雷菲 (Lei fei)
Origin of the surname: Lei means "thunder" in Chinese. The surname was often given to people born during thunderstorms or with powerful voices. Lei Feng was a soldier of the People's Liberation Army who became a cultural icon symbolizing selflessness and dedication.
Meaning: The Chinese character "菲" (fēi) can mean: 1. A type of plant in the mustard family, often referring to a simple or humble herb. 2. (Adjective) Humble, unworthy, or plain (e.g., 菲薄 "modest"). 3. In names, it may symbolize beauty, fragrance, or elegance, as in the name "Fei" or "Faye."
Gender: Female
Source: The name "菲" (pronounced Fēi) originates from classical Chinese literature and carries rich cultural connotations. In the *Book of Songs* (*Shijing*, 诗经), China's oldest poetry collection, the phrase "采葑采菲，无以下体" appears in the poem *Valley Wind* (《邶风·谷风》). Here, "菲" refers to a type of wild vegetable (possibly radish or turnip), metaphorically urging people not to discard the entire plant due to its imperfect roots—a lesson about valuing inherent worth beyond superficial flaws. As a given name, "菲" embodies dual symbolism: 1. Fragrance/Elegance: Its later usage evolved to mean "fragrant" or "luxuriant" (芳菲), often associated with blooming flowers or refined beauty. 2. Resilience: The classical allusion emphasizes humility and enduring value, celebrating inner qualities over transient appearances. Modern usage retains these poetic layers, making it a popular choice for its balance of grace and philosophical depth.
About your English name:
Name: Melanie
Meaning: Melanie means "dark" or "black-haired," derived from the Greek word "melas" (μέλας).
Origin: The name Melanie is of Greek origin, derived from the word "melas" (μέλας), meaning "dark" or "black." It evolved from the Greek name "Melania" (Μελανία), a feminine form of "Melanos," referencing dark features like hair or complexion. The name gained prominence through early Christian saints, such as Saint Melanie the Elder and Saint Melanie the Younger, Roman noblewomen who became ascetics. It spread across Europe in the Middle Ages and became popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. Variants include Mélanie (French) and Melania (Latin/Italian).
Story: The name Melanie is of Greek origin, derived from the word "melania" (μελανία), meaning "darkness" or "black," from "melas" (μέλας), which translates to "black" or "dark." In ancient Greek culture, the name likely referenced physical traits like dark hair or complexion, though it later took on symbolic associations with mystery, depth, or elegance.
The name gained prominence through early Christian saints, notably *Saint Melania the Elder* (4th–5th century) and her granddaughter *Saint Melania the Younger*, Roman noblewomen who devoted their lives to charity and monasticism. Their veneration helped spread the name across Europe.
In modern times, Melanie became popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, peaking in the 1970s–80s. It evokes a classic yet approachable image, bolstered by figures like singer Melanie Safka ("Brand New Key") and actress Melanie Griffith. Variants include *Melania* (notably borne by Melania Trump) and spellings like *Melany*. Nicknames such as *Mel* or *Lanie* add versatility. The name balances historical gravitas with a gentle, melodic sound.