Mei芽依

/MEH-ee/

JapaneseGirl

Mei is a Japanese girl's name pronounced /MEH-ee/. A sweet name meaning a sprout or bud, often associated with new beginnings and growth.

Meaning of Mei

A sweet name meaning a sprout or bud, often associated with new beginnings and growth.

The name Mei is most commonly derived from the Japanese kanji 芽 (me), meaning sprout or bud, and 衣 (i), meaning clothing or garment. Historically, it can also be written as 苺 (strawberry) or 明 (bright), reflecting various natural elements and auspicious traits associated with clarity and vitality.

Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
/MEH-ee/

Cultural background

In contemporary Japan, Mei is a highly popular choice for newborn girls, often ranking in top popularity lists due to its soft sound and positive imagery of nature. It gained global cultural recognition through the character Mei Kusakabe in the Studio Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro'.

Variations & nicknames

  • 芽依
  • 萌衣
  • 芽生
  • 明依
  • Mei-chan
  • Meimei

Frequently asked about Mei

What does Mei mean?
Mei primarily means 'sprout' or 'bud' in Japanese, symbolizing new growth, potential, and the beauty of nature.
How do you pronounce Mei?
It is pronounced as 'meh-ee', sounding similar to the English word 'may'.
Is Mei a boy or girl name?
In Japan, Mei is almost exclusively used as a feminine given name.
Can Mei be written with different kanji?
Yes, parents can choose different kanji combinations to change the meaning, such as using characters for 'bright', 'reliable', or 'flower'.
Is Mei a common name in Japan?
Yes, Mei has been one of the most popular names for girls in Japan throughout the 2010s and early 2020s.

Love Mei? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Japanese names each week — free, no spam.

Compare Mei with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Japanese names

See all Japanese names
Find more names like Mei