Find out how popular the first name Meiling has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Meiling by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Meiling is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Meiling.

The history of the first name Meiling

The name Meiling is of Chinese origin, originating from the Mandarin Chinese language. It is a combination of the Chinese characters 美 (měi), meaning "beautiful," and 灵 (líng), meaning "spirit" or "soul." The name can be translated to mean "beautiful spirit" or "beautiful soul."

In ancient Chinese culture, names were often chosen to reflect desirable qualities or to express hopes and aspirations for the child. The character 美 (měi) has been used in Chinese names for centuries to convey a wish for beauty, grace, and elegance. The character 灵 (líng) has a more spiritual connotation, signifying intelligence, wisdom, and liveliness.

The earliest recorded use of the name Meiling dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), when it appeared in historical records and literature. During this golden age of Chinese culture, the name may have been given to daughters of noble families or individuals of high social standing.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Meiling was Meiling Zhang (張美灵), a renowned poet and calligrapher who lived during the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century AD. She was celebrated for her exceptional literary talents and her mastery of the art of calligraphy.

Another notable Meiling in history was Meiling Wang (王美灵), a skilled painter and musician who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). She was renowned for her exquisite portraits and her proficiency in playing the guqin, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument.

In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), there was a Meiling Zhu (朱美灵), who was a prominent scholar and educator. She was known for her contributions to the advancement of women's education and for her advocacy of Confucian values.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), Meiling Li (李美灵) was a celebrated actress and opera singer. She was renowned for her captivating performances and her ability to bring characters to life on stage.

In more recent history, Meiling Soong (宋美齡, 1898-2003) was a prominent figure in Chinese politics and diplomacy. She was the wife of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Nationalist government in China, and played a significant role in shaping international perceptions of China during the mid-20th century.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Meiling was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Meiling, please contact us.

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