girl name · Japanese origin
Mei
/ MAY /
Meaning
Mei means Bright; sprout (Japanese).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
MAY
Popularity
#1744 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Mei in the US, 1880–2025
Mei first appears in US records in 1947. It peaked in 2025, when 117 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 117.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Mei mean?
Mei is written with kanji meaning “bright” or “sprout,” among others.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mei mean?
Mei means Bright; sprout. Mei is written with kanji meaning “bright” or “sprout,” among others.
What is the origin of the name Mei?
Mei is of Japanese origin.
How do you pronounce Mei?
Mei is pronounced “MAY.”
Is Mei a boy or a girl name?
Mei is most commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Mei?
In 2025, Mei ranked #1744 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Mei most popular?
Mei was most popular in 2025, when about 117 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.