Everything about the name MEI
Meaning, origin, history
The name Mei itself means "beautiful plum" or "beauty of the plum." It is often associated with the idea of grace under pressure and perseverance in difficult times, reflecting the pluckiness and endurance of the plum blossom. The name Mei is also associated with the concept of elegance and refinement, as plums are considered a symbol of nobility and sophistication in Chinese culture.
Mei has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout Chinese history. It is believed that the surname Mei was established during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) by a clan that traced its lineage back to one of the legendary rulers of ancient China. The name Mei has also been popular among women in modern times, particularly in China and other East Asian countries.
In literature and art, the name Mei is often used to evoke images of beauty, grace, and resilience. For example, there are several notable characters named Mei in Chinese literature and folklore, such as Mei-ling, a heroine from the classic novel "Dream of the Red Chamber," and Mei-mei, a character from the famous short story "The Jade Bracelet" by Su Tong.
Overall, the name Mei is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and history, embodying the values of beauty, grace, resilience, and nobility. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be cherished by many families around the world today.
Popularity of the name MEI since 1880
Birth evolution
Popularity analysis
The name Mei has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only six recorded births each year from 1947 to 1959, it was not very common during that time. However, starting in 1960, the number of Mei births began to rise steadily.
From 1960 to 2000, there were a total of 253 births with the name Mei in the United States. The peak year for Mei births during this period was 1974, with thirteen babies given the name. This trend continued into the new millennium, with the number of Mei births increasing significantly.
Between 2000 and 2022, there were a total of 936 Mei births in the United States. The year 2023 saw an even higher number, with seventy-nine babies named Mei born so far. This is more than double the previous peak year for Mei births.
Overall, since 1947, there have been a total of 1639 Mei births in the United States. The name Mei has become much more popular over time, especially in recent years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues and whether Mei becomes even more common as a baby name in the coming years.