Jiaming is a Chinese given name of recent origin. It was popularized by the Chinese author and revolutionary Mao Zedong, who used it as his pseudonym while he was in exile during the early 20th century. The name Jiaming means "strong and bright" or "resolute and clear," which reflects Mao's strong will and determination in fighting against the corrupt Qing Dynasty and advocating for communist principles.
The character "Ji" (集) means "gather, collect," while "A" (亚) is a variant of "Ya" (牙), meaning "tooth." The character "Ming" (明) means "bright, clear." Together, they convey the idea of gathering strength and clarity, which was Mao's vision for China during his time.
Jiaming gained significant popularity after Mao Zedong became the leader of the Communist Party of China in 1935. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), the name Jiaming was further popularized due to Mao's prominent role and influence on Chinese society. Today, it remains a common given name among Chinese speakers worldwide.
In the context of Chinese naming conventions, Jiaming follows the traditional practice of having one character for each syllable. This makes it a two-syllable name with a total of four characters in its full written form. The name can be written in simplified Chinese as Jiǎmíng and in traditional Chinese as 集明.
In summary, Jiaming is a relatively modern Chinese given name with a strong historical association to Mao Zedong. Its meaning, "strong and bright," reflects Mao's determination and vision for China during his time, which continues to resonate among parents choosing names for their children today.
Jiaming is a unique and distinctive name that has seen some popularity in recent years in the United States. According to statistics from the Social Security Administration, there were six babies named Jiaming born in 2013, followed by another six in 2017. The number of births with this name increased slightly in 2019, with a total of five newborns sharing the name Jiaming.
Overall, from 2013 to 2019, there were a total of seventeen babies named Jiaming born in the United States. This represents a consistent and steady presence of the name over this six-year period. While not one of the most popular names in recent years, it is clear that Jiaming has established itself as a recognizable and viable option for parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their child.