Abstract: Name is more than an inclusive sign representing a certain person.It is a cultural carrier of a nation.The essay analyzes the form of Chinese and English family names,traces their respective origins and compares their various categories and numbers.It also sums up the characteristics and numbers of Chinese and English given names.Names embody rich culture,reflecting thinking model,familial concept,religion,belief and tradition of an ethnic group.To get acquainted with the differences of Chinese and English names will enhance the understanding of cultural differences between China and Englishspoken countries,and thus,contributes to intercultural communication.

Key words: culturology, comparison between Chinese and English names, familial concept, intercultural communication