MyNameList

    Mei

    美(MΔ›i)

    Pronunciation: MAY

    ♀ Female
    Chinese, Japanese

    Meaning

    Beautiful; plum

    Origin

    Chinese, Japanese

    The Story Behind Mei

    The name Mei has distinct origins and meanings depending on its cultural context. In Chinese, it is a common given name and surname, often meaning 'beautiful' or 'plum'. The plum blossom (méi huā) is a significant symbol in Chinese culture, representing resilience, purity, and beauty, especially in winter. As a surname, Mei is ancient, tracing back to various historical clans and regions in China.

    In Japanese, Mei is also a popular given name for girls. While it shares the 'plum' meaning (ζ’…), it can also be written with characters meaning 'sprout' or 'life' (芽董), or 'bright' (明). The association with spring and new life is strong in Japanese culture, making it a cheerful and optimistic name. Its usage has seen a rise in recent decades, particularly in Japan.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Rising
    Peak decade:2010s
    Era:Contemporary
    Popular in:China, Japan

    Popularity Trends

    Is Mei Right for Your Baby?

    Mei is a Soft, Elegant, Earthy name for girls that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables1
    LengthShort
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Regions Where Mei Is Used

    East Asian

    Name Vibe

    Soft
    Elegant
    Earthy
    Modern

    Famous People Named Mei

    • Mei Lanfang (ζ’…ε…°θŠ³), a renowned Chinese opera artist
    • Mei Nagano (ζ°Έι‡ŽθŠ½ιƒ), a Japanese actress
    • Mei Xiang (ηΎŽι¦™), a giant panda at the National Zoo in Washington D.C.
    • Mei Fong (ζ–Ήε‡€ηΎŽ), a Malaysian-American journalist and author

    Mei in different fonts

    MeiDancing Script
    MeiCaveat
    MeiSatisfy
    MeiPacifico
    MeiGreat Vibes

    Names Similar to Mei

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    Sibling Name Style

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Mei

    What does Mei mean?

    Mei means "Beautiful; plum". It is derived from Chinese, Japanese.

    What is the origin of Mei?

    Mei originates from Chinese, Japanese. Its cultural origin is Chinese, Japanese.

    Is Mei a male or female name?

    Mei is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Mei?

    Mei is pronounced "MAY".

    What language does Mei come from?

    Mei comes from Chinese, Japanese.

    Is Mei a popular name?

    Mei is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is rising.

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