Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mae has English origins, derived from the month of May, signifying growth. It evolved from the historical form Mai to its current spelling. The name is associated with positive traits and has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the late 19th century and is now viewed as a charming vintage name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/meɪ/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Mae is derived from the month name May, which is named after the Roman goddess Maia, associated with growth and fertility.
Meaning
May
Language Evolution
Mai, Mae
Historical Usage
The name Mae became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often used as a given name due to its association with spring and renewal.
Variants & Derivatives
May, Mabel, Maia
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Mae is perceived as a vintage and charming name, often associated with warmth and femininity.
Famous People
Mae West, Mae Jemison, Mae Whitman
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,769 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1947th of 7545 | 263 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2045th of 6773 | 237 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4311th of 7552 | 56 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 95th of 9107 | 52,020 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 175th of 9204 | 22,040 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 394th of 12526 | 10,299 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1147th of 19264 | 1,665 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2098th of 27321 | 931 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1227th of 35406 | 2,933 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 580th of 30306 | 6,376 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
91.55% 2166th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
8.40% 119th/1416 |
7.98% 110th/1379 |
3.25% 77th/2366 |
11.12% 127th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
15.46% 239th/1546 |
14.14% 220th/1556 |
5.10% 120th/2353 |
16.55% 256th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
26.99% 601st/2227 |
24.69% 600th/2430 |
8.94% 255th/2853 |
23.10% 641st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
54.14% 1590th/2937 |
37.64% 1311th/3483 |
25.81% 908th/3518 |
35.63% 1441st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
79.76% 2939th/3685 |
52.69% 2358th/4475 |
62.07% 3224th/5194 |
36.60% 2312th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.50% 985th/4582 |
18.73% 967th/5164 |
22.55% 1649th/7313 |
18.34% 1369th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.42% 415th/3984 |
10.52% 472nd/4487 |
10.54% 719th/6822 |
9.58% 601st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1947th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2045th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4311th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 95th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 175th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 394th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1147th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2098th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1227th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 580th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.