"pearl"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: English
Mae
Pronunciation: [ m-AY ]
Does Mae flow with your last name?
One syllable, infinite charm — a golden age gem
English
American
British
Vintage
Gentle
Classic
Minimalist
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"great one, month of May"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
"goddess of spring"
Origin: Roman
Language: Latin
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The Story of Mae
Mae is a variant spelling of May, which has two intersecting origins: it is a pet form of Margaret (from the Greek margarites, meaning pearl) and Mary, and it is also directly derived from the month of May. The month was named for Maia, the Roman goddess of spring, growth, and earth. The Mae spelling became fashionable in the early 20th century and has a distinctly retro-American quality.
Mae was a top name in the early 1900s, popularized by actress Mae West (1893-1980), whose brash charisma made it synonymous with glamour and wit. It declined through the mid-20th century but has surged again in the 2010s vintage revival. Parents increasingly use Mae as a popular middle name pairing.
Mae West was one of Hollywood's first sex symbols and a pioneer of women using humor and sexuality as power. The name also carries soft, pastoral associations with the spring month, giving it a dual personality of fire and gentleness.
Historical Record
Mae first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 18,863 babies have been named Mae in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mae is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #530 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mae West was one of the first celebrities to become a cultural icon for her brazen one-liners and refusal to be censored
- Mae is currently one of the most popular middle names in the United States
- The inflatable life jacket was nicknamed the Mae West by WWII pilots due to its resemblance to her curves
Mae in Other Languages
Welsh
Mai
French
Mai
Chinese
Mei
Spanish
Mayo
Japanese
Mei
Popularity Over Time
#530
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mae
M
Mae Whitman
Actor
1988
American actress known for Parenthood, Good Girls, and The DUFF
M
Mae Jemison
Scientist
1956
American astronaut and physician who became the first African American woman in space (1992)
M
Mae West
Actor
1893
American actress, playwright, and sex symbol known for her wit and double entendres, one of Hollywood's earliest and mos...
American actress, playwright, and sex symbol known for her wit and double entendres, one of Hollywood's earliest and most enduring icons
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Compare Mae with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #530
- Total SSA Count
- 574
- Cultural Origins
- English American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mae
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Mae is also used as a boy name, ranked #32630.
View Mae as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Girl
Greek (Berenice) origin
"bearer of victory"
#392 in US
Lakelynn
Girl
American English origin
"lake, pool, waterside"
#675 in US
Gracelynn
Girl
Latin + Welsh origin
"divine grace, lake"
#427 in US
Madeleine
Girl
Hebrew via Greek origin
"woman from Magdala"
#437 in US
Mckenna
Girl
Irish Gaelic origin
"son of Cionaodh (fire-born)"
#378 in US
Marlee
Girl
Hebrew origin
"star of the sea (via Mary)"
#509 in US
Milan
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Celtic/Latin origin
"middle of the plain"
#699 in US
Aileen
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Greek ele (light) origin
"torch, radiant"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mae
What does the name Mae mean?
"pearl" (from Greek via Latin). "great one, month of May" (from Latin). "goddess of spring" (from Roman). Mae is a variant spelling of May, which has two intersecting origins: it is a pet form of Margaret (from the Greek margarites, meaning pearl) and Mary, and it is also directly derived from the month of May. The month was named for Maia, the Roman goddess of spring, growth, and earth. The Mae spelling became fashionable in the early 20th century and has a distinctly retro-American quality.
What is the origin of the name Mae?
Mae has Greek via Latin, Latin, Roman, English, American, and British origins. In Greek via Latin, it means "pearl". In Latin, it means "great one, month of May". In Roman, it means "goddess of spring".
Is Mae a boy or girl name?
Mae is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #530. As a boy name, it is ranked #32630. Mae is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mae?
Mae is pronounced m-AY.
How popular is the name Mae?
Mae is currently ranked #530 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Mae?
Popular middle name pairings include Mae Elizabeth, Mae Louise, Mae Catherine, Mae Caroline, Mae Alexandra, and Mae Josephine.
What are good sibling names for Mae?
Names that pair well with Mae as siblings include Rose, Pearl, June, Beatrice, Iris, Nell, and Arthur.
How many syllables does Mae have?
Mae has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mae a common or rare name?
Mae is moderately common, ranked #530 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Mae?
About the Name Mae
Mae is a girl name with English, American, and British origins . The name means "pearl" in Greek via Latin .
Is Mae a boy or girl name? Mae is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #530 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,630. Mae is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mae is currently ranked #530 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mae has 1 syllable and is pronounced m-AY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Mae include Maeve, Maelynn, Maelyn, Maeva, Maelani . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis