Are you curious about the meaning behind the name Mei? This beautiful name has its roots in both Chinese and Japanese culture and carries a variety of meanings depending on the characters used to write it. In Chinese, Mei can mean “beautiful” or “Chinese plum,” while in Japanese it can be a combination of “bud” or “sprout” with “reliant,” “garment,” or “life.”
The popularity of the name Mei has been on the rise in recent years, thanks in part to its use in popular culture. For example, the 2022 Disney/Pixar film Turning Red features a Chinese-Canadian teen named Meilin “Mei” Lee as the protagonist. This representation has helped to bring attention to the name and its significance in Chinese and Japanese cultures. Whether you are considering the name for your own child or simply curious about its meaning, exploring the origins and symbolism behind Mei can be a fascinating journey.
Mei in Different Cultures
Mei is a name that has its roots in both Chinese and Japanese cultures. Let’s explore the significance of the name Mei in different cultures.
Chinese Origin
In Chinese, the name Mei (美) means “beautiful” or “charming.” It is also associated with the Chinese plum (梅), a flower that is admired for its beauty and resilience. The name Mei is often given to girls and is considered a popular name in China.
Japanese Interpretation
In Japanese, the name Mei (めい) can be written using different characters, each with its own meaning. Some of the meanings associated with the name Mei in Japanese include “bud,” “sprout,” “life,” “bright,” “ring,” “clothing,” “garment,” and “rely on.” The name Mei is also associated with a 12th-century female puppeteer, prostitute, and singer named Mei who taught imayō to Otomae, who in turn taught Emperor Goshirakawa.
Surname Significance
The surname Mei (梅) is a romanized spelling of a Chinese surname and is pronounced the same way as the Chinese plum. The surname is relatively common in China and is associated with the virtues of resilience and beauty.
In conclusion, the name Mei has a rich cultural significance in both Chinese and Japanese cultures. Whether it is associated with beauty, resilience, or growth, the name Mei is a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
Meaning and Symbolism
Mei is a name with rich symbolism in both Chinese and Japanese cultures. Let’s explore the different meanings and symbolism associated with the name Mei.
Chinese Symbolism
In Chinese culture, the name Mei is often associated with the plum fruit, which is known as 梅 (méi) in Chinese. The plum is a symbol of strength and resilience, as it blooms in the winter when other flowers wither away. It also represents longevity and good luck.
The character 美 (měi) is another Chinese character associated with the name Mei, which means “beautiful” or “pretty”. This character is often used in Chinese names to express the parents’ hope for their child to grow up to be beautiful or handsome.
Japanese Symbolism
In Japanese culture, the name Mei can be written with different kanji characters, each with its own unique meaning and symbolism. One common kanji character used for Mei is 芽 (me), which means “sprout” or “bud”. This character represents new beginnings and growth, making it a popular choice for baby names.
Another kanji character used for Mei is 明 (mei), which means “bright” or “turning red”. This character is associated with the sun and represents warmth, light, and energy.
The Japanese also use the name Mei to refer to the Japanese plum, which is known as 梅 (ume) in Japanese. The plum is a symbol of love and beauty in Japanese culture, and is often used in poetry and art.
Overall, the name Mei carries a variety of meanings and symbolism in both Chinese and Japanese cultures, from the strength and resilience of the plum to the new beginnings and growth represented by the sprout.
Popularity and Variations
Popularity Over Time
The name Mei has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the United States. According to Nameberry, Mei was ranked #1658 in popularity in 2023. This can be attributed to the rise of Asian culture and the popularity of Chinese names. The name also received a boost after the release of the 2022 Disney/Pixar film Turning Red, which featured a Chinese-Canadian teen named Meilin “Mei” Lee as the main character.
The popularity of the name Mei has been on the rise since the early 2000s. According to the Social Security Administration, Mei was not even in the top 1000 baby names in the United States in 2000. However, by 2020, it had climbed to #647 in popularity. This shows a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades.
Variations Across Cultures
The name Mei has variations in different cultures. In Chinese, the name means “beautiful” or “Chinese plum.” In Japanese, it is associated with various meanings such as “bud,” “sprout,” “life,” “bright,” “ring,” “clothing,” “garment,” and “rely on.” The name can also be seen as a diminutive of a number of names but certainly stands in its own stunning power as a given name.
There are also variations of the name Mei, such as Mea, Mai, Mae, Mila, Mia, Mimi, Miya, Ava, Grace, Levi, Maia, Maya, Mio, Moy, and Mỹ. These variations have different meanings and origins, but they all share a similar sound and spelling to Mei.
Overall, the name Mei has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the United States. It has variations in different cultures, but it remains a beautiful and unique name with a rich history and meaning.
Notable Personalities
Entertainment Industry
The name Mei has been associated with several notable personalities in the entertainment industry. Mei Kurokawa, a Japanese actress, is known for her roles in various television series and movies. Similarly, A Mei, a Taiwanese singer and actress, has won several awards and has released multiple albums throughout her career.
Science and Journalism
While the name Mei is commonly associated with the entertainment industry, there are also notable personalities in other fields. Mei Fong, a Malaysian journalist, won a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 2007. Additionally, Mei Hong, a Chinese-American chemist, is known for her research in the field of solid-state NMR spectroscopy.
Sports
In the world of sports, there are also several notable personalities with the name Mei. Mei Miura, a Japanese ice hockey player, has played for the national team and has competed in international competitions.
Overall, the name Mei has been associated with a diverse range of personalities across various fields. From singers and actresses to journalists and chemists, there are several notable individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Mei in Fiction
Mei is a popular name in various forms of media, including anime, manga, video games, film, and television. Here are some examples of how the name has been used in different works of fiction.
Anime and Manga
- In the anime film “My Neighbor Totoro,” Mei is one of the main characters, a young girl who discovers a magical world of creatures in the forest.
- In the manga and anime series “Another,” Mei Misaki is a mysterious girl who wears an eye patch and has a connection to a supernatural curse.
- May Chang is a character in the manga and anime series “Fullmetal Alchemist,” who is an alkahestrist from Xing and seeks the Philosopher’s Stone to save her clan.
Video Games
- Mei is a playable character in the popular first-person shooter game “Overwatch,” where she is a climatologist and adventurer from China who uses a freeze gun to slow down enemies.
- Mei Narumiya is a character in the sports game “Ace of Diamond,” where she is a pitcher and a member of Seidou High School’s softball team.
- In the role-playing game “O-Parts Hunter,” Mei is a young girl who is the granddaughter of the protagonist.
Film and Television
- Mei Lee is the main character in the upcoming Disney/Pixar film “Turning Red,” where she is a Chinese-Canadian teenager who transforms into a giant red panda when she gets too excited.
- Mei Chang is a character in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” where she is a Chinese immigrant who is imprisoned in Litchfield Penitentiary.
- Mey-Rin is a character in the anime and manga series “Black Butler,” where she is a maid who works for the Phantomhive family.
Overall, Mei is a versatile name that has been used in many different ways in popular culture. From adventurous heroes to mysterious girls, Mei has become a beloved name for many fans of anime, manga, video games, and more.