All about the name

Mey

Female

« Mey is a rare Scandinavian given name, likely meaning 'sea' in Old Norse, though interpretations vary. »

#37119 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Mey is a unique and intriguing given name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse male name Mae, which was used in Viking Age Scandinavia. The meaning of Mey is not explicitly defined, but it is believed to be related to the Old Norse word "maer" or "maerr," which translates to "sea." Therefore, some believe that Mey may have been associated with the sea or water in some way. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted and remains a matter of debate among etymologists. One interesting theory about the name Mey suggests that it was originally used as a diminutive form of male names such as Magnus or Olaf. In this context, Mey may have been intended to convey affection or familiarity towards the person being named. Despite its Scandinavian origins, Mey has not been particularly popular in Scandinavia itself. Instead, it appears to have been more commonly used in other parts of Europe and beyond. Today, Mey is considered a unisex name, although it is still relatively rare compared to many other names. There are no well-known historical figures named Mey, but this only adds to the allure and mystery of this distinctive name. Those who bear the name Mey may find themselves standing out from the crowd, as it is not a common or widely recognized name. However, its unique character and intriguing origins make Mey an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Mey since 1880

Total births
39
Total since 1880
Peak year
1981
10 births
in 2001
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years