The Chinese given name "Wei" (维) is composed of a single stroke, making it one of the simplest characters in the language. It has been used throughout Chinese history and is known for its classic elegance. The character itself does not have a specific meaning but rather denotes a phonetic sound that can be associated with various meanings depending on other characters within a compound word. Traditionally, "Wei" was often given to individuals from noble families or those who held high-ranking positions in society due to its prestigious connotation. Today, it remains popular among Chinese parents as an enduring and timeless choice for their children's names.
The name Wei experienced a notable rise in popularity over the years, with a steady increase from just 5 births per year between 1985 and 1990 to reaching a peak of 18 births in 1998. Since then, the number of Wei births has fluctuated but remained consistently higher than the early figures, suggesting an enduring appeal for the name.