来
lái
Meaning
to come, arrival; fortune comes
Five Elements
wood
Gender
Unisex
Strokes
7
Meaning & Cultural Context
In Chinese tradition, 来 symbolizes arrival, opportunity, and the coming of good fortune. The character depicts wheat growing upward, representing harvest and abundance. In classical literature and poetry, 来 conveys positive developments approaching - whether a loved one, good news, or prosperity. It carries an optimistic, forward-looking energy that resonates deeply in Chinese cultural philosophy, emphasizing the cyclical nature of fortune and the welcoming of positive change.
Using in Chinese Names
Chinese parents often choose 来 in names to express hope for good fortune, successful outcomes, and positive developments in their child's life. The character conveys the wish that opportunities and blessings will 'come' to the person. It's particularly popular for its auspicious sound (lái sounds like 'come' and connects to fortune in some dialects) and its association with welcoming abundance. Parents also use it to express hope their child will be a bringer of good things, attracting positive relationships and experiences.
Personality & Impression
The character 来 suggests someone optimistic, welcoming, and open to life's opportunities - a person who attracts good fortune and has a warm, inviting presence that draws others to them.
For Foreigners
For non-Chinese people, 来 in a name carries a positive, welcoming connotation - it suggests the person brings good things and is fortunate. It's a meaningful but uncommon choice that conveys optimism and openness to life's arrivals.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 来:
to come, arrival; fortune comes, east, rising direction
traditional, modern
to come, arrival; fortune comes, abundant, fruitful, plentiful
traditional, traditional
to come, arrival; fortune comes, cinnabar red, devoted heart
traditional, traditional
to come, arrival; fortune comes, joy, music, happiness
traditional, traditional
to come, arrival; fortune comes, well-behaved, cute, obedient
traditional
to come, arrival; fortune comes, bless, protect
traditional, traditional
to come, arrival; fortune comes, excellent, beautiful
traditional, traditional
to come, arrival; fortune comes, gentle, rely on
traditional, traditional
Build a Chinese Name With 来
If you like the character 来 (lái - to come, arrival; fortune comes), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 来