What does Mays mean and where does it come from?
Mays is sometimes used as a variation of 'Mae', which relates to the month of May, signifying the blossoming of spring and fertility. The name is also linked to Hebrew origins, meaning 'gift of God'. Notable individuals with the name include Mays Gilliam, a fictional character from the film 'Head of
Cultural significance
Mays has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the month of may, flower, fertility.
Peak popularity
Reached #11947 in 2015 — currently #8057 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mays?
Mays works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mays Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mays Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mays Claire
French influence · crisp
Mays Jane
Literary · strong
Mays Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mays right now?
Rising fast — up 5592 spots — currently #8057 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8057 | 10 | ▲ up 5592 · +100% births |
| 2022 | #13649 | 5 | ▼ down 6692 · -58% births |
| 2021 | #6957 | 12 | ▲ up 5236 · +71% births |
| 2020 | #12193 | 7 | ▼ down 246 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #11947 | 8 | ▲ up 3200 · +33% births |
| 2010 | #15147 | 6 | — |
The story of Mays
Mays is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2010. With 130 total births recorded, Mays remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #15147 in 2010 to #8057 in 2023. Mays is used for both genders: 28% female and 72% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mays in 2015:
Mays by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2010s ★ | 98 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎Mays has only 130 total recorded births since 2010 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mays?
What names sound and feel like Mays?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mays also consider these
Common questions about the name Mays
What does the name Mays mean?
Mays means "the month of May, flower, fertility" — a name rooted in American 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 Mays?
Mays is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Mays?
Mays originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Mays sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Mays flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mays ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Mays a common or rare name?
Mays is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.