The name Mayes is of Welsh origin and its meaning is "son of Matthew." It's a variant of the surname Matthews, which itself comes from the medieval personal name Matthew, derived from the Latin Matthaeus, meaning "gift of God."
The name has been in use for centuries, with early records dating back to the 13th century in Wales. However, it became more common as a given name rather than a surname during the late 20th century.
In literature, there is a notable character named Mayes in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. This may have contributed to its recognition and usage as a given name.
Today, Mayes is still considered a unique yet accessible choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history. It's important to note that while it's traditionally been used for boys due to its meaning of "son of Matthew," some parents choose it for girls, as names can be fluid and their meanings may evolve over time.
In conclusion, Mayes is a Welsh surname turned given name, with a straightforward yet meaningful origin. Its history spans centuries, and its usage has evolved over time, making it an intriguing choice for parents today.
Here are some fascinating statistics about the name Mayes in the United States:
The name Mayes first appeared in the top 1000 names for babies born in the U.S. in 1914, with five births recorded that year. The frequency of the name has varied over the decades since then.
There was another spike in its popularity in the late 20th century, with five births each in 2006 and 2008, indicating that Mayes might have been a name chosen for babies born to parents who were nostalgic about earlier times or had a penchant for vintage names.
In the early 21st century, there was a notable increase in the number of births where Mayes was chosen as the first name. In fact, from 2011 onwards, the number of babies named Mayes consistently rose year after year:
- 7 births in 2011
- 9 births in 2013
- 11 births in 2014
- 8 births in 2015
- 6 births in 2016
The trend continued, reaching a peak of 16 births in 2020. This might suggest that the name Mayes is gaining traction among parents who appreciate its uniqueness and perhaps associate it with positive qualities or influential individuals named Mayes.
Since 2020, the number of births has maintained a consistent level:
- 11 births in 2021
- 15 births in 2022
- 12 births in 2023
In total, between 1914 and 2023, there have been 152 babies born in the United States named Mayes. This statistic demonstrates that while Mayes is not one of the most popular names in America, it has maintained a consistent presence over time and has seen some recent growth in popularity.
It's always exciting to see how trends in naming evolve, and these statistics show that Mayes has carved out its own niche in American baby-naming history.