The name May is of Latin origin and means "month of May." It is derived from the Latin word "majus," which refers to the larger or greater of two things. In Roman times, May was considered a sacred month dedicated to the goddess Maia, who was believed to be the mother of Mercury, the messenger god.
The name May has been used as a given name for centuries and has been popular in various cultures throughout history. In English-speaking countries, it was most commonly used during the late Victorian era and remained popular until the mid-20th century. Today, it is still used but less frequently than in previous generations.
One interesting aspect of the name May is that it can also be used as a surname. This is because in some cultures, such as those of Germany and England, it was traditionally used to indicate someone who lived or worked near a meadow or field. Over time, this occupational name became hereditary and passed down through generations, eventually becoming a family name.
In literature and popular culture, May has been used as a character name on numerous occasions. Some notable examples include May Welland in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Age of Innocence," Mayflower June Carter Cash in Johnny Cash's autobiography "Cash: The Autobiography," and May Belle Ewell in the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling.
Overall, May is a name with a rich history and interesting origins. While it may not be as commonly used today as it once was, it remains a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents looking to give their child a unique and significant name.
Here are a few observations about the May name statistics:
* The name's popularity peaked between 1887 and 1922, with over 700 births annually during this period.
* There was a significant drop in popularity starting around 1930, with fewer than 500 births per year from that point forward until the late 1960s.
* The name experienced another resurgence of sorts between 1980 and 2005, with annual birth counts ranging between 70 to 150.
* Since 2005, the May name has seen varying popularity, with annual births fluctuating between around 60 to 150.
* Overall, there were a total of 49,047 babies named May from 1880 to 2023.