In 2002 I started a six month project to give myself the perfect name, the result of which is 陶亦然，i.e. Tao Yi'ran.  By using the family name "porcelein" I've added earthy and traditional Chinese art to my name.  By using "also" and "is" for my first names, I've added objectivity and eliminated the original name's tacky optimism (in addition, Ian Abram "also is" Chinese).  The three characters are easily pronounced and sounds like part of a poem by 白居易 Bai Ju'yi, a man who liked to portray the languid, easy-going region south of the Yangste, namely my hometown Nanjing.  The name itself is similar to the name of another poet 陶渊明 Tao Yuan'ming, whose individual lifestyle I tend to imitate.  My name is now poetic, artsy, and slightly feminine, which pegs the essence of Me.