Chan

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Chan

Chan is a Chinese girl name, which has 4 letters.

Chan is a Japanese name that means “righteous,” “good,” or “eternal.” It is also a Korean unisex name that means “greatest” or “best.”

Alternate Meaning Snow

Origin or Current Usage Chinese

Gender F

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Chan

The name 'Chan' is of Chinese origin and is one of the most common surnames in several East Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In Chinese, the character for 'Chan' can also be pronounced as 'Chen' in Mandarin or 'Shin' in Korean. The name has a long history and is believed to have originated from the state of Chen during the Zhou Dynasty in ancient China. According to historical records, the Chen state was one of the most powerful states at that time.

Throughout history, the surname Chan has been widely adopted by different ethnic groups within East Asia due to migration and cultural exchange. As a result, variations in the pronunciation and character of the name can be observed among different communities. In addition to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, significant populations with the Chan surname can be found in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, primarily due to historical migrations from Southern China.

Significantly, the surname Chan is associated with many notable individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. For example, in the world of martial arts, Jackie Chan, a renowned Chinese actor and filmmaker, has gained international recognition for his highly acrobatic fighting style and successful career in the film industry. Furthermore, in the field of genetics and molecular biology, Professor Francis Chan, a prominent scientist, has made remarkable contributions to the understanding of DNA structure and function.

In conclusion, the name 'Chan' holds great significance in East Asian culture, particularly in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It is a surname with a long history and is widely recognized within the region and beyond. The surname's variations and the accomplishments of individuals who bear the name have contributed to its enduring popularity.

Similar Chinese Baby Names

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names