I knew Andrew was quite a popular name before choosing it. Specifically, between 1997 and 2007, it was a top-ten name and has remained popular in recent years (“Popularity of Andrew”). My Chinese name, 潇晗 (Xiaohan), is harder to measure the popularity, since Chinese names could be countless combinations of characters. However, based on my experience, the two characters are quite common among my generation, and the full name is mostly found in mainland China (“Xiaohan”). My last name, 张 (Zhang), is very common in Chinese and means “a fully stretched bow” (“Zhang Surname Origins”).

Though “Andrew” is quite common, I believe the same name can carry different meanings and connections for different people. When I was picking my English name, “Andrew” sounded the most captivating. I was drawn to its meaning—“strong and brave like a warrior.” It reflected the qualities I aspired to possess: resilience, adventure, and an eagerness to take on challenges. I later learned that the name Andrew has transformed over time from various language roots, all of which convey the meanings like “manly,” “masculine,” “strong,” and “stubborn” (“Andrew”). Without too much hesitation, it became my top choice.

Breaking down the characters, 潇 (Xiao) conveys a sense of natural and unrestrained freedom, while 晗 (Han) represents the light before dawn, a quiet yet powerful moment of transition and hope. Together, my name reflects my parents' wishes for me to embrace life with passion, resilience, and the freedom to follow my own path. It signifies their hope that I will approach challenges with grace and confidence, just as the first light of dawn breaks through the darkness, bringing new opportunities and endless possibilities.

Recently, Andrew has become my preferred name because I find it is easier to use. However, I share the same affection for both names. My Chinese name, the one I have been called almost my whole life, represents my identity and my family’s wishes, while my English name represents my own understanding of myself and who I aspire to be in the future. Both names represent me in different yet equally meaningful ways. They are not just words but also remind me who I am.