All about the name

May

Male

« May is a Latin-derived name meaning 'month of May,' symbolizing blooming flowers and pleasant weather, popularized during the Victorian era despite never being extremely common. »

#6252 since 1900

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name May since 1880

Total births
699
Total since 1880
Peak year
1925
22 births
in 1996
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years