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.

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.

Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
/MEH-ee/

Cultural background

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.

Variations & nicknames

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

Famous people named Mei

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Mei Nagano

    Award-winning actress known for leading roles in films and television dramas.

    Film · 2009–present

  • Mei Kusakabe

    Iconic young protagonist in the Studio Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro'.

    Film · 1988

  • Mei Nakano

    Professional swimmer specializing in backstroke events.

    Sport · 2010s–present

  • Mei Kurokawa

    Prolific actress and singer who debuted as a child star.

    Music · 1990s–present

Frequently asked about Mei

What does Mei mean?
In Japanese, Mei most frequently translates to 'sprout' or 'bud,' representing new growth and beginnings.
How do you pronounce Mei?
Mei is pronounced as 'may' (rhyming with day), consisting of the phonetic sounds 'meh' and 'ee' blended quickly.
Is Mei a boy or girl name?
While it can rarely be used for boys depending on the kanji, Mei is overwhelmingly used as a feminine name in Japan.
Is Mei a common name in Japan?
Yes, Mei has consistently ranked among the top names for newborn girls in Japan over the last decade.

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