Mei has a popularity score of 75 out of 100. It is a well-known and widely chosen name.

How do you pronounce Mei?

Pronunciation of Mei can vary slightly by community and language background.

What are good nicknames for Mei?

Mei can be naturally shortened depending on syllable count. Test it out loud with your family to find what feels natural.

Mei – Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Q: Is Mei a boy or girl name?

Mei is traditionally a girl name.

Mei

Girl Name Chinese origin

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Origin

Chinese

Syllables

First Letter

Popularity

75/100

Meaning of Mei

Beautiful, plum

Origin: Chinese

About the Name Mei

With the punchy clarity of a single syllable, Mei is a feminine name a single-character Chinese name - prized in the Chinese naming tradition for the strength and economy of a name that says everything in one stroke. The name means "Beautiful". It is a well-established name worldwide - familiar to teachers, grandparents, and peers without feeling overused. In Chinese culture, embedding "Beautiful" in a child's name is considered a parental blessing - a wish for the character and fortune the family hopes the child will embody. Grandparents and elders often play a role in this choice, consulting almanacs and the family's generational naming convention.

The practical question of how Mei flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name pairs naturally with the Chinese surnames most common internationally - Tan, Lim, Lee, Ng, Ong, and Wong - and sits comfortably in both English-medium schools and Chinese-language settings. Parents who choose Mei tend to value a name that is immediately understood, easy to spell, and warm in sound.

Sound & Flow

Mei is a 1-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Mei Tan, Mei Lee, or Mei Ng.

Pronunciation varies by community.

Cultural Context

Popular among Chinese families. Often paired with a Chinese given name for bilingual use.

Similar Names

Same origin, same style as Mei:

Xin Yi Yu Xin Mei Ling Hui Ling Jing Wen Zi Xuan

Generate more like Mei

Name Facts & Trivia

Name length

3 letters

Short and punchy - Easy to remember and call out.

Syllable pattern

1 syllable

Single-syllable names are distinctive and powerful.

First letter

Browse more names starting with M

Gender

Girl

A traditionally girl name across most cultures.

Famous People Named Mei

Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.

Chinese names are deeply embedded in history and culture - This name or its characters have been used by notable scholars, artists, and community leaders across Asia.

Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beautiful, plum Its Chinese roots give it a timeless quality that resonates across generations.

Mei has a popularity score of 75/100. It is a well-known and widely chosen name — familiar but not overly common.

Mei is traditionally a girl name with Chinese origins. It has been used consistently for girls across different cultures and generations.

Test the name across all languages your family speaks to ensure it sounds natural. If you come from a multilingual household, say it in each language you use at home before deciding.

The best middle names for Mei depend on your surname and cultural background. A two-syllable middle name pairs well with the single syllable of Mei. Use our name generator to explore combinations.

Natural nicknames for Mei often emerge from how family members start using it. As a short name, it may be used in full rather than shortened. Try different variations until one feels right for your family.