Holding steady.
Popularity of Chang since 1940
Babies named Chang per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 21 |
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 107 |
| 1990s | 123 |
| 2000s | 25 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Chang is a name of Chinese origin that functions both as a common surname and a less common given name. While the name has been used in the U.S. since at least 1940, it has never ranked among the top 1000 names for any given year. Its peak year of usage was 1994, when it saw its highest recorded frequency. Since then, the name has remained relatively rare, with a stable but low trajectory. As a given name, it carries a generally positive meaning of prosperity or flourishing, depending on the specific characters chosen. However, as the digest shows, it has not been associated with any particular U.S. state as a top name. For parents seeking a name with Chinese heritage that is distinctive and carries a straightforward meaning, Chang offers a simple option, though it may often be encountered as a surname in the West.
Chang is a common Chinese surname and also a given name. As a surname, it is the pinyin romanization of several Chinese surnames, the most common being 常 (meaning 'constant' or 'long') and 張 (meaning 'stretch' or 'open') in an alternate romanization. As a given name, it may be written with various characters conveying meanings like 'prosperous,' 'flourishing,' or 'bright.' The name has been used for centuries in China and among Chinese diaspora communities.
Sibling names for Chang
Names that share Chang's style, for a brother or sister.
