Mae is a name of English origin, derived from the word "may," which is used to refer to the month of May. It has been used as a given name for girls since the Middle Ages.
The meaning of Mae is not universally agreed upon, but some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Latin word "maius," which means "bigger" or "greater." This interpretation suggests that Mae could mean "born in the month of May" or "larger than life."
Historically, Mae has been a popular name for girls throughout England and other English-speaking countries. It was particularly common during the late Victorian era, when many families chose names that had literary or historical significance.
Today, Mae continues to be used as a given name for girls in English-speaking countries around the world. While it is not one of the most popular names, it remains a classic choice with a unique and elegant sound. Some famous people named Mae include American actresses Mae West and Mae Marsh, as well as Australian singer-songwriter Mia (born in 1970).
The name Mae has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for over a century. Between 1880 and 2023, there were a total of 113,657 babies born with the name Mae.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the popularity of the name Mae fluctuated significantly. The number of births peaked in 1914 with 2,049 newborns named Mae, but then declined sharply over the following decade, reaching a low point of just 75 births in 1971.
However, since the late 1970s, the name Mae has experienced a resurgence in popularity. In 1980, there were 79 babies named Mae, and this number continued to rise steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s. By the year 2000, there were 132 newborns named Mae, and this trend has continued into the 21st century.
Between 2016 and 2023, the name Mae has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 most popular baby names in the United States. In 2021, there were 618 babies named Mae, making it one of the more popular names for girls that year.
Overall, the statistics show that while the popularity of the name Mae has fluctuated over time, it remains a beloved and enduring choice among parents in the United States.