1. Introduction
The name Mei is a popular choice for many parents when it comes to naming their children. It is a name that has been used for centuries and has many different meanings and origins. But is Mei a Japanese name? In this article, we will explore the history, meaning, and popularity of the name Mei in Japan.
2. History of the Name Mei
The name Mei is believed to have originated from China and was later adopted by Japan as a popular female name. It can be written in various ways, including 明 or 梅, but all of them are pronounced as “Mei” in Japanese. The kanji characters used to write the name have different meanings depending on how they are combined with other characters, but generally mean “bright” or “plum blossom”.
3. Meaning Behind the Name Mei
The meaning behind the name Mei depends on which kanji characters are used to write it. When written with the character 明, it means “bright” or “clear”, while when written with the character 梅 it means “plum blossom” or “beautiful flower”. Both of these meanings reflect positive qualities that parents want for their children: intelligence and beauty.
4. Popularity of the Name Mei in Japan
The name Mei has been steadily gaining popularity in Japan over the past few decades and is now one of the most popular names given to baby girls born in Japan each year. It is also becoming increasingly common among adults as well, with more people choosing to give themselves or their children traditional Japanese names such as Mei instead of Western-style names like Emily or Sarah.
5. Variations of the Name Mei
There are several variations of the name Mei that can be found in Japan today, including Meiko (明子), Meisa (明砂), Meiyo (明代), Meika (明花) and Meirin (明鈴). Each variation has its own unique meaning and can be written using different kanji characters depending on what parents want for their child’s name; for example, Meiko can mean either “bright child” or “wise child” depending on which kanji characters are used to write it.
6. Famous Japanese People Named Mei
There are several famous Japanese people who have been given this beautiful name over time; some examples include actress/singer Meisa Kuroki, former Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s daughter Meisa Kan, singer/actress Meiko Kaji and Olympic figure skater Mai Asada – all of whom have made a big impact on their respective fields despite having such a common first name!
7. Is Mei a Common Japanese Name?
Yes – according to recent statistics from Nihonkai Research Institute, “Mei” was ranked as one of the top 10 most popular female baby names given in 2020 in Japan! This shows just how common this beautiful traditional Japanese name has become over time – even amongst adults!
8 Conclusion
In conclusion, we can see that although “Mei” originated from China centuries ago, it has since become an increasingly popular choice amongst parents who want to give their children traditional Japanese names like this one! With its many different meanings and variations available, there’s no doubt that “Mei” will continue to be a favorite amongst parents looking for something special for their little ones!
9 References
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Nihonkai Research Institute – Top 10 Most Popular Female Baby Names Given In 2020 In Japan https://www3-nri-research-institute-co-jp-news-20210111
Is the name Mei Chinese or Japanese?
Chinese
Mei is a girls name of Chinese origin. This classic name translates to “gorgeous” and “plum,” the perfect name for a beautiful bouncing baby.
Is Mei Mei a Korean name?
Is May a cultural name? The name Mei is a girls name of Chinese origin that means beautiful.
What country name is Mei?
Chinese: Mandarin surname 梅 meaning Chinese plum: place name given to Mei Bos grandson (梅伯 Earl of Mei) from the Huang Mei (黃梅) fief (located in present-day Hubei Province). By King Wu of Zhou (c.
Is Mai a Japanese name?
Mai is a unisex name of Japanese origin meaning dance. Whether you are good at dancing or not dancing is a universal way of expressing joy that makes beautiful baby names mean.
What mei means in Japanese?
Mei in Japanese is a combination of me/bud (germinate or sprout) and i/yi (protected) or i/yi (clothes) or i/sheng (life).
Is Mei Mei Chinese?
Mei Mei China offers authentic and delicious Chinese flavors