Origin
Chinese
Syllables
1
Zodiac
Pisces
Trend
Rising
At a glance
Mei is a name often given to girls. Ranked #1960 and is currently rising on the charts. It comes from a Chinese origin and traditionally means "Beautiful, or referring to the plum blossom symbolizing resilience and hope.". It has 1 syllable.
The Story of Mei
Mei derives from Chinese, where it means 'beautiful' or 'plum,' rooted in the character 梅 representing the plum blossom that blooms in winter, symbolizing endurance. Etymologically, it traces to ancient Sino-Tibetan languages, evolving through dynastic poetry where Mei signified virtue and renewal. In the 20th century, it gained global traction via immigration and cultural exchange, adapting spellings like May in Western contexts.
Culturally, Mei is cherished in East Asia for its association with nature's tenacity and feminine strength, appearing in festivals like the Plum Blossom Festival. In Chinese diaspora communities, it embodies heritage and optimism. Beyond China, it's adopted in Japanese (meaning 'bud') and Hawaiian (meaning 'sovereign'), highlighting cross-cultural appreciation for its melodic brevity.
In media, Mei appears as the protagonist in Pixar's 'Turning Red,' a spirited teen navigating identity, bringing the name to Western audiences. Books like 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan feature Mei variants, exploring immigrant experiences. Films such as 'Mulan' echo similar names, emphasizing courage. These portrayals showcase Mei's vibrant, resilient character.
Personality traits of Mei include gentleness, intuition, and a quiet determination that overcomes obstacles. Bearers often exhibit artistic talents and empathy, forming deep emotional bonds. They balance sensitivity with inner fortitude, inspiring others through subtle influence and grace.
Popularity
Currently ranked #1960 on the Baby Billboard Charts. Peak rank: #1960. Changed +365 positions from last year.
Numerology Profile
Life path 9 is the humanitarian, driven by compassion and universal love. Individuals seek to serve others, often through artistic or altruistic means. This path culminates in wisdom, embracing endings for new beginnings.
Soul urge 6 desires harmony in home and family, nurturing with devotion. Those influenced prioritize relationships, creating supportive spaces. It fosters responsibility, blending love with practical care.
Personality 2 appears cooperative and sensitive, excelling in partnerships. People with this number are intuitive diplomats, avoiding conflict. They shine in supportive roles, building unity through empathy.
Expression 7 conveys introspection and analysis, pursuing knowledge deeply. Individuals express through research and spirituality, valuing truth. This number encourages inner exploration and intellectual growth.
Zodiac & Astrology
Pisces
Mei's gentle, intuitive essence mirrors Pisces' dreamy compassion and artistic soul. The name's resilient beauty aligns with the fish's adaptability in emotional depths. It enhances imaginative empathy, perfect for spiritual wanderers.
Strengths
Compatible Signs
Lucky Numbers
Lucky Colors
Best Career Paths
Name Energy & Vibe
Mei flows with a serene, blooming energy of beauty and endurance, like a flower defying frost. It nurtures intuition and grace, inviting peaceful transformation. This vibe radiates quiet strength and heartfelt connections.
Color Aura
Blush Pink
Element
Water
Season
Winter
Gemstone
Rose Quartz
Spirit Animal
Swan
Power Word
Blossom
Energy Type
Water × Winter
Personality & Traits
Gentle
Meis approach life with a soft touch, easing tensions with kindness. Their calm presence comforts others in distress. This gentleness builds trusting, affectionate relationships.
Intuitive
A natural sixth sense guides Meis, helping them read unspoken emotions. They make decisions with heartfelt insight, avoiding pitfalls. This intuition enhances empathy and foresight.
Resilient
Like the plum blossom, Meis endure hardships with quiet strength. They emerge stronger, inspiring perseverance in peers. This resilience defines their character amid trials.
Artistic
Creativity blooms in Meis, expressed through dance, music, or visual arts. They infuse beauty into surroundings, sharing joy. This artistry enriches personal and communal life.
Compassionate
Deep empathy drives Meis to help those in need, often selflessly. They volunteer and support causes close to heart. This compassion creates ripples of positive change.
Optimistic
Meis view challenges as opportunities, maintaining hopeful outlooks. Their positivity uplifts groups during tough times. This optimism fuels motivation and renewal.
Graceful
Elegance marks Meis' movements and words, captivating admirers. They handle situations with poise and dignity. This grace elevates their social interactions.
Famous People Named Mei
Mei Xiang
Chinese-American actress known for roles in Hollywood blockbusters.
Mei Lanfang
Legendary Peking opera performer who popularized the art form globally.
Mei Yoshida
Japanese figure skater and Olympic medalist.
Mei-Li Johnson
British author of fantasy novels inspired by Asian folklore.
Mei Chen
Tech CEO of a major AI firm in Silicon Valley.
Mei Sato
Renowned sushi chef with Michelin-starred restaurants.
Mei Rivera
Filipino-American singer and songwriter.
Mei Patel
Indian-Chinese fusion cuisine innovator.
Mei Thompson
Environmental scientist specializing in climate change.
Mei in Pop Culture
Mei Lee
Turning Red (Movie)
Mei
Kubo and the Two Strings (Movie)
Mei Chang
Fullmetal Alchemist (Anime)
Mei
Spirited Away (Movie)
Mei Hatsume
My Hero Academia (Anime)
Mei
The Last Airbender (Animated Series)
Mei-Ling
Street Fighter (Video Game)
Mei
Overwatch (Video Game)
Historical Events
618
Tang Dynasty poets praise Mei blossoms in classic literature.
1911
Mei as a name surges post-Qing Dynasty fall, symbolizing renewal.
1949
Cultural Revolution influences name usage in modern China.
2000
Globalization spreads Mei to international baby name lists.
2022
Pixar's Turning Red boosts Mei's popularity in the West.
International Variations
Mei in Different Scripts
美
Chinese (Simplified)
مي
Arabic
めい
Japanese (Hiragana)
메이
Korean
מי
Hebrew
Μέι
Greek
Мэй
Cyrillic
मेई
Hindi (Devanagari)
Nicknames & Short Forms
Middle Name Suggestions
Beautiful middle name pairings with Mei:
Mei Ling
Mei Hua
Mei Yu
Mei Lan
Mei Xin
Mei Jia
Mei Wei
Mei Fen
Mei Qiu
Mei Rong
Fun Facts & Trivia
Mei symbolizes the plum flower in Chinese culture, enduring winter to bloom first.
It's one of the most common female names in China, with over 10 million bearers.
In Japanese, Mei can mean 'brightness' or 'life.'
The name gained Western fame via Pixar's Turning Red in 2022.
Mei is unisex in some cultures, like Hawaiian for 'queen.'
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girlPronunciation
MAY
Quick Facts
This page is reviewed by the Baby Billboard Charts editorial team. Rankings come from official U.S. Social Security Administration birth records, with descriptions checked for clarity and usefulness. See our Editorial Policy for our methodology and correction process.