Significance of a surname

[leecarrot]

Hi everyone,

I understand that it is not very common to adopt mother's surname nowadays. I'm just curious in the case when a Chinese name was given to a newborn (originally after the father's surname). However, the surname needs to be changed at the later time due to some paperwork issues. In the South-East Asian countries, many Chinese descendents simply take their Chinese last name and translate it into Latin/English alphabets. For example, 李 to Li (or its variants, such as Lee, Lie)

What if one's birth certificate only contains a first name (for English name). I had a last name addition done formally in 2002 since my first name is too common, causing some confusion when I applied to transfer to Canadian universities. At that time, my parents did not have a marriage certificate yet, and no father recorded in the birth certificate, so I  have been adopting my mother's surname.

In your opinion, which surname will carry more weight, and whether there is any effect at all (even if only 10% for example) ? Chinese name given by grandfather: 杨 若 曦。 Current last name: 李. Since my English name has been using my mother's last name, the Chinese name also becomes 李 若 曦  ?

Just a little identity crisis, not important at all   Only wish I knew it better for myself. I do relate better with family members from my mother's side as I grow up with maternal grandparents, so I'm quite proud if I can keep their surname for the rest of my life.

[Ken]

Hi leecarrot,

I think it is perfectly fine.  Having the last name of the father is more customary than a must.  If there is any impact on you from the metaphysics perspective, it is more dependent on how well you feel.  If you feel good, the effects is much better than a name you don't feel good with.

Of course, we can also see whether which pronunciation is better for your chart but I feel it is still less critical then how you feel about the name.

[leecarrot]

Hi Ken,

Thank you. It's nice to know that metaphysics also advocates what we feel comfortable with. By circumstances, I was able to carry my mother's last name; one that happens to be my own preference as well. It seems alright for everyone in the family, although deep down, we also know that they still regard myself and siblings as coming from the 杨 family. Among three of us, only my brother preserves that. Hence, that sometimes led me to think if I was really destined to have this last name from my mother.

After hearing your opinion, I shall take this off my mind from now on . It is true that the pronunciation is not as critical. Out of 3 characters from my Chinese name, just the last one 曦 (2x) is called frequently at home. But my English name is used more in this country.

Thanks again  :-)

[Ken]

hi lee carrot ,
Is true. If your country doesn't use the name not much good or bad you can get out of it. the chinese character of your name is nice and reflects your personality. Is your mother or grandfather fluent in mandarin ?

[leecarrot]

Hi Ken,

I remember the first time I was taught how to write it, the character seemed complex. It turned out much better after writing it several times as a child. Both my grandparents used to be teachers before the Chinese schools were shut down by the local government in 1960s. I think the average people of my mother's generation should be able to speak and write in Mandarin. I only know how to write my Chinese name and some very basic characters, pretty much still at the kid's level  . Understanding is ok, but speaking is such a mess :-). Really not good in any language.

Now in Canada, I only speak in Fujian with my aunt, and in Indonesian with her husband and kids. This is also the only time the chinese character 曦 was pronounced as my nickname. If we were to associate it with the five elements, I was hoping it could be fire...just thinking that it would be nice to be able to compensate for the lack of it through the name, although it might not work as Bazi and name analysis are two different systems.

Thank you. It's always nice talking to you, even though in writing .

[Ken]

Hi leecarrot,

Sorry for the late reply.  I have been occupied with fair bit of writing.

I can see the level of command of your parents or grandparents with the choice of word they use for your name.  Very nice but not so common word.  I guess the meaning of the name also matches up to your personality.

[leecarrot]

Hi Ken,

No worries, you must have been busy with teaching. Thank you for taking time to respond. Not important, just a light topic. You are right that the name may not be so common. When I was little, I was also once wondering the reason why my grandpa gave me this name. I didn't enjoy the pronunciation that much. But I get used to it as I get older. I'm glad to find out it is still close to who I am. Maybe once I'm done here, I can travel and start hearing this name to called again as much as before :-).