Chinese couple names 9 daughters ‘Di’, meaning brother, while hoping for a son

A Chinese couple, longing for a son, has named all nine of their daughters with the character “Di” in the hope that their next child will be a boy.

The nine sisters, with a 20-year age gap between the eldest and the youngest, were born and raised in a village in Huaian, Jiangsu province.

The repeated use of the name “Di” reflects their hopes that a son will be born, as “Di” can symbolise a younger brother in Chinese.

The names of the nine daughters are, Zhaodi (Soliciting a brother), Pandi (Looking forward to a brother), Wangdi (also signifying Looking forward to a brother), Xiangdi (Thinking of a brother), Laidi (Brother coming), Yingdi (Welcome a brother), Niandi (Missing a brother), Choudi (Hating a brother), Mengdi (Dream of a brother).

The family's story went viral after Xiangdi started sharing videos of their daily life on a popular social media platform in early March, captivating the public's attention and interest.

"My father had a strong desire for a son, which is why they had us nine children. Even though we are daughters, our parents have always loved us very much. They never mistreated us. Now our big family lives happily together," Xiangdi said.

Xiangdi shared that despite being poor farmers, her father prioritised their schooling and encouraged them to pursue their studies.

The situation is not unique in China as many believe that sons will support them in their old age. Traditionally, daughters are not expected to take care of their parents after marriage, hence a saying that “A daughter married off is like water that has been splashed out.”