As
a Chinese tradition, giving a name to a newborn baby has always been considered an important matter since a name is believed to carry family's wishes and hopes for the child's future. However, certain taboos must be avoided when naming a baby to ensure that the child has a good life and is free from harm. Here are some of the taboos you should be aware of when giving a name to your newborn baby. 禁忌一：忌用哀怨之音 It is important to avoid names that sound depressing or sad, such as those associated with mourning or tragedy. This may include names that sound like crying, such as Ku ("weeping"), Ai ("sorrowful"), or Mei ("lamenting"). 禁忌二：忌用“四凶”之名 The "four unpropitious" characters are deemed unlucky and should not be used in a baby's name. They are Si ("death"), Liu ("flow"), Cuo ("wrong"), and Fan ("turnover"). 禁忌三：忌用反音谐音之名 It is crucial to avoid names that sound similar to negative words or phrases. For example, using a name like Lan ("neglectful") may incorrectly use the word Lan which sounds like "failed" in Chinese. 禁忌四：忌用同音字之名 It is recommended to avoid providing a name that sounds like another name or a word with negative connotations. For instance, Wei ("false"), Hui ("betrayal"), and Che ("sadness") are readings that can be mixed up with positive words. 禁忌五：忌用贬损之名 Naming a baby should avoid any names that carry negative or derogatory meanings or words. A name like Wenliang (“hopeless”) is considered to be a bad name, leading to a negative impact on the child’s personality. Choosing a name for your newborn baby is an important decision. Not paying attention to these taboos can bring misfortune and harm to the baby later in life. By following these taboos, parents can adopt a name that is not only meaningful but also brings blessings to their child's future.