girlChinese

Mei: Meaning & Origin

Mei is a girl's name of Chinese origin meaning “Beautiful, lovely; representing grace and aesthetic beauty.” With 1 syllable, it is short and easy to say. Common nicknames include May. As of 2026, Mei ranks #849 among girls' names in the United States and has held a steady level of popularity. Its highest US ranking was #679 in 1949.

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Pronunciation

MAY

Phonetic spelling

Popularity

67/100 Score

Currently #849 among US baby names.

Nicknames

May

Popularity Trend

0%
100
2020
100
2024
#849
US Rank

* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data

Middle Name Ideas

  • Mei Ling
  • Mei Xiu
  • Mei Ting

Famous Namesakes

  • Mei Lin (chef)

Variants & Alternate Spellings of Mei

Frequently Asked Questions About Mei

What does the name Mei mean?

Mei means “Beautiful, lovely; representing grace and aesthetic beauty.” It is a girl's name of Chinese origin.

How do you pronounce Mei?

Mei is pronounced MAY.

Is Mei a boy or girl name?

Mei is most commonly used as a girl's name.

How popular is the name Mei?

Mei currently ranks #849 among girls' names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Mei?

Popular nicknames for Mei include May.

What are good middle names for Mei?

Middle names that pair well with Mei include Mei Ling, Mei Xiu, Mei Ting.

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