Mayes Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MAYZ /meɪz/
Origin: English; Irish
Meaning: English: son of the servant; Irish: descendant of Maolmhuire
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Mayes has its roots in the Old French surname "Maie," which itself is derived from the Latin "Maius," meaning "May." This Latin term is linked to the Roman goddess Maia, associated with growth and fertility, reflecting the month of May's significance in the agricultural calendar. The transition from Latin to Old French occurred during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, which brought many French names into the English lexicon.
As a result, the surname Mayes emerged in England, evolving from its French origins and becoming established as a family name by the late medieval period. Historically, the name Mayes can be traced back to various notable figures and families in England.
The surname appears in records from the 13th century, with individuals bearing the name involved in local governance and land ownership. The name's association with the month of May also links it to various cultural and seasonal festivities, such as May Day celebrations, which have roots in ancient pagan traditions celebrating spring and fertility.
These connections likely contributed to the name's endurance through the centuries. Culturally, Mayes carries connotations of renewal and vitality, reflective of its etymological ties to the spring season.
The name has been used in literature and historical texts, often symbolizing themes of growth and rebirth. While diminutive forms or variations may exist, the name's historical significance primarily rests in its original form, which has maintained a consistent presence in English-speaking regions.
Overall, Mayes encapsulates a blend of linguistic evolution, historical relevance, and cultural symbolism that underscores its lasting appeal.
Famous people named Mayes
In this section, you will find notable people named Mayes. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Mayes who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Mayes who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Mayes C. R. is a writer best known for The Last of the Great American Hobo, The Last of the Great American Hobo, and The Last of the Great American Hobo.
Mayes R. is a musician best known for his work with the band The Mayes Brothers and his solo albums.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Mayes, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Mayes. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Mayes was first seen in the United States in 1914.
Mayes has ranked as high as #11831 nationally, which occurred in 2025, and has been most popular in Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Mayes has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Mayes is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Mayes was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Mayes.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2024 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| 2021 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 2020 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2017 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 2016 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 2015 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2014 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 2013 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 2012 | 11 | 6 | 5 |
| 2011 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2010 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2008 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2006 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1926 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1914 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Mayes (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 5 |