梅
Mei
Pronounced like: "May"
Other Spellings: Mui, Boi, Mai, Ume, Meay
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Mei Family Name
Les origines du nom de famille Mei remontent principalement à deux sources. La première provient du fonctionnaire Mei Bo de la dynastie Shang, un ministre connu pour son intégrité ; ses descendants ont adopté son titre comme nom de famille. La seconde source remonte à la dynastie des Zhou occidentaux, lorsque le roi Wu a accordé le fief de Mei (actuel Anhui) aux descendants du clan Zi. Une autre branche est issue de minorités ethniques du sud de la Chine, notamment les peuples Bai et Miao, qui se sont intégrés à la société Han. Au fil de l'histoire, le clan a migré de la Chine centrale vers le sud, s'établissant notamment dans les régions de l'Anhui, du Jiangsu et du Guangdong.
What Does the Chinese Surname Mei Mean?
Le nom de famille « Mei » (梅) se traduit littéralement par l'arbre ou la fleur de « prunier » (Prunus mume). Dans la culture chinoise, la fleur de prunier est profondément vénérée comme l'un des « quatre gentilshommes » des plantes, symbolisant la persévérance, l'espoir et la pureté car elle fleurit dans le froid rigoureux de l'hiver. Historiquement, le nom de famille porte des connotations d'élégance et d'intégrité morale. Il est souvent associé aux érudits et aux artistes qui admirent la résilience de la fleur face à l'adversité. En tant que nom de famille botanique, il reflète la pratique chinoise ancienne consistant à adopter des noms issus du monde naturel.
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 : Un interprète légendaire de l'Opéra de Pékin qui a révolutionné le rôle « Dan » et a été le premier à présenter le théâtre chinois au public mondial.
2. Mei Bo : Un ministre loyal de la dynastie Shang, célèbre pour son martyre après avoir donné des conseils courageux au tyrannique roi Zhou.
3. Mei Yaochen : Un poète éminent de la dynastie des Song du Nord, pionnier d'un nouveau style poétique axé sur le réalisme et la vie quotidienne.
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.