May is a charming name that has been around for centuries. This name has a rich history and a variety of meanings, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique name for their baby girl. The name May is derived from the name of the month of May, which in turn comes from Maia, the name of a Roman goddess.
In addition to being the name of a month, May has other meanings as well. It is often associated with the hawthorn flower, which is also known as the May flower. The name May is also used as a diminutive of Mary, Margaret, or Mabel. This makes it a versatile name that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a first name or a middle name, May is a great choice.
Origin of May as a Name
May is a name that has been used for both boys and girls. It has a few different origins and meanings depending on the culture and language. In this section, we will explore the history and cultural references of the name May.
Historical Background
May is derived from the name of the month of May, which comes from the Roman goddess Maia. Maia was the goddess of fertility, growth, and spring. The name Maia is thought to come from the Latin word “maius,” meaning “greater” or “older.” In Greek mythology, Maia was the mother of Hermes, the messenger of the gods.
The name May has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century. It was particularly popular in the early 1900s, but its popularity declined in the mid-20th century. Today, the name May is still used, but it is more commonly used as a middle name.
Cultural References
In addition to its association with the month of May and the goddess Maia, the name May has other cultural references. In China, the name May is a variant of the surname Mai, which means “wheat” or “oats.” In Japan, the name May is a variant of the name Mei, which means “bud” or “sprout.”
May is also a diminutive of the name Mary, which means “bitter” in Hebrew. In this context, May can be seen as a symbol of hope and new beginnings. It is also a popular nickname for Margaret, which means “pearl” in Greek, and Mabel, which means “lovable” in Latin.
Overall, the name May has a rich history and cultural significance. Its association with the goddess of fertility and spring makes it a symbol of new beginnings and growth. Its use as a diminutive of other names gives it a sense of familiarity and warmth.
Meaning of May
May is a name that has a rich history and meaning. It is a name that has been used for both boys and girls, although it is more commonly given to girls. In this section, we will explore the literal and symbolic meanings of the name May.
Literal Meaning
The name May is derived from the name of the month of May. The month of May is named after the Roman goddess Maia, who was the goddess of fertility and growth. The name Maia is thought to come from the Latin word “maius,” which means “greater” or “larger.” As such, the name May can be interpreted as meaning “great” or “larger.”
Symbolic Meaning
In addition to its literal meaning, the name May also has symbolic meaning. The month of May is traditionally associated with spring, a time of renewal and growth. As such, the name May can be interpreted as representing new beginnings and growth.
The name May is also associated with the hawthorn flower. The hawthorn flower is a symbol of hope and happiness. It is also associated with the month of May and is sometimes called the “May flower.” As such, the name May can be interpreted as representing hope and happiness.
In conclusion, the name May has both a literal and symbolic meaning. It is a name that represents growth, new beginnings, hope, and happiness. It is a name that has been used for centuries and continues to be a popular name for girls today.
Popularity of May
May is a charming and sweet name that has been around for centuries. Despite its long history, May has not been a popular name in recent decades. However, it is starting to make a comeback, and many parents are beginning to see it as a beautiful and unique option for their baby girls.
According to Nameberry, May was as high as number 57 in the 1880s but has since fallen to 228 on the popularity charts. Nevertheless, it is still a popular middle name choice for parents who want to give their child a timeless and elegant name.
BabyCenter user data shows that May is expected to rise in popularity in 2023, with a ranking of 587. This is a significant jump from its position in 2022, where it was ranked 1212.
May’s popularity is not just limited to the United States. In the United Kingdom, May is a popular name, ranking at 107 in 2021. In Australia, it is also a well-liked name, ranking at 107 in 2020.
Overall, May may not be the most popular name, but it is still a lovely and timeless choice for parents who want to give their child a classic and elegant name.
Famous People Named May
May is a popular name that has been used by many famous people throughout history. Here are a few notable individuals with the name May:
- May Britt: A Swedish actress who appeared in many films during the 1950s and 1960s. She was married to actor Sammy Davis Jr. for a brief period.
- May J. Blige: An American singer, songwriter, and actress who has sold over 80 million records worldwide. She has won numerous awards for her music, including nine Grammy Awards.
- May Sinclair: A British writer and suffragist who was known for her novels and short stories. She was one of the first female writers to explore the psychological aspects of war in her work.
- May Sarton: An American poet, novelist, and memoirist who wrote about the struggles of being a woman and a lesbian in the 20th century. She is known for her honest and introspective writing style.
- May Whitty: An English actress who appeared in many films during the 1930s and 1940s. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film “Mrs. Miniver.”
These are just a few examples of the many famous people named May. The name has been used by individuals from all walks of life, including actors, musicians, writers, and more. It is a timeless name that continues to be popular today.
Variations of May
May is a short and sweet name that has been around for centuries. Over time, different variations of May have emerged, each with its own unique meaning and origin.
Here are some variations of May:
- Mae: This spelling variation is a popular choice for parents who want to give their child a more modern twist on the classic name. Mae is also a nickname for the name Mary.
- Maybelle: This name is a combination of May and Belle, which means “beautiful.” It was a popular name in the early 1900s and has since fallen out of favor.
- Maylene: This name is a combination of May and the suffix -lene, which means “light.” It is a rare name that has been gaining popularity in recent years.
- Maylis: This name is of French origin and means “of May.” It is a popular name in France and other French-speaking countries.
- Mayra: This name is of Spanish origin and means “sea of bitterness.” It is a popular name in Latin American countries.
Overall, these variations of May offer parents a range of options to choose from when naming their child. Whether you prefer a more traditional spelling or a unique combination of names, there is a variation of May that is sure to suit your taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name May has a rich history and meaning. It is a name that has been used for centuries and is still popular today. Here are some key takeaways:
- May is a name that has multiple origins and meanings, including being derived from the month of May and the name of the Roman goddess Maia.
- The name May has been used for both boys and girls, but is now primarily used for girls.
- May is a name that has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as May West and May Britt bearing the name.
- The popularity of the name May has fluctuated over time, but it remains a popular choice for parents today.
Overall, May is a beautiful and timeless name that carries a lot of meaning and history. Whether you choose it for your child because of its connection to spring or because of its association with the goddess of fertility, it is a name that is sure to stand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name May mean?
May is a name of English origin that means “the fifth month of the year” or “the month of May”. It is also associated with spring and the blooming of flowers.
What is May short for name?
May is often used as a standalone name, but it can also be a shortened version of the name Mary or Margaret.
Where did the name May come from?
The name May originated from the English word for the fifth month of the year. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century.
What does the name Mae or May mean?
Mae is a variant of May and has the same meaning, which is “the fifth month of the year” or “the month of May”. It can also be a nickname for the names Mary or Margaret.
What is the origin of the name May?
The name May has English origins and is derived from the name of the fifth month of the year. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Is May a boy name?
May is traditionally a girl’s name, but it can also be used as a boy’s name. However, it is much more commonly used as a girl’s name.