枚
Mei
Pronounced like: "May"
Other Spellings: Mei, Mui, Bôi, Moy, Mae
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Mei Family Name
The history of the surname Mei is primarily traced back to two distinct sources. The most prominent lineage originates from the Zi (子) surname, the ancestral name of the Shang Dynasty royalty. During the early Zhou Dynasty, descendants of the Shang were granted various fiefs; one branch was enfeoffed in a location named Mei, leading their descendants to adopt the place name as their surname to preserve their heritage. A second source relates to official positions or specific administrative functions. It is believed that certain families adopted the name based on the 'Mei' measure word used in tallying items or managing administrative tokens in ancient courts. While it remains a relatively rare surname today, its historical roots are deeply embedded in the transition from the Shang to the Zhou dynasties.
What Does the Chinese Surname Mei Mean?
The character '枚' (Méi) fundamentally denotes a small branch, stalk, or stem of a plant. In ancient Chinese etymology, it specifically refers to the primary trunk or the individual stalks of bamboo and wood. Beyond its botanical origins, it evolved into a common classifier or measure word in the Chinese language, used for small, solid objects such as coins, rings, or medals. As a surname, it conveys a sense of singularity, resilience, and structural integrity, symbolizing someone who stands firm like a sturdy trunk or serves as a foundational piece of a larger whole. Its usage reflects an appreciation for the individual components that constitute the natural and social world. Historically, it is associated with precision and stability.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Mei
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Mei | Pinyin |
| Mui | Cantonese |
| Bôi | Vietnamese |
| Moy | Taishanese |
| Mae | Thai-Chinese |
Famous People With the Surname Mei
1. Mei Sheng (枚乘): A renowned poet and rhapsodist of the Western Han Dynasty, best known for his influential work 'Qi Fa' (Seven Stimuli), which established a significant style of Fu poetry.
2. Mei Gao (枚皋): The son of Mei Sheng and a celebrated writer in his own right during the Han Dynasty, he was famous for his prolific literary output and quick wit in composing court poetry.
3. Mei Ze (枚赜): A scholar and official of the Eastern Jin Dynasty who is historically significant for presenting a version of the 'Old Text Classic of History' (Guwen Shangshu) to the imperial court.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 枚 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Mei (枚) mean?+
The character '枚' (Méi) fundamentally denotes a small branch, stalk, or stem of a plant. In ancient Chinese etymology, it specifically refers to the primary trunk or the individual stalks of bamboo and wood. Beyond its botanical origins, it evolved into a common classifier or measure word in the Chinese language, used for small, solid objects such as coins, rings, or medals. As a surname, it conveys a sense of singularity, resilience, and structural integrity, symbolizing someone who stands firm like a sturdy trunk or serves as a foundational piece of a larger whole. Its usage reflects an appreciation for the individual components that constitute the natural and social world. Historically, it is associated with precision and stability.
How common is the surname Mei?+
The surname Mei ranks approximately #599 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 枚?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Mei. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "May".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.