May Name Origin
May comes from English and Latin roots. It originally referred to the month of May, named after Maia, a Roman goddess of spring and growth. People started using May as a girl's name because it reminded them of springtime and new beginnings. It became popular in English-speaking countries as a simple, sweet name connected to nature and warmth.
- Type: First Name
- Gender: Female
- Pronunciation: MAY
May Meaning
May is a name that comes from the month of May, which is named after Maia, a Roman goddess of growth and spring. It often symbolizes new beginnings, warmth, and beauty.
The name May can also be a short form of Mary or Margaret. It became popular as a given name in English-speaking countries during the 19th century.
People often think of May as cheerful and fresh because it reminds them of springtime flowers and sunshine. It carries a sense of youth and happiness.
History
May has been used as a name for a long time, often linked to the month of May. People started using it more in the 19th century. It was popular in English-speaking countries.
At first, May was often a nickname for Mary or Margaret. Over time, it became a full name on its own. It also connects to spring and flowers, which made it feel fresh and cheerful.
In the early 1900s, May was quite common in the United States and Britain. Its popularity has gone up and down since then. Sometimes, it’s chosen for its simple, sweet sound and old-fashioned charm.
Today, May is less common but still used, especially by those who like vintage or nature-inspired names. It’s a short, easy name with a gentle feel.
Famous People
Mayim Bialik is an actress known for her role in the TV show "The Big Bang Theory." She is also a neuroscientist. May Sarton was a poet and writer who wrote many books about life and feelings. May Whitty was a famous English actress in old movies and plays. These women named May became well-known for their talents in acting and writing.
Name Trends
This chart shows how many babies were given the name May each year, based on data from the U.S. Government's Social Security Administration (SSA). It's a fun way to see how the name's popularity has changed over time!
The blue line shows how many boys were named May, while the pink line shows how many girls were given the same name.
If the lines go up, that means more babies got the name that year. If they go down, the name was used less. You can spot trends, like when the name became really popular or started to fade.