Himari vs Mei

Himari is a Japanese girl's name meaning A bright and cheerful name representing a sunflower that faces the sun, while Mei is a Japanese girl's name meaning A sweet name meaning a sprout or bud, often associated with new beginnings and growth. Mei is the shorter of the two at 2 syllables.

Himari陽葵

/hee-MA-ree/

Meaning
A bright and cheerful name representing a sunflower that faces the sun.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Letters
6
Nicknames
陽葵, 向日葵, 日葵, ひまり, ヒマリ, Hima
Loved
0 times

Himari is primarily derived from the kanji 'Hi' (sun) and 'mari' (hollyhock), referencing the sunflower which traditionally follows the sun's path. While modern interpretations emphasize a bright, outward-facing personality, the name can also be composed using 'Hi' (light) and 'Mari' (ball/orb) to signify completeness or playfulness.

Full Himari name page

Mei芽依

/MEH-ee/

Meaning
A sweet name meaning a sprout or bud, often associated with new beginnings and growth.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
3
Nicknames
芽依, 萌衣, 芽生, 明依, Mei-chan
Loved
0 times

Mei is most commonly derived from the Japanese kanji 芽 (me) meaning 'sprout' or 'bud' and 依 (i) meaning 'reliance' or 'garment,' though it can be written with various characters. Historically, the name symbolizes potential and the flourishing of new life, often chosen for children born in spring.

Full Mei name page

How to choose between Himari and Mei

  • Sound: Himari runs to 3 syllables (/hee-MA-ree/) and Mei to 2 (/MEH-ee/). Mei pairs more easily with a longer surname.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Japanese background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Himari shortens to 陽葵, 向日葵, 日葵. Mei shortens to 芽依, 萌衣, 芽生.
  • Usage today: Himari consistently ranks as one of the most popular names for newborn girls in Japan over the last decade, often topping the Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance annual charts. It is favored for its modern, soft 'nanori' phonetic quality and its optimistic natural imagery. The name is a popular choice for girls in contemporary Japan due to its soft phonetic sound and positive natural imagery. It is also widely recognized internationally, partly due to its prevalence in Japanese popular culture and animation.

Himari vs Mei: common questions

Is Himari or Mei easier to pronounce?
Himari is said /hee-MA-ree/ with 3 syllables, while Mei is said /MEH-ee/ with 2 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Himari and Mei?
Himari means A bright and cheerful name representing a sunflower that faces the sun. Mei means A sweet name meaning a sprout or bud, often associated with new beginnings and growth.
Which is more popular, Himari or Mei?
Himari and Mei are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).