毛
máo
Meaning
fur, hair, fluffy
Five Elements
wood
Gender
Unisex
Strokes
4
Meaning & Cultural Context
毛 is one of China's oldest and most common surnames, famously borne by Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China. In traditional Chinese symbolism, the character represents fur and hair, which are associated with warmth, protection, and natural covering. In classical literature, 毛 sometimes appears in poetic contexts referring to fine, soft things.
Using in Chinese Names
While 毛 is primarily used as a surname, some parents choose it as a given name character for its warm, approachable connotations. It conveys aspirations for the child to be gentle, kind, and nurturing like the protective fur of an animal. The character also carries connotations of being grounded and connected to nature.
Personality & Impression
The character suggests someone warm-hearted, approachable, and naturally protective of others, with a gentle spirit that draws people in.
For Foreigners
毛 is most commonly recognized as a surname in Chinese, so if encountered in a name, it likely indicates the person's family name. The pronunciation 'máo' (rising tone) is important for correct pronunciation.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 毛:
fur, hair, fluffy, east, rising direction
modern, traditional
fur, hair, fluffy, abundant, fruitful, plentiful
traditional, modern
fur, hair, fluffy, cinnabar red, devoted heart
traditional, poetic
fur, hair, fluffy, joy, music, happiness
traditional, modern
fur, hair, fluffy, well-behaved, cute, obedient
fur, hair, fluffy, bless, protect
traditional
fur, hair, fluffy, excellent, beautiful
traditional, modern
fur, hair, fluffy, gentle, rely on
traditional, modern
Build a Chinese Name With 毛
If you like the character 毛 (máo - fur, hair, fluffy), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 毛