Why is Nurhachi translated as "wild boar skin"? What does it mean?

Nurhaci’s name was translated as wild boar skin because of the shortage of culture during the Jurchen period. The meaning of its name is that its character is as tough as a boar's skin, and its body is as wear-resistant and strong as a boar's skin.

Aixinjueluo Nurhachi was the founder of the Manchu Qing Dynasty and was called the Taizu of the Qing Dynasty by later generations. Nurhachi was brave and good at fighting when he was young, and he was a god of war. At the age of twenty-five, he pacified Guandong and established the Jin Dynasty after unifying the Jurchen tribe. He died in July of the eleventh year of Tianming and was buried in Shenyang. This also brought a successful end to the life of this generation of heroes.

According to relevant expert analysis, Nurhaci’s name is translated into Manchu as “wild boar skin”, and his younger brother’s name is translated into “little wild boar skin”. At this point, some people may ask, how can such a powerful character have such a witty and humorous name, and even be a little cute? It seems to remind me of characters such as "Wang Er Mazi" and "Go Dan" from the next village. I always feel that this name is not worthy of such a powerful person as Nurhaci.

We all believe that the names given by parents generally have special meanings or blessings, and most of them are more elegant. I always feel that the name "Boar Skin" is not very cultural. Why would the founder of a dynasty have such a low-level name? In fact, during the Jurchen period, although the people at that time were relatively brave in fighting wars and constantly invaded the Central Plains and occupied land, their cultural quality was really not perfect enough.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Jurchens established a tribal alliance and possessed very powerful military power. Nurhaci's ancestors were from Wanhu, so it can be said that Nurhaci's background was also relatively noble. However, the Jurchens live in the forest all year round, mainly hunting. They had never been exposed to these things, and neither did their tribe. They only had language in common, and writing was not created until 1599.

Due to the harsh living environment in the forest, the Jurchens mainly focus on hunting. It is inevitable to deal with some large animals, such as wild boars, leopards and so on. Therefore, long-term fighting with wild animals has created a strong physique for Jurchens. Over time, the Jurchens became overbearing and barbaric, and fighting with others would definitely result in death. Nurhachi's father hoped that his child's body would be as wear-resistant as wild boar skin and his character would be as tough as wild boar skin, so he gave him such a name.