东（dong）
Name meaning
东 (dong) means east: sunrise direction, beginning, orientation and outward movement. In names it can feel open, purposeful and geographically broad.
Practical naming use
东 (dong) works when the name should point toward dawn, direction and ambition without sounding flashy. It is especially good for public, exploratory, regional or forward-looking identities, and it pairs well with characters for clarity, peace or culture. 东 (Dong) is strongest when read as orientation: sunrise, opening and public direction, not a literal travel claim.
Pair 东 (dong) with open or steady characters: 东明 (Dongming), 东安 (Dongan), 东文 (Dongwen) or 东远 (Dongyuan). Avoid a second character that only repeats travel imagery.
东明 (Dongming): Dong contributes east, sunrise direction; Ming adds brightness, clarity.
Reference
Cao Cao · Viewing the Sea
Historical / name-use references
王东槐 (Wang Donghuai)
Qing dynasty official, 1802 to 1852; 东 (Dong) appears in his given name.