Mei

What does Mei mean?

Behind Mei lies the meaning “The sprout”. The name comes from Japanese, where names are usually built from characters with their own pictorial meaning. Name meanings are rarely definitive; where several readings circulate we list the most common first. Treat them as origin stories rather than definitions.

Sound, length and pronunciation

It is pronounced MEI. Ending on a vowel gives it a soft, open finish — names like this pair especially well with short, hard surnames.

With 3 letters and 1 syllable, Mei is decidedly short. Short names have a practical advantage: you can call them across a playground without losing the second half, and they need no nickname because they already are one.

How popular is the name?

Mei does not appear near the top of current German name statistics. For parents looking for a name that appears only once in a classroom, that is precisely the point.

Does Mei suit your surname?

A reliable rule of thumb: if the surname is short and hard, a longer, softer first name like Mei usually works better — and vice versa. Say the full combination out loud a few times, including in an exasperated tone.

Sibling names that go with it

Parents who go on to have a second child often want names that work together. Mei pairs well with Akira, Daiki, Isamu, Jiro, Kaito.

Registry offices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

In Germany the registry office decides whether a first name may be entered. It must be recognisable as a first name and must not harm the child's wellbeing. Austria applies comparable criteria, and in Switzerland the civil registry decides. Mei is rarer but meets the usual criteria. If in doubt, a phone call to the registry office settles it.