Chinese Name for David
Authentic Chinese translations for the English name David — with pinyin, character meanings, and real name structure.
What Does David Mean in Chinese?
The Chinese name for David is 李大卫 (Lǐ Dàwèi), which is the most widely recognized and standard translation of this classic name. The surname 李 (Lǐ), meaning "plum tree," is the second most common surname in China and carries connotations of resilience and natural beauty. The given-name characters form the well-established transliteration of David: 大 (Dà) means great, big, or grand — a character denoting importance and stature — while 卫 (Wèi) means to guard, protect, or defend, evoking the image of a steadfast guardian. Together, 李大卫 literally reads as "great guardian," a powerful and dignified name that has been used for generations to represent the name David in Chinese-speaking communities.
Name Breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 李 | Lǐ | Plum tree; a major Chinese surname |
| 大 | Dà | Great; big; grand; important |
| 卫 | Wèi | Guard; protect; defend |
How Chinese Names Work
Chinese names follow a different order from English: the family name (surname) comes first, followed by one or two given-name characters. A typical Chinese name has 2-3 characters total.
When translating foreign names, Chinese speakers pick characters that sound close to the original while carrying positive meanings. It's both an art and a science.
More Name Options for David
Different translators may choose different characters. Here are alternative Chinese names for David:
- 王大为 (Wáng Dàwèi) — uses the king surname 王; sounds more authoritative and commanding
- 张德伟 (Zhāng Déwěi) — virtuous greatness; a more meaning-focused alternative using 德 (virtue) and 伟 (great)
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