生（sheng）
Name meaning
生 (sheng) means life, birth, growth and coming into being. In a given name it should suggest vitality, renewal and a person who keeps growing, not a raw or unfinished state.
Practical naming use
Use 生 (sheng) when the name should feel alive, resilient and plainly strong. It suits education, nature, medicine, public service, craft or a sincere identity built around growth. Pair it with a character that gives direction to the life-force.
Pair 生 (sheng) with a character that shapes the growth: 生安 (Shengan) Sheng'an for safe vitality, 生文 (Shengwen) for learning, 生明 (Shengming) for clear growth or 生德 (Shengde) for moral direction. Avoid another broad life word if the name becomes too plain.
生安 (Shengan): Sheng contributes life, growth; An adds peace, safety.
Reference
Bai Juyi, Farewell to the Ancient Grassland
MOE Revised Mandarin Dictionary, 生生不息 (sheng sheng bu xi)
Historical / name-use references
伏生 (Fusheng)
Fusheng was a Qin-Han scholar of the Book of Documents recorded in Shiji, juan 121. His name gives direct early historical personal-name evidence for 生 (Sheng).