inscription, signature (of artisan)
銘 centers on a permanent mark of identity or quality: an inscription carved into metal or stone, or an artisan's signature that guarantees the work. Both senses share the idea of a lasting, identifying mark.
銘 combines 金 (metal) with 名 (name), suggesting a name or inscription carved into metal. This is a standard phono-semantic compound where 名 also hints at the sound.
Metal (金) plus a name (名) makes an inscription: imagine an artisan carving their name into a metal plate to sign their work.
For メイ, picture a famous artisan named May who always inscribes her name on her metalwork: May -> メイ.
—
brand; make; description
deep impression; being deeply moved; being deeply touched
genuine; authentic; true; real
inscription; epitaph
to engrave an inscription; to call (designate) itself; to mark; to label
to stamp; to engrave; to inscribe
favourite motto; pet saying
excellent sweet; confection of an established name
each; individual
unsigned; without a signature
famous brand of sake; choice sake
nameplate; plaque
inscription
keep in mind; take note of; remember
epitaph; inscription on a tombstone
meisen silk
listed issue; listed brand
marginable stocks
inscription on stone monuments, metal receptacles, etc.; exergue; inscribing
name of the writer of a gravestone epitaph, engraved after the epitaph