Delving into the history of China, particularly during the Three Kingdoms period, which spanned over 300 years and includes the Han dynasty, individuals were typically given names consisting of a surname followed by a given name. Here, we will focus primarily on the “given name” aspect. Historical figures such as Cao Cao and Liu Bei are known by their singular names, “Cao” and “Bei”.
Why do the names of individuals from the Three Kingdoms period only consist of two characters?
Many individuals in the “Later Han Book” and “Records of the Three Kingdoms” also have names consisting of two characters. For example, notable figures include Zhang Lu and Liu Bei. Furthermore, some individuals adopted their father’s names as their official titles, such as Liu Biao and Cheng Gong. However, the political environment at that time did not allow for the adoption of double names, which was seen as overly extravagant.
The notion of naming conventions stems from the “Records of the Grand Historian,” a significant work of the Han dynasty, which highlights the uniqueness of the surname and the commonality of the given name. In ancient China, it was believed that only those of high status could have double names. When ascending to the throne, rulers often changed the names of officials at various levels, subsequently altering the titles associated with their positions.
Moreover, even the name “Xiong Nao” was changed to “Jiang Nao,” reflecting the significant impact of political changes on names. This was particularly evident during the conflicts between various ethnic groups.
It is necessary to note that the concept of names held great importance during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty. He was known for his pride in the lineage of the ruling family, while the ministerial ranks of the Han dynasty were marked by significant achievements.
In the “Han Book – Record of Emperor Wu,” it is recorded that the grandson of Emperor Wu was Emperor Zong, who ascended to the throne at a young age, overshadowing his predecessors due to the influence of his grandfather.
He was keen to embrace the status of the nobility and was deeply involved in political affairs, leading to a series of significant reforms. However, he also faced challenges from various factions, which were largely influenced by Confucian philosophy. Despite maintaining a strong hold on power, the complexities of court politics made his reign tumultuous.
Although Emperor Wu had passed away, he left behind a legacy of rules regarding naming conventions: “The Son of Heaven can have a name that follows the principle of omitting a character from the double name according to the law, henceforth he is known as Wu of the Great Han.”
This means that while Emperor Zong retained the title of Emperor Wu, following the edicts of Emperor Wu, his name was officially recognized as “Emperor Zong.” After committing crimes, even his title was subject to the rules pertaining to the double name, thus he was referred to as “Emperor of the Great Han” for administrative purposes.
Emperor Wu placed significant emphasis on the concept of “names.” In the “Spring and Autumn Annals,” it is stated: “Only those with a worthy name can be honored” (interpreted as a double name being a reversal of its meaning). Thus, only the elite were allowed to have double names. When he ascended the throne, he initiated the practice of eliminating one character from official names, followed by altering titles accordingly.
Later on, even “Xiong Nao” was transformed into “Jiang Nao” (a prominent ethnic group in China at the time), and “Tian Yu” was changed to “Fu Yu” (a title denoting high-ranking leaders within this ethnic group), stemming from the various conflicts among ethnic groups.
It must be noted that Emperor Wu established many regulations regarding naming conventions. He expressed pride in maintaining the lineage of the ruling family, leading to a significant cultural emphasis on names.
In the “Han Book – Record of Emperor Wu,” it mentions that the grandson of Emperor Wu was Emperor Zong, who became a prominent figure during the Han dynasty due to his lineage and connections.
He had a proclivity for the arts and was particularly interested in the aesthetics of court life, although he sometimes faced opposition from traditionalists. Simultaneously, he sought to unify various factions, striving to maintain stability within the empire. However, his reign was fraught with challenges, and the influence of Confucian philosophy often dictated the court’s actions.
Despite his death, Emperor Wu’s legacy continued to influence naming conventions among the nobility, leading to a tradition that persisted long after his reign ended. The practice of naming conventions became deeply embedded in society, where the naming of individuals was often a reflection of their status and lineage.
While the names of individuals may have changed, the significance of these names continues to resonate within the cultural fabric of China, reflecting the complex interplay of history and identity that has shaped the nation through the ages.
Source: Baike
