Everything about the name MAY

Meaning, origin, history

May is a name of Latin origin that means "month of May." It is often associated with the month itself and the blooming flowers and pleasant weather that come along with it. The name has been used for centuries, but it gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Victorian era.

The name May was first used as a given name in England during the 17th century. It became more popular during the 19th century, when it was often used as a middle name or as a shortened form of other names such as Mary or Margaret.

Over time, May has been associated with various literary and cultural references. In Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the Fairy Queen is named Titania, which is derived from the Greek word for "titan," but some sources suggest that it may also have been inspired by the name May. The month of May is also celebrated in traditional May Day festivals, which involve dancing around a maypole and crowning a May queen.

Despite its popularity during certain periods, May has never been one of the most common names for girls in English-speaking countries. However, it remains a unique and beautiful name that evokes images of springtime and renewal.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the name May, perhaps due to its association with the month's warm weather and blooming flowers. It is still relatively uncommon as a given name, but it continues to be used by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning. Overall, May is a charming and distinctive name that pays tribute to one of the loveliest months of the year.

Sources:

* "May." Behind the Name. * "The Meaning and Origin of the Name May." Oh Baby! Names. * "May Day." Encyclopedia Britannica.

See also

English

Popularity of the name MAY since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name May has been given to a total of 699 babies in the United States over the past century and a half, according to the available data. While it's difficult to draw precise conclusions from such limited data, we can still observe some interesting trends.

May was quite popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1918, when there were 21 newborn girls named May. The name remained reasonably common throughout the first half of the twentieth century, with an average of around 5-10 babies named May each year between 1940 and 1963.

There was a notable decline in the popularity of the name May during the second half of the twentieth century, with fewer than five babies given the name in most years between 1964 and 1980. However, there was a small resurgence in its usage during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with an average of around seven babies named May each year between 1982 and 1996.

Overall, while May may not have been one of the most popular names for girls in the United States over the past century and a half, it has nevertheless been given to a significant number of babies during this time. Its popularity has fluctuated significantly over the years, with periods of relative commonality interspersed with periods of comparative rarity.

It's always fascinating to explore the history and trends behind names, as they can offer insights into cultural shifts and societal preferences over time.