What does Maye mean and where does it come from?
The name Maye may be a variant of the name May, which is derived from the month of May, representing spring and the onset of warmer weather. In the language of flowers, May is often synonymous with growth and fertility. It has been used in various cultures and is popular in English-speaking countrie
Cultural significance
Maye has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #510 in 1903 — currently #7905 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maye?
Maye works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maye Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maye Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maye Claire
French influence · crisp
Maye Jane
Literary · strong
Maye Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maye right now?
Rising fast — up 1524 spots — currently #7905 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7905 | 14 | ▲ up 1524 · +27% births |
| 2022 | #9429 | 11 | ▲ up 7409 · +120% births |
| 2021 | #16838 | 5 | ▼ down 3509 · -17% births |
| 2020 | #13329 | 6 | ▼ down 3195 · -40% births |
| 2015 | #10134 | 10 | ▲ up 4816 · +67% births |
| 2010 | #14950 | 6 | ▼ down 1558 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #13392 | 5 | ▼ down 6996 |
| 1960 | #6396 | 5 | ▼ down 2969 · -50% births |
| 1950 | #3427 | 10 | ▼ down 1273 · -37% births |
| 1945 | #2154 | 16 | ▲ up 274 · +33% births |
| 1940 | #2428 | 12 | ▼ down 331 · -20% births |
| 1935 | #2097 | 15 | ▲ up 19 · -6% births |
| 1930 | #2116 | 16 | ▼ down 649 · -48% births |
| 1925 | #1467 | 31 | ▼ down 460 · -43% births |
| 1920 | #1007 | 54 | — |
The story of Maye
Maye has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,906 total births recorded, Maye remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #617 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7905 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maye in 1903:
Maye by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 137 | |
| 1890s | 238 | |
| 1900s | 304 | |
| 1910s ★ | 424 | |
| 1920s | 341 | |
| 1930s | 176 | |
| 1940s | 128 | |
| 1950s | 41 | |
| 1960s | 12 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 29 | |
| 2010s | 55 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎With 1,906 total births, Maye is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Maye?
What names sound and feel like Maye?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maye also consider these
Common questions about the name Maye
What does the name Maye mean?
Maye means "English" — 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 Maye?
Maye is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maye have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maye?
Maye 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 does Maye sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Maye flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Maye ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Maye trending right now?
Maye is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.