What does Mayme mean and where does it come from?
Mayme is considered a diminutive or variation of the name Mamie or Mame, which are derived from Mary. It conveys a sense of sweetness and charm. While not commonly used today, Mayme was more prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It also reflects regional variations often found in affection
Cultural significance
Mayme has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sweet; pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #126 in 1885 — currently #11784 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mayme?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mayme?
Mayme works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mayme Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mayme Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mayme Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mayme Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mayme Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mayme Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mayme right now?
Rising fast — up 1202 spots — currently #11784 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #11784 | 8 | ▲ up 1202 · +14% births |
| 2023 | #12986 | 7 | ▲ up 44 |
| 2021 | #13030 | 7 | ▼ down 1004 |
| 2020 | #12026 | 7 | ▲ up 2423 · +17% births |
| 2015 | #14449 | 6 | ▼ down 1300 |
| 2000 | #13149 | 6 | ▼ down 4377 · -33% births |
| 1995 | #8772 | 9 | ▲ up 1420 · +29% births |
| 1990 | #10192 | 7 | ▼ down 3241 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #6951 | 9 | ▲ up 1227 · +29% births |
| 1980 | #8178 | 7 | ▼ down 2194 · -22% births |
| 1975 | #5984 | 9 | ▲ up 377 · +29% births |
| 1970 | #6361 | 7 | ▼ down 2156 · -30% births |
| 1965 | #4205 | 10 | ▼ down 26 |
| 1960 | #4179 | 10 | ▼ down 800 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #3379 | 12 | — |
The story of Mayme
Mayme has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 10,906 babies have received this name. Once ranked #132 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12986 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mayme in 1885:
Mayme by decade
Mayme peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,841 | |
| 1890s | 2,098 | |
| 1900s | 1,589 | |
| 1910s ★ | 2,208 | |
| 1920s | 1,672 | |
| 1930s | 641 | |
| 1940s | 303 | |
| 1950s | 157 | |
| 1960s | 103 | |
| 1970s | 76 | |
| 1980s | 74 | |
| 1990s | 45 | |
| 2000s | 45 | |
| 2010s | 47 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
What are good nicknames for Mayme?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghanMoMollieMollyPolliePollyReenie
What names sound and feel like Mayme?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mayme also consider these
How is Mayme written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Mayme
What does the name Mayme mean?
Mayme means "Sweet; pearl" — 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 Mayme?
Mayme is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mayme have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mayme?
Mayme 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 Mayme?
Mayme is a one-syllable name pronounced MAYM. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Mayme sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Mayme flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mayme ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.