoism and Confucianism, which emphasize the importance of harmony and balance in all aspects of life. In the imperial courts, the names of princes and princesses were considered even more significant because they were believed to influence not only the individual’s future but also the prosperity of the entire empire.

The emperor and his family were regarded as “Sons of Heaven,” and their actions were seen as directly affecting the harmony between Heaven and Earth. Therefore, the names given to royal children were chosen to align with the cosmic forces and to ensure the imperial family’s continued favor from Heaven. In this context, names served as a reflection of the family’s status, the emperor’s divine right to rule, and the future expectations for the child.

2. The Process of Naming Royal Children

The process of naming a royal child was highly formalized and involved several steps that reflected the importance of the occasion. The emperor, his consorts, and high-ranking officials, along with skilled scholars and astrologers, were often involved in selecting a name for a prince or princess. Below is an overview of the key steps involved in the naming process.

2.1 Astrological Considerations

Astrology and the concept of qi (氣), or vital energy, played a significant role in the naming process. In traditional Chinese cosmology, the alignment of celestial bodies, such as stars, planets, and constellations, was believed to influence an individual’s fate. As a result, astrologers and fortune tellers were consulted to determine the auspicious time for the birth of a royal child, and the child’s name was often chosen based on astrological readings.

The time of birth was meticulously recorded, and astrologers would examine the position of celestial bodies at that moment to determine the child’s heavenly destiny. This would influence the selection of a name that was believed to bring balance and harmony to the individual’s life. If the astrologers identified a weakness in the child’s elemental balance, such as an imbalance in the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), the name would be chosen to counteract that imbalance.

2.2 Consulting Confucian Scholars

The emperor, as the supreme ruler of China, was expected to embody the virtues of Confucianism, including benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness. When naming royal children, Confucian scholars were consulted to ensure that the chosen names reflected these virtues and aligned with the moral expectations for a ruler.

Confucian principles dictated that a prince or princess should be given a name that conveyed strength, wisdom, and moral character. For example, a name might be chosen to represent qualities such as virtue (de 德), honor (li 禮), or prosperity (fu 福). These names were meant to inspire the child to live up to the expectations of their role and to reflect the high moral standard expected of those in the imperial family.

2.3 Selecting Auspicious Characters

In Chinese culture, characters (or hànzì 汉字) have deep meanings, and every character chosen for a name carries symbolic weight. In the context of royal names, great care was taken to choose characters that embodied good fortune, strength, and virtue. For example, characters associated with auspicious symbols, such as the dragon, phoenix, or jade, might be incorporated into the name to symbolize power, nobility, and divine favor.

The emperor’s name was often composed of two or more characters, with each character carefully selected to convey a specific meaning. A prince’s name, for instance, might incorporate characters symbolizing the strength of the nation, while a princess’s name might evoke beauty, grace, and harmony. The names of royal children were expected to carry the weight of dynastic power and moral authority.

2.4 Naming Conventions for Sons and Daughters

While there were many similarities in the naming conventions for princes and princesses, there were also distinct differences based on gender and status.

For Princes: Princes, as the heirs to the throne, often received names that reflected their future role as rulers. Their names were chosen to embody strength, leadership, and the responsibility of governing. For example, during the Tang Dynasty, many princes were given names like “Zhao” (昭), meaning “to shine” or “to illuminate,” symbolizing their role in bringing prosperity and light to the empire.

For Princesses: While princesses were not expected to rule, their names were still important as symbols of beauty, grace, and virtue. Princesses’ names often evoked qualities such as purity, elegance, and gentleness, reflecting the ideal qualities expected of women in imperial China. For instance, during the Song Dynasty, princesses were often given names like “Lian” (莲), meaning “lotus,” symbolizing purity and refinement.

3. The Role of the Emperor in the Naming Process

As the supreme ruler of China, the emperor had the final say in the naming of his children. While high-ranking officials, scholars, and astrologers were consulted, the emperor’s approval was essential for the name to be officially adopted. The emperor’s role in this process reinforced his divine authority and his responsibility for ensuring the prosperity of the nation.

It was also common for the emperor to name a son or daughter after an important ancestor or historical figure, honoring the family’s heritage and reinforcing the imperial dynasty’s legitimacy. For instance, a prince might be named after an esteemed ancestor to emphasize continuity with the past and to remind the people of the emperor’s deep connection to China’s history.

4. The Significance of Titles and Posthumous Names

In addition to their personal names, princes and princesses were also assigned titles and posthumous names. Titles were given to indicate their status within the imperial family, while posthumous names were used after their deaths to honor their memory.

4.1 Titles for Princes and Princesses

Royal children were often given specific titles that reflected their rank and position within the imperial family. For example, the firstborn son of the emperor might be given the title of “Crown Prince,” while other sons might hold titles like “Prince of [a region].” These titles not only identified their rank but also indicated their responsibilities and the territories they governed, if applicable.

Princesses, on the other hand, were given titles based on their relationship to the emperor, such as “Imperial Princess” or “Princess of [a region].” These titles were not only ceremonial but also indicated the prestige of the family and their role within the imperial court.

4.2 Posthumous Names

After a prince or princess passed away, they were often given a posthumous name that reflected their character, accomplishments, or virtues. These names were typically chosen by the emperor or the imperial court and were used in official memorials and commemorations. A posthumous name was considered a way to preserve the memory of the deceased and honor their contributions to the imperial family and the empire.

Posthumous names often carried significant symbolic meaning, and their selection could be influenced by the individual’s deeds during their lifetime. For example, a prince who had proven to be a capable ruler might receive a posthumous name like “Wang” (王), meaning “king,” while a princess known for her beauty and virtue might be posthumously named “Zhen” (贞), meaning “chaste.”

5. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Royal Naming Traditions

The process of naming princes and princesses in Imperial China was a deeply symbolic and ceremonial practice, rooted in the belief that names held the power to shape a person’s destiny and maintain the harmony between Heaven and Earth. These names were carefully chosen by the emperor, scholars, and astrologers to reflect the virtues, responsibilities, and cosmic order that were expected of the royal family. Whether through auspicious characters, Confucian ideals, or astrological considerations, the names of royal children were an essential part of maintaining the imperial family’s authority and the prosperity of the empire.

In this way, the naming traditions of Imperial China not only shaped the lives of the royal children but also reinforced the overarching ideals of the empire, ensuring that each generation of princes and princesses lived up to the moral, cultural, and political expectations of their time. These customs continue to be remembered and admired for their depth, complexity, and connection to China’s rich imperial heritage.