What does Lei mean and where does it come from?
The name Lei is of Chinese origin where it can signify 'thunder' and is often associated with beautiful flora. In Hawaiian culture, Lei is a popular name representing a traditional garland made of flowers, symbolizing love, friendship, or celebration. The name has been used prominently in Hawaii, es
Cultural significance
Lei has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in China-speaking communities, where it reflects values of chinese.
Peak popularity
Reached #2368 in 1956 — currently #16279 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
China-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lei?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lei?
Lei works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lei Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Lei Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Lei Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Lei Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Lei Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Lei Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Lei right now?
Rising fast — up 370 spots — currently #16279 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #16279 | 5 | ▲ up 370 |
| 2024 | #16649 | 5 | ▼ down 14885 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1764 | 436 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1769 | 416 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1774 | 386 | ▲ up 11752 · +6333% births |
| 2020 | #13526 | 6 | ▲ up 1655 |
| 2010 | #15181 | 6 | ▼ down 5634 · -45% births |
| 2005 | #9547 | 11 | ▼ down 262 · +10% births |
| 2000 | #9285 | 10 | ▼ down 379 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #8906 | 9 | ▼ down 1471 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #7435 | 11 | ▲ up 2153 · +83% births |
| 1985 | #9588 | 6 | ▼ down 3147 · -40% births |
| 1980 | #6441 | 10 | ▼ down 2088 · -23% births |
| 1970 | #4353 | 13 | ▼ down 507 · +8% births |
| 1965 | #3846 | 12 | — |
The story of Lei
Lei entered American naming records in 1937 and has been in use for over 87 years. With 668 total births recorded, Lei remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4297 in 1940 to #1764 in 2023. Lei is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lei in 1956:
Lei by decade
Lei peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 27 | |
| 1940s | 54 | |
| 1950s | 124 | |
| 1960s ★ | 160 | |
| 1970s | 94 | |
| 1980s | 63 | |
| 1990s | 43 | |
| 2000s | 60 | |
| 2010s | 37 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎Lei has only 668 total recorded births since 1937 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Lei?
What names sound and feel like Lei?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lei also consider these
Common questions about the name Lei
What does the name Lei mean?
Lei means "Chinese" — a name rooted in China tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lei?
Lei is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Lei?
Lei originates from China tradition. China names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Lei?
Lei is a one-syllable name pronounced LES. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Lei sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Lei flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Lei ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.