What does May mean and where does it come from?
May is derived from the name of the month, which is named after the Roman goddess Maia, associated with growth and fertility. The name has been used since the Middle Ages as a given name, but it is also a common surname. It symbolizes spring and new beginnings. Notable figures include May Swenson (p
Cultural significance
May has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the month of may.
Peak popularity
Reached #57 in 1880 — currently #1433 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell May?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with May?
May works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
May Grace
Most popular combo · classic
May Rose
Floral · soft ending
May Claire
French influence · crisp
May Jane
Literary · strong
May Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is May right now?
Rising — up 13 spots — currently #1433 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1433 | 156 | ▲ up 13 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #1446 | 155 | ▲ up 259 · +27% births |
| 2021 | #1705 | 122 | stable · +3% births |
| 2020 | #1705 | 118 | ▼ down 62 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #1643 | 130 | ▲ up 243 · +21% births |
| 2010 | #1886 | 107 | ▲ up 106 · +13% births |
| 2005 | #1992 | 95 | ▼ down 92 · +7% births |
| 2000 | #1900 | 89 | ▼ down 141 · +9% births |
| 1995 | #1759 | 82 | ▼ down 26 · -2% births |
| 1990 | #1733 | 84 | ▼ down 653 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #1080 | 134 | ▲ up 7 · +4% births |
| 1980 | #1087 | 129 | ▲ up 182 · +47% births |
| 1975 | #1269 | 88 | ▼ down 61 · -5% births |
| 1970 | #1208 | 93 | ▼ down 206 · -14% births |
| 1965 | #1002 | 108 | — |
The story of May
May has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #57 in 1880. A total of 49,305 babies have received this name. Once ranked #57 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1433 in 2023. May is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside May in 1880:
May by decade
May peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5,933 | |
| 1890s | 6,922 | |
| 1900s | 5,593 | |
| 1910s | 8,217 | |
| 1920s ★ | 8,304 | |
| 1930s | 3,855 | |
| 1940s | 2,355 | |
| 1950s | 1,750 | |
| 1960s | 1,146 | |
| 1970s | 910 | |
| 1980s | 1,280 | |
| 1990s | 842 | |
| 2000s | 884 | |
| 2010s | 1,196 | |
| 2020s | 118 | |
What are good nicknames for May?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghanMoMollieMollyPolliePollyReenie
What names sound and feel like May?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love May also consider these
How is May written in other languages?
Common questions about the name May
What does the name May mean?
May means "the month of 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 May?
May is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for May have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of May?
May 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 May?
May 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 May sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, May flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as May ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.