梅
Mei
Pronounced like: "May"
Other Spellings: Mui, Boi, Mai, Ume, Meay
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Mei Family Name
The origins of the Mei surname are primarily traced back to two sources. The first stems from the Shang Dynasty official Mei Bo, a high-ranking minister known for his integrity; his descendants adopted his title as their surname to honor his legacy. The second source relates to the Western Zhou Dynasty, where King Wu granted the fief of Mei (located in present-day Anhui province) to descendants of the ruling Zi clan of the Shang. Another branch originated from ethnic minority groups in southern China, particularly the Bai and Miao peoples, who integrated into Han society. Throughout history, the clan migrated from central China to the south, establishing significant presence in regions like Anhui, Jiangsu, and Guangdong.
What Does the Chinese Surname Mei Mean?
The surname 'Mei' (梅) literally translates to the 'plum' tree or blossom (Prunus mume). In Chinese culture, the plum blossom is deeply revered as one of the 'Four Gentlemen' of plants, symbolizing perseverance, hope, and purity because it blooms in the harsh cold of winter before other flowers. Historically, the surname carries connotations of elegance, moral integrity, and resilience. It is often associated with scholars and artists who admire the flower's ability to thrive against adversity. As a botanical surname, it reflects the ancient Chinese practice of adopting names from the natural world, signifying a connection between family lineage and the enduring, noble qualities of nature.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Mei
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Mui | Cantonese |
| Boi | Hokkien |
| Mai | Vietnamese |
| Ume | Japanese |
| Meay | Common Anglicization |
Famous People With the Surname Mei
1. Mei Lanfang: A legendary Peking Opera performer who revolutionized the 'Dan' (female role) and became the first artist to introduce Chinese theater to a global audience.
2. Mei Bo: A loyal and righteous minister of the Shang Dynasty, famously martyred for his courageous advice to the tyrannical King Zhou.
3. Mei Yaochen: A prominent poet of the Northern Song Dynasty who was a pioneer of the 'New Style' of poetry, focusing on realism and daily life.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 梅 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 (梅) mean?+
The surname 'Mei' (梅) literally translates to the 'plum' tree or blossom (Prunus mume). In Chinese culture, the plum blossom is deeply revered as one of the 'Four Gentlemen' of plants, symbolizing perseverance, hope, and purity because it blooms in the harsh cold of winter before other flowers. Historically, the surname carries connotations of elegance, moral integrity, and resilience. It is often associated with scholars and artists who admire the flower's ability to thrive against adversity. As a botanical surname, it reflects the ancient Chinese practice of adopting names from the natural world, signifying a connection between family lineage and the enduring, noble qualities of nature.
How common is the surname Mei?+
The surname Mei ranks approximately #136 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 梅?+
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.