布
bù
Meaning
cloth, announce, spread
Five Elements
water
Gender
Male
Strokes
5
Meaning & Cultural Context
In Chinese history, 布 was essential - cloth represented wealth and trade in ancient markets, and 布币 (cloth money) was an early form of currency. The character also appears in 布施, the Buddhist concept of generous giving, and in classical literature it symbolizes both material provision and the spreading of ideas or virtue.
Using in Chinese Names
Parents choose 布 for names to convey practical, grounded qualities - the desire for their child to be a reliable provider who covers family needs. The 'spread' meaning also suggests someone who disseminates knowledge or kindness, a person of positive influence. It's chosen for its masculine, solid energy and association with abundance and generosity.
Personality & Impression
Suggests a practical, dependable person who takes care of others - a provider and protector. The 'spread' energy implies someone who shares knowledge, spreads goodwill, and has a broad, positive impact on their community.
For Foreigners
The character has multiple meanings (cloth, announce, spread) which can create confusion. In naming, focus on the positive provider/spreader connotations rather than the literal 'cloth' meaning. It's a solid, masculine choice with traditional appeal.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 布:
cloth, announce, spread, career, achievement
modern, traditional
cloth, announce, spread, east, rising direction
modern, modern
cloth, announce, spread, tall, lofty (name classic)
modern, modern
cloth, announce, spread, book, scholarly, cultured
modern, traditional
cloth, announce, spread, graceful, she
modern, traditional
cloth, announce, spread, origin, first, primary
modern, traditional
cloth, announce, spread, overcome, conquer, achieve
modern, modern
cloth, announce, spread, orchid, refined fragrance
modern, traditional
Build a Chinese Name With 布
If you like the character 布 (bù - cloth, announce, spread), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 布