贝（bei）
Name meaning
贝 (bei) originally means shell or cowrie. Cowries were collected as ornaments in late Neolithic China, and their use as valuables or early money is securely seen in Shang and early Zhou contexts; the Shang dynasty is usually dated c. 1600-1046 BCE. Later, 贝 (Bei) became associated with treasure and precious things, as in 宝贝 (Baobei).
Practical naming use
For naming, 贝 (Bei) should point to a precious shell, treasured object or beloved thing, not to literal money or commerce.
Pairing guide
Pair 贝 (bei) with characters that add calm, clarity or refinement, such as 贝安 (Beian), 贝文 (Beiwen), 贝清 (Beiqing) or 贝宁 (Beining). The second character should keep the reading precious rather than commercial.