Log in · Sign up

Mae Girl

Popularity: #455 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMay / /meɪ/

English; Latin

Meaning

English: Pearl; Latin: May (the month)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Mae is derived from the Latin word "maius," meaning "May," which refers to the month associated with spring and renewal. This Latin term evolved into the Old French "mai," which was adopted into Middle English as "May." The name Mae emerged as a diminutive form of May, often used affectionately or as a standalone name, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its introduction into English can be traced back to the 19th century, where it became popularized as a feminine given name, reflecting the cultural significance of spring and the blossoming of nature during that time.

Historically, the name Mae has connections to various cultural and literary figures. One notable reference is the character Mae in the 19th-century American literature, which helped to solidify its place in the cultural lexicon. Additionally, the name is sometimes associated with the celebration of May Day, a traditional spring festival that has roots in ancient agricultural practices. The name's association with the month of May also links it to various saints, such as Saint Maeve, an Irish queen and figure in early Christian hagiography, who lived during the 5th century.

Culturally, Mae has resonated with themes of femininity, renewal, and the celebration of life. Its simplicity and melodic quality have contributed to its endurance as a name. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as May and Maisie, which have their own historical significance. Overall, Mae embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic roots and cultural associations that reflect the beauty of spring and the enduring nature of feminine names.

Trend Summary

The name Mae has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • May
  • Mai

International Variants

  • Maia (Greek)
  • Maja (Slavic)
  • Maeva (Polynesian)

Famous people named Mae

Mae West is an actress, singer, and playwright best known for She Done Him Wrong, I'm No Angel, and My Little Chickadee.

Mae Jemison is an astronaut and physician best known for being the first African American woman in space, and her work with NASA and the Endeavour mission.

Mae Murray is an actress and dancer best known for The Merry Widow, Broadway Nights, and The Great Gatsby.

Fictional characters named Mae

Mae Borowski is a fictional character from the video game Night in the Woods. She is a college dropout who returns to her hometown to reconnect with friends and uncover the mysteries surrounding her past.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Mae was first seen in the United States in 1880. Mae has ranked as high as #163 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, and Mississippi. In the past 5 years the name Mae has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Mae (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 41
8%
NY 34
7%
PA 31
6%
TX 29
6%
IL 27
5%
AZ 23
5%
MA 23
5%
OH 23
5%
WA 20
4%
NJ 19
4%
CO 17
3%
FL 16
3%
GA 14
3%
AL 13
3%
UT 13
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880344
1881314
1882406
1883423
1884542
1885578
1886641
1887680
1888836
1889883
1890920
1891933
18921,101
18931,071
18941,134
18951,193
18961,148
18971,144
18981,239
18991,035
19001,406
19011,140
19021,261
19031,192
19041,214
19051,284
19061,225
19071,375
19081,384
19091,230
19101,453
19111,449
19121,775
19131,814
19142,049
19152,486
19162,607
19172,507
19182,756
19192,634
19202,730
19212,589
19222,404
19232,428
19242,369
19252,332
19262,261
19272,072
19281,808
19291,766
19301,651
19311,462
19321,456
19331,290
19341,384
19351,267
19361,136
19371,071
19381,083
19391,060
19401,018
1941993
1942997
1943876
1944868
1945854
1946806
1947859
1948884
1949792
1950737
1951730
1952640
1953640
1954554
1955575
1956465
1957459
1958374
1959368
1960346
1961359
1962259
1963247
1964205
1965189
1966181
1967147
1968112
1969127
1970120
197175
197292
197390
197487
197586
197669
197775
197871
197965
198079
198159
198264
198360
198463
198556
198653
198759
198855
198958
199059
199164
199253
199345
199466
199561
199656
199768
199883
199999
2000132
2001112
2002140
2003119
2004151
2005175
2006207
2007208
2008230
2009240
2010259
2011337
2012373
2013419
2014413
2015513
2016535
2017461
2018561
2019556
2020511
2021620
2022614
2023599
2024574