桑
sāng
Meaning
mulberry tree
Five Elements
wood
Gender
Unisex
Strokes
10
Meaning & Cultural Context
The mulberry tree holds deep significance in Chinese civilization as the essential food source for silkworms, making it foundational to the ancient silk industry. In classical poetry and literature, 桑 represents rural homesteads and pastoral life, often evoking images of peaceful countryside scenes. The character also appears in the idiom 桑梓 (sāng zǐ), literally 'mulberry and catalpa,' which poetically refers to one's native hometown.
Using in Chinese Names
Chinese parents may choose 桑 in names to instill values of diligence and industriousness, qualities associated with the hardworking silkworm that feeds on mulberry leaves. The character conveys a connection to nature and a humble, grounded spirit, making it appealing for families who value simplicity and traditional virtues. It appears more frequently in feminine names but carries a unisex quality.
Personality & Impression
This character suggests someone who is patient, hardworking, and deeply rooted—someone with a calm, steady presence that grows stronger over time like a mulberry tree.
For Foreigners
For non-Chinese individuals, 桑 offers a gentle, nature-inspired choice with positive connotations of diligence and home. The pronunciation 'sāng' is straightforward for English speakers, and the 10-stroke character has a balanced, harmonious appearance in writing.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 桑:
mulberry tree, unity, singular, whole
poetic, nature
mulberry tree, well-behaved, cute, obedient
poetic, nature
mulberry tree, cloud, freedom, dreamlike
poetic, nature
mulberry tree, also, likewise (literary)
poetic, nature
mulberry tree, graceful, she
poetic, nature
mulberry tree, gentle, rely on
poetic, nature
mulberry tree, orchid, refined fragrance
poetic, nature
mulberry tree, concentrate, elegant stillness
poetic, nature
Build a Chinese Name With 桑
If you like the character 桑 (sāng - mulberry tree), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 桑