水仙 (Shuǐxiān)
Shuǐxiān
Narcissus / Water Fairy
Meaning & Cultural Context
Both a delicate flower and a Daoist immortal of the waters. Beautiful double meaning — floral elegance meets mythology.
📖Cultural Background
'水仙' (narcissus or water fairy) is a name rich with dual meanings. On one hand, it refers to the delicate narcissus flower that blooms in winter, symbolizing purity, elegance, and self-reflection. On the other, it evokes the Daoist immortal (xian) of water, a mystical being from Chinese mythology who dwells in rivers and lakes. This blend of floral beauty and spiritual transcendence makes the name both earthly and ethereal. It is perfect for a character in a fantasy novel, a gamer, or a real name for someone who appreciates nature and mythology. The narcissus is also associated with the Spring Festival, adding a festive touch.
Want a personalized Chinese name? Try our name generator!
Generate MineComprehensive Name Score
Each character has deep cultural significance with rich poetic and historical references
Two-character name has good tonal rhythm. Moderate tonal variation. Adjacent syllables have well-contrasted tones. Syllable lengths are balanced and easy to pronounce
Moderate stroke count
No five-element data available.
Two-character name feels modern and stylish. Low total stroke count is minimalist and easy to write
Classical Poetry References
This name carries echoes of classical Chinese poetry:
「上善若水，水善利万物而不争」
The highest good is like water; water benefits all things and does not compete
— Laozi, Tao Te Ching
The supreme goodness is like water — it nourishes all things without contention. The highest virtue.
「问渠那得清如许，为有源头活水来」
Ask how the pond stays so crystal clear — it is because fresh water flows ceaselessly from the source
— Zhu Xi, 'Reflections on Reading'
Why is the water so clear? Because fresh, living water keeps flowing from the source — knowledge must be constantly renewed.
Character Evolution
Explore how each character evolved over 3000+ years of Chinese writing history.
In oracle bone script,「水」resembles a meandering stream — the center is the main current, and the sides are splashes or tributaries.
In bronze script, the flowing form of「水」became more condensed and refined.
In seal script,「水」resembles flowing veins and channels. The 'Shuowen' explains: 'Shui means level — the element of the north.'
From the stream pictograph of oracle bone script to today, the form has been simplified, but the imagery of flowing water remains. 'The highest good is like water — water benefits all things and does not compete.'
When to Use This Name
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Chinese name 水仙 (Shuǐxiān) mean?
水仙 (Shuǐxiān) means "Narcissus / Water Fairy" in Chinese. Both a delicate flower and a Daoist immortal of the waters. Beautiful double meaning — floral elegance meets mythology.
How do you pronounce 水仙 in Chinese?
水仙 is pronounced "Shuǐxiān" in Mandarin Chinese. Practice each syllable's tone carefully for accurate pronunciation.
When should I use the name 水仙?
水仙 is a versatile Chinese name suitable for gaming usernames, social media profiles, language learning, and creative writing.
Zodiac Compatibility
Check which zodiac signs pair well with this name based on character radicals.