What does Mae mean and where does it come from?
The name Mae is often associated with the month of May, symbolizing spring, renewal, and beauty. It can also be seen as a variant of the name May, which has Old French origins related to the word 'maie' for the month. The name Mae gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Un
Cultural significance
Mae has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of born in may.
Peak popularity
Reached #52 in 1892 — currently #506 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mae?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mae?
Mae works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mae Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mae Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mae Claire
French influence · crisp
Mae Jane
Literary · strong
Mae Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mae right now?
Holding steady — currently #506 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #506 | 599 | ▲ up 5 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #511 | 614 | ▼ down 7 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #504 | 620 | ▲ up 72 · +23% births |
| 2020 | #576 | 504 | ▲ up 11 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #587 | 513 | ▲ up 392 · +98% births |
| 2010 | #979 | 259 | ▲ up 298 · +48% births |
| 2005 | #1277 | 175 | ▲ up 125 · +33% births |
| 2000 | #1402 | 132 | ▲ up 786 · +116% births |
| 1995 | #2188 | 61 | ▼ down 13 · +3% births |
| 1990 | #2175 | 59 | ▼ down 227 · +5% births |
| 1985 | #1948 | 56 | ▼ down 445 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #1503 | 79 | ▼ down 223 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #1280 | 87 | ▼ down 255 · -28% births |
| 1970 | #1025 | 120 | ▼ down 304 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #721 | 189 | — |
The story of Mae
Mae has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #52 in 1892. More than 112,404 babies have been named Mae since 1880. Once ranked #71 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #506 in 2023. Mae is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mae in 1892:
Mae by decade
Mae peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5,652 | |
| 1890s | 10,948 | |
| 1900s | 12,767 | |
| 1910s | 21,634 | |
| 1920s ★ | 22,904 | |
| 1930s | 12,998 | |
| 1940s | 9,032 | |
| 1950s | 5,576 | |
| 1960s | 2,173 | |
| 1970s | 831 | |
| 1980s | 605 | |
| 1990s | 654 | |
| 2000s | 1,713 | |
| 2010s | 4,413 | |
| 2020s | 504 | |
What are good nicknames for Mae?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghanMoMollieMollyPolliePollyReenie
What names sound and feel like Mae?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mae also consider these
How is Mae written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Mae
What does the name Mae mean?
Mae means "born in May" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mae?
Mae is currently ranked #506 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mae have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mae?
Mae originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Mae?
Mae is a one-syllable name pronounced M EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Mae sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Mae flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mae ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.