The rise of English names in Singapore and how they reflect a cultural shift
In 2019, Kimberly Lim, the author, realized that her full name might confuse someone outside of Singapore. While navigating U.S. customs, a perplexed officer couldn’t understand her name format, where the Chinese surname is followed by an English middle name and Chinese given name. This instance made her reflect on how names in Singapore, especially among the Chinese community, have evolved.
Many Chinese Singaporeans, particularly those with Catholic or global influences, have adopted English names, sometimes using them more than their Chinese ones. This trend has been increasingly prevalent in the last few decades, with names like Jayden and Chloe being common, influenced by the global trend and rising English literacy. Dr. Peter Tan, a senior lecturer at the National University of Singapore, noted that the rise of English names often means the Chinese names are overlooked, with English names taking precedence.
As a result, classrooms once filled with Hui Lings are now more likely to see Sophias and Charlottes. The process reflects Singapore’s preference for English and a globalized society where names like Adam or Sarah are as common among Malays as they are among English speakers.
Some locals, like Lim Zhi Xuan, also adopted English names to make their names more accessible internationally. In his case, he chose the name Shane for easier pronunciation. For others, adopting a unique or unconventional name is a way to stand out and spark conversation, like Solskjaer Thio, whose Norwegian-inspired name raises questions.
This shift extends beyond the Englishisation of Chinese names, with some people seeking auspicious names, even for English names, through feng shui masters who specialize in numerology and astrology. As Singaporeans continue to carve out identities with their names, whether Chinese or English, they are embracing a cultural evolution that blends traditional elements with contemporary influences.
