Chinese names are rich in meaning and reflect the history, culture and aspirations of one of the world's oldest civilizations, such names come in many forms and while they may seem bewildering to the uninitiated, there us usually logic behind the naming process.

Part One: Chinese Surnames

 1.The genesis of surnames

 2.How surnames were created

 3.Bestowal and alteration of surnames

 4.Classification of surnames

 5.Major surnames

 6.New hundred families' surnames

Part Two: Chinese Given Names

 1.Origins of given names

 2.Naming traditions

 3.How names are chosen

 4.Characteristics of naming throughout the ages

 5.Names of commoners in ancient times

 6.Emperor and names

 7.Imperial examinations and names

 8.Childhood names

 9.Interesting names

 10.Names and fortune

 11.National and family name taboos

 12.Customs of naming

 13.Name repetition

 14.Name riddles

Part Three: Courtesy Names and Other Types of Names

 1.Courtesy names

 2.Pseudonyms and nicknames

 3.Pen names and stage names

Part Four: The Chinese Way of Addressing

 1.Ways of calling Chinese names

 2.Self-referential and referential

 3.Forms of address from ancient to modem times

 4.Relationship Chart

Appendices

 Index of Chinese Family Names

 A Brief Chronology of Chinese History