Mau

“Sprout, grow”

Japanese origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1179US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

5All-time births

📅 Since 201000

What does Mau mean and where does it come from?

Mau has origins in several Asian cultures. In Japanese, it can refer to the notion of 'sprout' or the action of growth, indicating vitality. In a Chinese context, it means 'cat' (猫), and in Vietnam, it can also mean 'cat', denoting affection towards felines. This name has been popular in various reg

Cultural significance

Mau has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sprout, grow.

Peak popularity

Reached #14143 in 2010 — currently #1179 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Mau?

Mau works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Mau Grace

How popular is Mau right now?

Holding steady — currently #1179 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2010–2023#1179 · Top 0.87%

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1179	1,021	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1184	1,001	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1189	971	▲ up 12954 · +19320% births
2010	#14143	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mau

Best Year2023Rank #1179

Peak Count1,021

Average Rank#4424

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2010 - 20234 years

The story of Mau

Mau is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2010. With 5 total births recorded, Mau remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14143 in 2010 to #1179 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Mau in 2010:

Jacob Ethan Michael Jayden William

💎Mau has only 5 total recorded births since 2010 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Mau?

Common

MaieMay

What names sound and feel like Mau?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mau also consider these

Maud

England · battle-mighty

Mas

Japanese · a common given

Dau

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Nau

Arabic · waves, or to

Hau

Vietnam · Means 'flower'.

Tau

South Africa · warrior.

Common questions about the name Mau

What does the name Mau mean?

Mau means "Sprout, grow" — a name rooted in Japanese 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 Mau?

Mau is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Mau?

Mau originates from Japanese tradition. Japanese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How does Mau sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Mau flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mau ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.

Is Mau a common or rare name?

Mau is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.