Interpretation of the Mei (梅) Surname Totem

【Meaning】

The character 梅 (Méi) has two primary meanings. First, it refers to the Zhennan (Phoebe zhennan), a type of high-quality nanmu wood prized for construction and furniture. Second, it refers to the Plum tree, a fruit-bearing tree. Its fruit, known as the plum (meizi), is edible and widely used in Chinese cuisine and medicine.

【Origins】

1. From the Zi (子) Surname: The Mei clan is descended from Shang Tang (the founder of the Shang Dynasty). During the Shang Dynasty, King Tai Ding enfeoffed his younger brother in Mei (southeast of present-day Bozhou, Anhui) with the rank of Baron, historically known as Mei Bo (Baron of Mei).

2. The Martyrdom of Mei Bo: By the reign of the final Shang ruler, King Zhou, the Lord of Mei (Mei Bo) was known for his integrity and directness. Witnessing the King's corruption and tyranny, he repeatedly risked his life to offer candid counsel. King Zhou refused to listen and eventually had Mei Bo executed by "mincing" (hai — an ancient form of execution).

3. Restoration by King Wu: After King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang Dynasty, he honored Mei Bo’s loyalty by enfeoffing his descendants in Mei City (present-day Huaining, Anhui), granting them the title of "Loyal Marquis" (Zhong Hou). His descendants adopted the name of their ancestral fief, Mei, as their surname. This lineage is regarded as the "Orthodox Mei Clan."

Historical & Demographic Profile

Category

Details

Founding Ancestor

Mei Bo (Baron of Mei)

Ancestral Homeland

Huangmei, Anhui Province

Prefectural Mansions

Runan, Yicheng, Wenshan

Notable Hall Name

Beihai Hall

Modern Ranking / Population

Ranked 147th / Approx. 1,060,000 people

Song Dynasty Ranking

Ranked 136th in the Hundred Family Surnames

Extant Genealogies

52 volumes currently preserved