Meaning, origin, history
Meili is a Chinese given name of beautiful origin and significance. It is derived from the Chinese characters "美" (měi), which means "beautiful", and "李" (lì), which refers to the plum tree or apricot tree.
The name Meili is often given to girls, although it can also be used for boys in some cases. In ancient China, it was believed that beautiful women were favored by gods and had good fortune. Thus, parents would give their daughters this name hoping they would grow up to be attractive and lucky.
Historically, the name Meili has been associated with several notable figures in Chinese history and literature. One famous example is Meili, a concubine of Emperor Wu of Han, who was known for her intelligence and wisdom as well as her beauty. Another notable figure is Meili, a character in the classic novel "Dream of the Red Chamber," which is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
In modern times, Meili remains a popular choice among parents in China, with many hoping that their daughters will embody the qualities suggested by their name. It has also gained international recognition due to its beauty and positive connotations. Overall, Meili is a charming and meaningful name with deep roots in Chinese culture and history.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Meili since 1880
Total births
380
Total since 1880
Peak year
2009
23 births
in 2023
14
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+21%
↗
vs previous 5 years