Yuan Shikai (16 September 1859 – 6 June 1916) is an important Chinese general and politician, famous for his influence during the late Qing Dynasty, his role in the events leading up to the abdication of the last Qing Emperor of China, his autocratic rule as the second President of the Republic of China (following Sun Yatsen), and his short-lived attempt to revive the Chinese monarchy, with himself as the "Great Emperor of China."

Like many Chinese men before 1949, Yuan uses and is referred to by many different names.

His courtesy name is "Weiting", and he uses the pseudonym "Rong'an".

He is sometimes referred to by the name of his birthplace, "Xiangcheng", or by a title for tutors of the crown prince, "Kung-pao".