May
Pronunciation: [ m-AY ]
Does May flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Start comparing →Historical Record
May first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 149 babies have been named May in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, May is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #19,754 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #19,754
- Total SSA Count
- 6
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
May is also used as a girl name, ranked #1351.
View May as a girl name →Similar Names
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View all →Gaelic origin
"red king"
#19,736 in US
German origin
"small, little"
#19,898 in US
Hebrew origin
"he who follows at the heel; supplanter"
#19,650 in US
Greek origin
"called forth, gloriously summoned"
#19,830 in US
Greek origin
"beloved, desired"
#19,720 in US
Old High German (Hrodulf: hrod + wolf) origin
"famous wolf"
#19,769 in US
Old Norse origin
"flat piece, thin layer"
#19,804 in US
Old High German origin
"resolute protector, will-helmet"
#19,680 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About May
Is May a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce May?
How popular is the name May?
Is May a common or rare name?
What boy names are similar to May?
About the Name May
May is a boy name .
Is May a boy or girl name? May is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #19,754 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,351. May is more commonly used as a girl name.
May is currently ranked #19,754 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Alternative spellings of May include Mayson, Mayer, Maynor, Maycol, Maykel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis