In traditional clans, generational ranking is extremely important.
Tips
culture
Traditional Chinese clans assign each generation a 字辈 (zìbèi) — a fixed character used in given names — so that 行辈 (one's place in the genealogy) can be read from a name. An older nephew can outrank a younger uncle in age but never in 行辈.
usage
行 here is read háng (as in 行业 hángyè), referring to ranks/lines, not xíng. Don't confuse with 行李 (xíngli, luggage).
