麦MaiSurname
Mài
Mai (麦) means 'wheat' or 'barley'. It symbolizes agriculture, harvest, and prosperity. The surname reflects the importance of farming in Chinese culture.
Mài
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#159
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Zhejiang, Shandong, Sichuan
Five Element Analysis
Fire
passion, energy, and leadership
Origin & History
The Mai surname originated from the ancient state of Mai during the Spring and Autumn period. It is also adopted by some families from the Han Chinese and ethnic minorities in southern China, particularly in Guangdong.
Surname Evolution
The Mai surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Mai clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Mai surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Jinan, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Jinan Commandery (济南郡) — Modern-day Jinan, Shandong Province
Hall Title
孝思堂 (Mai Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Mai Clan Ancestral Hall in Jinan — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Mai family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
勤俭传家，耕读继世 — Diligence and thrift pass through the family; farming and learning continue.
Famous People with Surname Mai
Mai Jia (麦家) — Award-winning contemporary novelist, author of 'Decoded'
Mai Zhaoming (麦兆明) — Hong Kong film director and screenwriter
Mai Weifu (麦伟夫) — Chinese footballer who played for the national team
Tone Compatibility
Mai (Mài) is a 4th tone (falling) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and bright
bright and peaceful
vast as ocean and sun
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Mai
Your Mai Family Legend
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What does the surname Mai mean in Chinese?
The surname Mai (麦) means 'wheat' or 'barley'. It symbolizes agriculture, harvest, and prosperity. The character is a pictograph of a grain plant, reflecting the importance of farming in Chinese culture. As a surname, it carries connotations of abundance and sustenance.
Where does the Mai surname originate from?
The Mai surname originated from the ancient state of Mai during the Spring and Autumn period, located in present-day Henan province. The state was named after the wheat crop, and its people adopted Mai as their surname. Another origin is from the Mai clan, descendants of a noble family in the Zhou dynasty who were in charge of grain storage.
Who are some famous people with the surname Mai?
1. Mai Jie, a famous Chinese actress known for her roles in Hong Kong cinema. 2. Mai Dizhi, a Chinese footballer who played for the national team. 3. Mai Xiaosong, a Chinese basketball player and coach.
What given names go well with the surname Mai?
Given names that pair well with Mai often emphasize abundance and growth, such as 'Mai Feng' (麦丰, 'abundant wheat') or 'Mai Qiu' (麦秋, 'autumn harvest'). Names with meanings like 'harvest', 'prosperity', or 'nourishment' complement the surname's agricultural connotation. Avoid names that suggest scarcity or waste.