"beautiful"
Origin: Chinese
Language: Mandarin
Meili
Meili is a girl name of Chinese origin meaning "beautiful." Ranked #8,012 in the US, popular nicknames include Mei.
Beautiful in Chinese, divine in Norse mythology
Chinese
Scandinavian
Beautiful
Cross Cultural
Gentle
Modern
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"the lovely one"
Origin: Norse
Language: Old Norse
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Meili
Meili carries a beautiful double identity. In Chinese, it is written 美丽 (měilì), simply meaning 'beautiful' — one of the most direct and celebrated expressions of beauty in Mandarin. In Norse mythology, Meili (Old Norse: 'the lovely one') appears as a son of Odin and a brother of Thor, mentioned in the Eddic poem Hárbarðsljóð. This rare cross-cultural overlap gives Meili a quietly remarkable depth, honored in both ancient Asian and Scandinavian traditions.
Meili has been gaining gentle traction in Western countries as Chinese names become more familiar globally, and its easy pronunciation and lovely meaning make it accessible to families of all backgrounds.
In Chinese culture, 美丽 (beautiful) is one of the most positive qualities a person can embody, while in Norse tradition Meili's association with divine lineage gives the name a mythological gravity rarely found in such a simple form.
Historical Record
Meili first appeared in US Social Security records in 1982.
Over 394 babies have been named Meili in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Meili is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #8,012 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Norse mythology, Meili is cited as a brother of Thor in the poem Hárbarðsljóð, though little else is recorded about him
- 美丽 (měilì) is one of the most commonly used words for beauty in Mandarin Chinese
Meili in Other Languages
Korean
메일리
Chinese
美丽
Japanese
メイリー
Popularity Over Time
#8,012
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Meili
M
Meili Snow
Other
1971
American crime survivor and advocate who became a prominent voice for victims' rights
M
Meili Fictional
Other
Son of Odin and brother of Thor in Norse mythology, described as 'the lovely one'
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #8,012
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Chinese Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mei
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Meili
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Chinese)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meili
What does the name Meili mean?
"beautiful" (from Chinese). "the lovely one" (from Norse). Meili carries a beautiful double identity. In Chinese, it is written 美丽 (měilì), simply meaning 'beautiful' — one of the most direct and celebrated expressions of beauty in Mandarin. In Norse mythology, Meili (Old Norse: 'the lovely one') appears as a son of Odin and a brother of Thor, mentioned in the Eddic poem Hárbarðsljóð. This rare cross-cultural overlap gives Meili a quietly remarkable depth, honored in both ancient Asian and Scandinavian traditions.
What is the origin of the name Meili?
Meili has Chinese, Norse, and Scandinavian origins. In Chinese, it means "beautiful". In Norse, it means "the lovely one".
Is Meili a boy or girl name?
Meili is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Meili?
Meili is currently ranked #8012 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Meili?
Common nicknames for Meili include Mei.
What are good middle names for Meili?
Popular middle name pairings include Meili Rose, Meili Grace, Meili Jade, Meili Lin, and Meili Rae.
What are good sibling names for Meili?
Names that pair well with Meili as siblings include Meilin, Yuki, Lily, and Ava.
How many syllables does Meili have?
Meili has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Meili a common or rare name?
Meili is an uncommon name, ranked #8012 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Meili
Meili is a girl name with Chinese and Scandinavian origins . The name means "beautiful" in Chinese .
Meili is currently ranked #8,012 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Meili has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Meili include Mei. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Meili include Meilani, 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