梅MeiSurname
Méi
Mei (梅) means 'plum' and is associated with the plum blossom, a symbol of resilience, purity, and perseverance in Chinese culture. It represents beauty and endurance through harsh winters.
Méi
Mainland China · Taiwan
Population Ranking
#475
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Hebei, Guangdong, Shandong
Five Element Analysis
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The Mei surname has several origins. One branch descends from the royal family of the Shang Dynasty, who were granted the fief of Mei (梅). Another comes from the state of Mei during the Spring and Autumn period. Some also adopted the surname from the name of a plum tree or fruit.
Surname Evolution
The Mei surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Mei clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Mei surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Yantai area, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Donglai Commandery (东莱郡) — Modern-day Yantai area, Shandong Province
Hall Title
世德堂 (Mei Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Mei Clan Ancestral Hall in Donglai — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Mei 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
积善传家，诗礼继世 — Accumulating goodness passes through the family; poetry and ritual continue.
Famous People with Surname Mei
Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳) — The most famous Peking opera performer of the 20th century
Mei Yaochen (梅尧臣) — Song Dynasty poet known for his realistic style
Mei Yiqi (梅贻琦) — Former president of Tsinghua University and educator
Tone Compatibility
Mei (Méi) is a 2nd tone (rising) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and secure
vast and auspicious
ambition that soars
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 Mei
Your Mei Family Legend
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What does the surname Mei mean in Chinese?
The surname Mei (梅) means 'plum' and is associated with the plum blossom, a symbol of resilience, purity, and perseverance in Chinese culture. It represents beauty and endurance through harsh winters. The character 梅 is composed of 木 (tree) and 每 (every), referring to the plum tree. It evokes elegance and strength.
Where does the Mei surname originate from?
The Mei surname has several origins. One branch descends from the royal family of the Shang Dynasty, who were granted the state of Mei (梅) in present-day Henan. Another origin is from the Zhou dynasty, where a noble named Mei Bo (梅伯) was a loyal minister. Additionally, some Mei families trace back to the Han dynasty, when the surname was adopted from the plum tree.
Who are some famous people with the surname Mei?
Famous Meis include Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳), the most famous Peking opera performer of the 20th century. Mei Yaochen (梅尧臣) was a renowned Song dynasty poet. In modern times, Mei Ting (梅婷) is a popular actress. Mei Yiqi (梅贻琦) was a prominent educator and former president of Tsinghua University.
What given names go well with the surname Mei?
Since Mei means 'plum', given names that evoke nature, beauty, or resilience pair well. For example, Mei Xue (雪, 'snow') or Mei Fang (芳, 'fragrant') complement the plum blossom theme. Avoid names that are too delicate or fragile. Names with 强 (qiáng, 'strong') or 傲 (ào, 'proud') enhance the symbolism of endurance.