铭（ming）
Name meaning
铭 (Ming) means inscription, engraved memory and lasting record.
Practical naming use
铭 (ming) is a memory-and-inscription character. It suggests words or virtues engraved deeply enough to last, so the name feels serious, memorable and quietly classical. The best use is not status display but lasting moral or emotional imprint. It is especially useful for cultural depth, classical reference, personality image, because the character can carry a recognizable Chinese image without becoming empty dictionary filler. The best results come when the second character adds human direction, warmth, restraint or breadth, so the full given name feels lived-in rather than generic.
Pair 铭 (ming) with characters such as 德 (De) for remembered virtue, 远 (Yuan) for lasting reputation, 安 (An) for steadier memory or 文 (Wen) for literary inscription. The second character should keep the name human rather than monumental.
铭德 (Mingde): Ming contributes inscription, remembered virtue; De adds virtue, moral force.
Reference
Liu Yuxi · Lou Shi Ming
Historical / name-use references
刘铭传 (Liu Mingchuan)
Qing dynasty general and first governor of Taiwan province; 铭 (Ming) appears directly in this recorded name, style name, title, or literary nickname.