A surname meaning 'extend', from the ancient state of Shen.
What the character means
to stretch forth, express and grow
Why it scores this way
Easy to say88
Mostly easy. The only friction is sh, which English speakers usually turn into something close.
Recognised in China40
Outside the top 100 — distinctive, but some people will ask you to repeat or write it.
Easy to write95
5 strokes — one of the simpler surnames to write and sign.
People who carried this name
Shen Baoxu — Chu statesman (6th century BC), who wept seven days to borrow Qin troops for his homeland.
Shen Buhai — Legalist philosopher and politician of the Warring States period, chief minister of Han, known for administrative techniques and 'Shu' governance.
Shen Shixing — Ming dynasty official and Grand Secretary during the Wanli era, noted for his moderate policies and literary talent.