Ok this isn’t about me (really!)
A friend of mine is newly arrived in Australia from [name]China[/name] and is expecting a baby. She is struggling to find an English name that works for her relatives in [name]China[/name].
Any ideas? In the Chinese style she is looking for just one short name. Meaning is also important to her. She has been talking to me about this but I am clueless knowing nothing about the language (Mandarin).
Thanks,
[name]Mei[/name] is the only name I can think of. It means beautiful in Chinese. It can be pronounced easily in both cultures. I am also looking at Chinese names for my child, but we’re using it as a middle name. Most of my options I think might be hard.
My fiance’ says Biyu is easy to pronounce so maybe that one would work too? It means [name]Jasper[/name].
[name]How[/name] about incorporating an English name as a first name, and a Chinese one for a middle?
I second pp suggestion of [name]Mei[/name] as [name]May[/name] and [name]Maya[/name] and [name]Mia[/name] are all popular in Australia and her daughter could mix in while retaining a culturally beautiful name!!!
As a teacher, I can assure you I meet MANY children from varied cultures and encourage her to choose a Chinese name as this is more authentic. Ideally, when choosing names consider ones that are easily pronounced by English speakers as it will make the child more confident not having to correct people unfamilar with how to pronounce less intuitive names.
Some families new to Australia choose names in the top 100 instead- and this can work too if they want a more typical “Aussie” name.
I suggest if they want this option they could look up boy and girl names that have meanings based important Chinese symbols but choose an English style name that carries the desired meaning: http://chineseculture.about.com/library/picks/aatp_luckysymbols.htm
Eg #4 is Happiness :names meaning happiness are [name]Felicity[/name] for a girl or [name]Felix[/name] for a boy.
A third option I have seen is parents who choose a Chinese name but have Aussie nn. I know some children who have one name on their file and are known by a completely different name at school. If they intend to do this introduce the ‘school’ name prior to starting school.
Here are some lovely names with excellent meanings for your friend to consider:
Lien (Leen) means [name]Lotus[/name]
[name]Mei[/name]-Lien ([name]May[/name]-Leen) beautiful lotus
Jia Li (jah lee) Good and beautiful
Unisex:
Jia (jee eh) means Outstanding person, good
[name]Rui[/name] (ROO ee); (RWEE) means [name]Sharp[/name] (as in intellectual)
[name]Xin[/name] (shin) means New
Boy:
[name]Quon[/name] (kwan) Q names are very popular so this would mix in well, means: Shining, bright
[name]Yu[/name] (yoo) means Universe; [name]Bright[/name], shining
A few Short but Top 100 suggestions “Aussie” style:
[name]Eve[/name] or [name]Eva[/name] (girl) meaning Life would be an excellent meaning as they are starting a new life in Australia. It is also popular here.
[name]Kai[/name] (boy) meaning rejoice is short and known well here being in the top 100
[name]Jade[/name] (girl) [name]Jade[/name] is a lucky Chinese gem stone and the name remains in the Top 100 in NSW reliably.
[name]Zoe[/name] (girl) means life and would be an excellent meaning as they are starting a new life in Australia. It is also popular here.
[name]Felix[/name] (boy) means [name]Happy[/name] and is a top 100 name here.
Wish the family luck in Australia, I am sure they will love this country!
emiliaj
Thank you all for your suggestions - I will print this out to give to her.
[name]Mei[/name] is perfect! It is so perfect that my friend is using this name herself 
I love some of these ideas and hope that she finds something that she loves as well.