What does Mei mean and where does it come from?
Mei is a popular name in both China and Japan with different meanings in each language. In Mandarin Chinese, Mei (美) translates to 'beautiful' and is often used to denote a beautiful girl or woman. In Japanese, Mei (芽依) can refer to 'young sprouts,' symbolizing new beginnings. The name has seen popu
Cultural significance
Mei has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in China-speaking communities, where it reflects values of chinese.
Peak popularity
Reached #2588 in 2020 — currently #2325 in the US.
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Related Reading
China-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mei?
Mei works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mei Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mei Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mei Claire
French influence · crisp
Mei Jane
Literary · strong
Mei Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mei right now?
Rising fast — up 690 spots — currently #2325 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2325 | 79 | ▲ up 690 · +44% births |
| 2022 | #3015 | 55 | ▼ down 389 · -17% births |
| 2021 | #2626 | 66 | ▼ down 38 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #2588 | 65 | ▲ up 963 · +48% births |
| 2015 | #3551 | 44 | ▲ up 869 · +33% births |
| 2010 | #4420 | 33 | ▼ down 133 · +3% births |
| 2005 | #4287 | 32 | ▼ down 1006 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #3281 | 41 | ▲ up 1443 · +95% births |
| 1995 | #4724 | 21 | ▼ down 151 |
| 1990 | #4573 | 21 | ▼ down 46 · +24% births |
| 1985 | #4527 | 17 | ▼ down 306 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #4221 | 18 | ▲ up 1955 · +100% births |
| 1975 | #6176 | 9 | ▼ down 107 · +13% births |
| 1970 | #6069 | 8 | ▼ down 563 · +14% births |
| 1960 | #5506 | 7 | — |
The story of Mei
Mei entered American naming records in 1947 and has been in use for over 77 years. With 1,439 total births recorded, Mei remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5506 in 1960 to #2325 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mei in 2020:
Mei by decade
Mei peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 18 | |
| 1950s | 16 | |
| 1960s | 36 | |
| 1970s | 111 | |
| 1980s | 136 | |
| 1990s | 191 | |
| 2000s | 385 | |
| 2010s ★ | 481 | |
| 2020s | 65 | |
💎With 1,439 total births, Mei is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Mei?
What names sound and feel like Mei?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mei also consider these
Common questions about the name Mei
What does the name Mei mean?
Mei 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 Mei?
Mei is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mei have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mei?
Mei 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 does Mei sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Mei flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mei ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Mei trending right now?
Mei is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.