Meilin is a feminine given name of Chinese origin. It is composed of two characters: "梅" (méi), which means "plum", and "林" (lín), which means "forest". Therefore, the name Meilin translates to "Plum Forest".
The plum tree holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning in China. It is often associated with strength and beauty due to its ability to withstand harsh winter conditions and bloom beautifully in early spring. The forest, on the other hand, symbolizes growth and abundance.
Historically, the name Meilin has been used for centuries in Chinese culture. It was particularly popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties, where it was often given to daughters of prominent families. However, its usage has since spread beyond China's borders and can now be found among people of Chinese descent all over the world.
Despite its popularity, the name Meilin does not appear in any of the classic Chinese literature or historical records, suggesting that it may have been a name reserved for commoners rather than royalty or nobility. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved name that carries with it a rich cultural heritage and beautiful symbolism.
The name Meilin experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike starting from 2010 until 2014 where it consistently ranked among the higher numbers of births each year. However, it has since declined in popularity, falling to its lowest points in 2021 and 2023 with only 6 and 15 births respectively. Overall, Meilin has been a reasonably popular name over the past three decades with a total of 315 births recorded.