N
NamyLab

May

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Fifth Month; Maiden"

Used as a month name and feminine given name, often associated with springtime imagery and modesty.

Themes:springmonthgentle
NatureNaturalUniqueRare

Fact-checked by Sarah Mitchell

B.A. Journalism, Northwestern University10+ Years Parenting WritingMom of Three • Parenting Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of May

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#1357Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#1357

May was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+76

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

May Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for May.

8 ideas
ma
Nickname
mo
Nickname
mayy
Nickname
mayie
Nickname
my
Nickname
mie
Nickname
mayo
Nickname
mmie
Nickname

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AN-uh

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Baby Name Lists That Include May

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes May, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

18 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name May mean?
May means "Fifth Month; Maiden". Used as a month name and feminine given name, often associated with springtime imagery and modesty.
What is the origin of May?
May is of English origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name May?
According to the latest SSA data, May is currently ranked #1357 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is May a girl name?
May is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for May?
Popular nicknames for May include ma, mo, mayy, mayie, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to May?
There are many names similar to May in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginEnglish, Latin
Syllables1
Length3 letters
US Rank#1357
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withM

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like May

May has English roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our English baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

May appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Earth-Inspired Nature Names and Unique Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Latin Baby Names and Traditional English Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how May pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement May beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.