Origin & Meaning of the Mei Surname
What does the last name Mei mean?
The surname Mei carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,867 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mei ranks as the #4,510 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mei come from?
The Mei surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Mei name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mei trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Mei |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,510 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,867 |
| Per 100K People | 2.67 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mei
According to the US Census, the Mei surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,867 Americans with the Mei last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.37% |
| Hispanic | 0.97% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 91.72% |
| Two or More Races | 0.62% |
Popularity of Mei Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mei surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mei surname increased by 3,073 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mei Ancestry
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Similar Surnames to Mei
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mei.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Mei.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mei
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