Nakabayashi (written: 中林) is a Japanese surname. It is composed of two kanji elements: naka (中) meaning "middle" and hayashi (林) meaning "forest," giving the combined meaning of "middle forest." Notable Bearers Notable individuals with the surname Nakabayashi include Hirotsugu Nakabayashi (中林 洋次; born 1986), a Japanese footballer, and Mei Nakabayashi (中林 芽依; born 1989), better known by the stage name May'n, a Japanese singer. In fiction, Hiromi Nakabayashi (中林 宏美) is a character from the light novel series Baka and Test. Cultural Context Like many Japanese surnames, Nakabayashi is of toponymic origin, derived from a location associated with a "middle forest." It belongs to the category of surnames formed from natural features and cardinal directions, common in Japan. Meaning: "middle forest" Origin: Japanese Type: Surname Regions: Japan