Frontier Settlement Trends and the Evolution of Unique Names in China: Implications for Demographic Innovation and Biotechnological Applications

Abstract

Frontier settlement fosters a highly autonomous, independent, and goal-oriented migration spirit, often reflected in cultural and social practices such as naming conventions. Research from Western contexts suggests that frontier immigrants are more likely to give their children unique names to express individuality and independence. This study investigates whether similar phenomena are evident in Shenzhen, a rapidly growing frontier of voluntary settlement in China, which differs culturally from the West. To explore this, we introduce three innovative indicators of name uniqueness based on Chinese naming conventions: the use of uncommon characters, the inclusion of generational markers, and the semantic meaning of names. We hypothesize that compared to non-immigrant regions, Shenzhen residents are more likely to adopt uncommon names, include fewer generational markers, and assign more meaningful names to their children. Additionally, we propose that the second generation of Shenzhen immigrants, influenced by the migration spirit, exhibit a greater tendency to give their children unique names. The results reveal that Shenzhen inhabitants have significantly higher name uniqueness than those in nearby regions, reflecting a stronger inclination toward individualism and self-expression. These findings have implications for understanding cultural adaptation in frontier settlements and provide valuable insights into demographic innovation and identity formation, which are relevant for applications in populations genetics, cultural biotechnology, and sociological research.