Mei
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
Origin:Japanese
How to pronounce the name Mei
Pronunciation guide for Mei
ARPA
M EY1
IPA
meɪ
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Mei
Syllables (1)
M EY1
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
M
me (m)EY1
ate (eɪ)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
meɪ
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Mei
Structure
Character Count
3
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
67%
Name Family
mei
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty3/10
Easy to pronounce
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Mei
Unique character and personality of the name Mei
Name Personality
The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong
Key Characteristics
Length
Short
Concise and memorable
Rhythm
Monosyllabic
Simple and direct
Sound
Open
Vowel-rich and flowing
Ease
Simple
Easy for most speakers
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
mei
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
m×1
e×1
i×1
Most frequent letters in Mei
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
3/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Mei compare to the average name?
Mei3/10 😊
3.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Mei is easier than average by 2.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Mei
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Mei (root: mei)
Current Name
Mei
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Mae
May
Maye
Mey
Mabe
Mace
Maes
Maile
Maine
Mains
Mais
Maize
Male
Medium variations:
Maille
Maines
Mei belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Mei mean?
The meaning and origin of Mei
English
1. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Mei's meanings
Primary Theme
📖
Descriptive
Based on origin, place, or historical context
Theme Distribution
Natural
1
Descriptive
4
Key Themes
tree
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Mei
Life Path Number
9
The Humanitarian
Selfless individuals dedicated to serving humanity and making the world better.
Compassionate
Idealistic
Generous
Universal
Most Common Letters
m×1
e×1
i×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(67%)
Consonants
1(33%)
Vowel-heavy names tend to sound more open and flowing
Numerology Breakdown
m4
e5
i9
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Mei
Famous individuals named Mei
No notable people named Mei are currently in our database.
How popular is the name Mei?
Popularity rankings for Mei around the world
The name Mei has no ranking data available.
Mei Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Mei
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
What words rhyme with the name Mei?
Rhyming words for Mei
'kay
a
a.
aaa
aba
abbe
aday
ae
aggrey
aigner
aka
allais
allay
ama
anime
antigay
anway
array
asay
asea
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Mei?
IPA: /meɪ/ ARPA: M EY1 This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Mei?
Mei has 1 syllable.
Is Mei easy to pronounce?
Mei is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Mei easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Mei is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
What names are similar to Mei?
Names similar to Mei include: Mae, May, Maye, Mey, Mabe. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Mei a good baby name?
Mei makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Mei a boy or girl name?
Mei can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Mei?
The name is spelled M-e-i. Common spelling variations include: Mae, May, Maye.
What does the name Mei mean?
The name Mei has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "mei n 1: Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits [syn: {Japanese apricot}, {mei}, {Prunus mume}]" and "mei personKa kot i mei hangtai ". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Mei?
Middle names that pair well with Mei include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Mei?
Sibling names that pair well with Mei include: Mae, May, Maye, Mey. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Mei?
Yes, Mei is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Mei from?
Mei originates from Japanese culture. Japanese names typically combine kanji characters, each with specific meanings, creating names that reflect virtues, nature, or aspirations parents have for their children. Understanding a name's cultural origin provides insight into its deeper significance and the traditions it represents.
Is Mei suitable for a professional career?
Mei is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Mei a long or short name?
Mei is a very short name with 3 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of Mei?
Common spelling variations of Mei include: Mae, May, Mey. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Mei and Mae?
Mei and Mae are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Mei is spelled Mei while Mae is spelled Mae. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.