"plum blossom"
Origin: Chinese
Language: Mandarin
Mei
Pronunciation: [ m-AY ]
Does Mei flow with your last name?
A one-syllable gem meaning beauty and resilience
Chinese
Japanese
Taiwanese
Korean
Elegant
Minimalist
Gentle
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Mei
Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"sprouting, life"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Mei
Mei is a name used across East Asia with multiple meanings depending on the Chinese characters chosen. Written as the beauty character, it means beautiful; as the plum character, it means plum blossom, a symbol of resilience in Chinese culture. The plum blossom meaning is particularly beloved because the flower blooms in winter, symbolizing perseverance.
Mei gained Western recognition partly through the beloved Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro (1988), where the young girl Mei Kusakabe charmed global audiences. It continues to be popular across East Asian communities worldwide.
The plum blossom is the national flower of China and a powerful cultural symbol of endurance and beauty in harsh conditions. Naming a daughter Mei is a wish for resilience and grace.
Historical Record
Mei first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 1,723 babies have been named Mei in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mei is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,955 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mei is one of the shortest names with one of the richest meaning sets in East Asian naming traditions
- The plum blossom blooms in winter snow, making Mei a name associated with hope and strength
- Mei Kusakabe from My Neighbor Totoro is one of anime's most beloved young characters
Mei in Other Languages
Korean
매
Chinese
梅 / 美
English
May
Japanese
芽衣 / 明
Popularity Over Time
#1,955
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mei
M
Mei Kusakabe Fictional
Other
Young protagonist of Studio Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
M
Mei Terumi Fictional
Other
Powerful character in the Naruto anime series, serving as the Fifth Mizukage
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,955
- Total SSA Count
- 101
- Cultural Origins
- Chinese Japanese Taiwanese Korean
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Chinese heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mei
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mei
What does the name Mei mean?
"plum blossom" (from Chinese). "sprouting, life" (from Japanese). Mei is a name used across East Asia with multiple meanings depending on the Chinese characters chosen. Written as the beauty character, it means beautiful; as the plum character, it means plum blossom, a symbol of resilience in Chinese culture. The plum blossom meaning is particularly beloved because the flower blooms in winter, symbolizing perseverance.
What is the origin of the name Mei?
Mei has Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean origins. In Chinese, it means "plum blossom". In Japanese, it means "sprouting, life".
Is Mei a boy or girl name?
Mei is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mei?
Mei is pronounced m-AY.
How popular is the name Mei?
Mei is currently ranked #1955 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Mei?
Popular middle name pairings include Mei Lin, Mei Jade, Mei Rose, Mei Anne, Mei Grace, and Mei Lily.
What are good sibling names for Mei?
Names that pair well with Mei as siblings include Kai, Hana, Sora, Ren, Yuki, and Jia.
How many syllables does Mei have?
Mei has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mei a common or rare name?
Mei is an uncommon name, ranked #1955 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Mei?
About the Name Mei
Mei is a girl name with Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean origins . The name means "plum blossom" in Chinese .
Mei is currently ranked #1,955 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mei has 1 syllable and is pronounced m-AY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Mei include Meilani, Meira, Meila . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis