What does Meili mean and where does it come from?
Meili (美丽) is a popular feminine name in China, often associated with qualities of beauty and grace. It is derived from the characters '美' (beautiful) and '丽' (pretty). The name is quite common and has a positive connotation, often given to girls in hopes that they will grow up to be not only beauti
Cultural significance
Meili has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in China-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beautiful, lovely (美丽).
Peak popularity
Reached #5842 in 2018 — currently #7909 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
China-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meili?
Meili works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meili Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meili Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meili Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meili Claire
French influence · crisp
Meili Jane
Literary · strong
Meili Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meili right now?
Holding steady — currently #7909 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7909 | 14 | ▼ down 3 |
| 2022 | #7906 | 14 | ▲ up 5135 · +100% births |
| 2021 | #13041 | 7 | ▼ down 4510 · -42% births |
| 2020 | #8531 | 12 | ▼ down 1451 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #7080 | 17 | ▼ down 329 · -11% births |
| 2010 | #6751 | 19 | ▲ up 5514 · +138% births |
| 2005 | #12265 | 8 | — |
The story of Meili
Meili is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. With 343 total births recorded, Meili remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12265 in 2005 to #7909 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Meili in 2018:
Meili by decade
Meili peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 7 | |
| 1990s | 8 | |
| 2000s | 141 | |
| 2010s ★ | 175 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Meili has only 343 total recorded births since 1982 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Meili?
What names sound and feel like Meili?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meili also consider these
Common questions about the name Meili
What does the name Meili mean?
Meili means "beautiful, lovely (美丽)" — 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 Meili?
Meili is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Meili?
Meili 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.
Is Meili a common or rare name?
Meili is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Meili?
Meili naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.