Everything about the name MAY
Meaning, origin, history
The name May has been used as a given name for centuries and has been popular in various cultures throughout history. In English-speaking countries, it was most commonly used during the late Victorian era and remained popular until the mid-20th century. Today, it is still used but less frequently than in previous generations.
One interesting aspect of the name May is that it can also be used as a surname. This is because in some cultures, such as those of Germany and England, it was traditionally used to indicate someone who lived or worked near a meadow or field. Over time, this occupational name became hereditary and passed down through generations, eventually becoming a family name.
In literature and popular culture, May has been used as a character name on numerous occasions. Some notable examples include May Welland in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Age of Innocence," Mayflower June Carter Cash in Johnny Cash's autobiography "Cash: The Autobiography," and May Belle Ewell in the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling.
Overall, May is a name with a rich history and interesting origins. While it may not be as commonly used today as it once was, it remains a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents looking to give their child a unique and significant name.
Popularity of the name MAY since 1880
Birth evolution
Popularity analysis
The name May has seen a diverse range of popularity over the years in the United States, with trends fluctuating significantly from decade to decade.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, May was quite popular, with over 500 births per year consistently. The peak was reached in 1915 with 974 births, which remains the highest recorded figure for this name. However, after a few years, the number of births started to decline steadily, reaching as low as 257 births in 1939.
The mid-20th century saw May's popularity further dwindle, with fewer than 200 births per year from 1950 to 1964. This period was the least popular for this name, reaching its lowest point with only 78 births in 1972.
However, after 1972, May began to experience a slow resurgence in popularity. By 1980, there were over 100 births per year again, and it continued to rise throughout the following decades. The turn of the century saw another significant peak for this name, with over 150 births each year from 2000 onwards.
In recent years, May has maintained a consistent level of popularity, with around 100-150 births per year. In 2022 and 2023, it reached an impressive 155 and 156 births respectively, indicating that May is currently enjoying renewed interest as a baby girl's name.
Overall, while the popularity of May has seen significant fluctuations over the years, its overall trend shows a steady increase in popularity since the early 1970s. As of recent data, May remains a popular choice for parents naming their newborn daughters in the United States.