The first name Mei

In 2025, 13 girls were named Mei, making it the 2,138th most popular girls’ name. It peaked in 2010, with 26 births (#1,218).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Mei with other names.

In 2025, 117 girls born in the United States were named Mei, the 1,744th most popular girls’ name that year.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Jessie Mei Li
  English actress, born 1995
• Mei Li Vos
  Dutch politician, trade unionist and editorialist, born 1970
• Hu Mei
  Chinese director, television director and producer, born 1958
• Han Mei
  Chinese female speed skater, born 1998
• Vanessa-Mae
  British violinist, born 1978

What does the name Mei mean?

Mei means “beautiful” in Chinese.

What is the origin of the name Mei?

From Mandarin 美 (měi, “beautiful”), a common Chinese given name among women.

How popular is the name Mei?

In 2025, 13 girls born in England and Wales were named Mei, ranking 2,138th. Its peak was 2010, with 26 births.

Is Mei a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a girl's name: 100% of the 1,859 US babies named Mei since 1880 were girls.

When was Mei most popular?

2025 in the United States, when 117 babies were named Mei, its highest rank at 1,744th.

How do you pronounce Mei?

Mei is /meɪ/, one syllable.

Is Mei also a surname?

Yes. Mei is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.