Meaning: The surname 麦 (Mài) originates from the Spring and Autumn period. It is said to have arisen from the descendants of the rulers of the State of Qi, who were granted land in Màiqiū (present-day Shānghé, Shāndōng), hence taking the place name as their surname. Another theory suggests that the surname comes from minority ethnic groups, such as the Mài clan of the Xianbei. Although relatively uncommon, notable figures with this surname include Mài Tiězhǎng from the Liu Song Dynasty.
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.200 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.999 place
Mai Xiuqi (麦秀岐)
a Ming Dynasty scholar from Nanhai, known for his governance as the magistrate of Wannian County and author of 'Dan Yuan Tang Manuscript'.
Mai Erxuan (麦而炫)
a late Ming Dynasty scholar and official from Guangdong, known for his loyalty and martyrdom against the Qing forces.
Mai Mengyang (麦孟阳)
A Ming Dynasty official, known by the courtesy name Ru Fu, from Gaoyao, who served as an educational officer in Xingning, Hunan, and later as the prefect of Shiqian.
'麦' is a rare Chinese surname tied to ancient territories and ethnic groups. Despite its infrequency, it carries a rich historical background.