We began using our generation poems in 1618 CE during the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming dynasty. The first poem was for Chen Mo starting with the thirteenth generation. The second poem was for Chen Ying (Chen Mo's third brother) starting with the fourteenth generation.

The first 20 characters of the 文起 Mũn Hī branch were written by 陳白沙 (陳獻章) Chen Bai Sha (1428-1500 CE) for Chen Mo’s fourth son Chen Wen Qi starting from the 13th generation through the 32nd generation: 聖文萬世昌。應朝瑞國祥。德業光前遠。遵法永延長。Eminent classical literature will prosper for many generations / In response to an auspicious dynasty and the kindness of a nation. / The honor of moral conduct and achievement will shine into the distant future. / Obeying the law will be protracted forever.

The second 20 characters were written by 陳伯陶 Chen Bo Tao (1854-1930 CE) as a continuation of Chen Bai Sha’s poem for the next 20 generations until the 52nd generation: 仁厚承恩澤。書香啟俊良。邦家常有耀。續學自名揚。Benevolence and generosity will be graciously extended to the people. / A literary atmosphere will enlighten the talented and conscionable people. / The glory of one's fatherland will be dazzling. / Continuous study will develop one's fame.

These generation names were not strictly followed. There were some people in the 文起 Mũn Hī branch who used 文 for the 23rd generation. This word came from the first poem, used by the 文振 branch.

The 文起 Mũn Hī branch generation poem in Hoisan peinyim:
Sëin mũn màn säi chēng, yëin chẽl xuì gōk tẽng. Āk ngèp göng tẽin yōn, dün fāt vêin yẽn chẽng.
Ngĩn hêo sẽin yïn jàk, sï hëng kāi dün lẽng. Böng gä sẽng yiû yèl, dùk hòk dù mẽin yẽng.

The 文起 Mũn Hī branch generation poem in Mandarin pinyin:
Shèng wén wàn shì chāng, yīng cháo ruì guó xiáng. Dé yè guāng qián yuǎn, zūn fǎ yǒng yán cháng.
Rén hòu chéng ēn zé, shū xiāng qǐ zùn liáng. Bāng jiā cháng yǒu yuè, xù xué zì míng yáng.

Everyone in the 19th generation began his name with 朝 Chẽl (Cháo). The major ones were 朝珍 Chẽl Jïn (Cháozhēn), 朝瑛 Chẽl Yëin (Cháoyīng), 朝板 Chẽl Bān (Cháobǎn), 朝鳳 Chẽl Fùng (Cháofèng), 朝賓 Chẽl Bïn (Cháobīn), 朝苧 Chẽl Chuî (Cháozhù), 朝宗 Chẽl Düng (Cháozōng), and 朝哲 Chẽl Jēt (Cháozhé).