The traditional Chinese name chop(印章)or seal (use) for thousands of years.
It is quite likely that people began using name chops because Chinese (character) are so complex and few people in ancient times were able to read and write. In addition, chops have a long history (date) back to the Shang Dynasty, there was no other form of identification such as ID cards.
A chop also served a valid signature. All official documents in China needed a chop to be valid. Today, most Chinese are well (educate), but the tradition is kept alive in China.
If you spend any length of time in China, you will almost (certain) need to have a chop. If you're staying a short time, a chop makes amazing souvenir. A chop can be made quickly, but first you will be required (translate) your name into Chinese.
There are many different sizes and styles of chops. (expensive) small chops can be carved from wood or plastic while high-end chops are made from ivory (象牙) , jade, marble or steel. Only a special type of slow-drying red ink is used for a name chop, so if you buy a chop in China, get an inkpad(印泥盒) too.
