Mae is a name of English origin, derived from the word "may," which is used to refer to the month of May. It has been used as a given name for girls since the Middle Ages.
The meaning of Mae is not universally agreed upon, but some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Latin word "maius," which means "bigger" or "greater." This interpretation suggests that Mae could mean "born in the month of May" or "larger than life."
Historically, Mae has been a popular name for girls throughout England and other English-speaking countries. It was particularly common during the late Victorian era, when many families chose names that had literary or historical significance.
Today, Mae continues to be used as a given name for girls in English-speaking countries around the world. While it is not one of the most popular names, it remains a classic choice with a unique and elegant sound. Some famous people named Mae include American actresses Mae West and Mae Marsh, as well as Australian singer-songwriter Mia (born in 1970).
The name Mae experienced significant popularity from the late 19th to early mid-20th century, peaking around World War II with over 800 births per year consistently between 1940 and 1945. After this period, its usage began a steady decline until it reached a low point in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with fewer than 250 births each year from 1963 to 1978. Since then, Mae has seen periodic increases and decreases but has remained relatively stable, with around 400-600 births per year in recent decades. As of 2023, the total number of births with the name Mae is over 113,000.