Short, sweet, and undeniably spirited, the name Mae is a vintage powerhouse that punches well above its weight class. While it spent decades serving as the ultimate “filler” middle name, Mae has stepped out of the shadows to claim center stage as a chic first name. It balances the retro charm of the 1920s jazz age with a minimalist modern aesthetic that parents love today. It feels softer than Jane, cooler than Ann, and more distinct than May. Whether you associate it with the saucy wit of Mae West or the scientific brilliance of astronaut Mae Jemison, this name carries a vibe of capability and grace.
The name is deeply rooted in springtime energy, derived from the month of blossoming flowers and the Roman goddess of growth. It is a name that signifies new beginnings, warmth, and life. It is simple to spell but impossible to ignore.
Verdict: Mae is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It hits the “sweet spot” of current naming trends: it is a vintage revival that feels fresh rather than dusty, and it offers a timeless elegance that will suit your child from the playground to the boardroom.
Mae Overview
- Meaning: Mae is an English name that means “the month of May.” The name can thus signify rebirth. In Portugal, the name Mae also means “mother.”
- Gender: Mae is most commonly given to infant girls, which is the case for 99% of the babies given the name.
- Origin: The name Mae originated in ancient Rome, and was taken from a fertility goddess named Maia. From there it was adopted by Anglo-Saxon languages and became a common English name.
- Pronunciation: Mae is most commonly pronounced as “MAY.”
- Popularity: Mae is fairly popular in the United States. It was the 505th most selected name for newborn girls in 2021.
- Nicknames: Em, Emm, Macy, Masie, May Day.
- Variations: Mãe, Maeve, Maia, Mary, May, Maya, Maye, Mei.
- Namesakes: Mae Jemison (American NASA astronaut), Mae West (American actress and vaudeville entertainer), and Mae Whitman (American actress).
What Does the Name Mae Mean?
At its core, the name Mae is a celebration of springtime, growth, and life. While the dictionary definition links it directly to the fifth month of the calendar year, the subtext is much richer. It signifies “the month of May,” which historically represents the transition from the darkness of winter to the full bloom of summer. It is a name that implies rebirth, fertility, and optimism.
There is also a secondary, affectionate meaning. In many cultures, Mae (or derivations of it) serves as a diminutive for names like Mary or Margaret, bringing in meanings of “beloved” or “pearl.” In Portuguese, the word “Mãe” literally translates to “mother,” giving the name a nurturing and maternal undertone (1).
Where Does the Name Mae Come From?
The etymology of Mae is a fascinating journey through history. It originates from Maia, the ancient Roman goddess of spring and growth. Maia was the eldest of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes in Greek mythology (2). The Romans held her in such high regard that they named the month of May (Maius) in her honor to celebrate the earth’s fertility.
As the name traveled through history, it was adopted by Anglo-Saxon cultures. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, “Mae” became a distinct spelling variant of “May,” often favored for its slightly more elegant and less noun-like appearance. It became a staple of the Edwardian era and the Roaring Twenties before settling into its role as a classic American staple.
How Popular Is the Name Mae?
Mae is a true “Goldilocks” name in terms of popularity: it is familiar to everyone but used by relatively few. In the early 1900s, Mae was a Top 100 hit, beloved for its snappy, modern sound at the time. As naming trends shifted toward longer names in the mid-century, Mae dipped in usage, often relegated to the middle name slot.
However, the 21st century has seen a massive resurgence for this vintage gem. It re-entered the Top 1000 in 2010 after a long hiatus and has been on a steady upward trajectory since. While it ranked 505th in 2021 according to SSA data, its “cool factor” is much higher than its rank suggests (3). It is currently trending as a stylish alternative to the ubiquitous Ava or Mia, appealing to parents who want something short, historic, and undeniably chic.
How Do I Pronounce Mae?
Mae is pronounced phonetically as MAY. It rhymes with “day,” “say,” and “play.”
Because it is a one-syllable name with a standard spelling, pronunciation issues are virtually non-existent. You will rarely, if ever, have to correct someone on how to say this name.
Is Mae a Boy or Girl Name?
Mae is traditionally and overwhelmingly a female name. While the month name “May” has very rare usage for males in history, the spelling “Mae” is distinctly feminine. It is 99% used for girls and is not considered a unisex option in modern naming conventions.
Variations of Mae
Because Mae is short and has roots in various cultures, there are several beautiful variations to consider if you want a different twist on the sound:
- May (English: The classic calendar spelling)
- Mei (Chinese: Meaning “beautiful” or “plum”)
- Maia (Greek/Latin: The original goddess form)
- Maeve (Irish: Meaning “she who intoxicates”)
- Mãe (Portuguese: Meaning “mother”)
- Mary (Hebrew: Mae is often a nickname for Mary)
- Maya (Sanskrit/Hebrew/Latin: A multi-cultural favorite)
- Maj (Scandinavian/Swedish)
Nicknames for Mae
It might seem redundant to shorten a three-letter, one-syllable name, but nicknames are often about affection rather than brevity. Here are some common and creative ways to nickname a little Mae:
- Maizy / Maisie: A sweet, extended nickname that adds a playful bounce.
- Em: A phonetic play on the first letter M.
- May Day: A high-energy nickname for a spirited child.
- Maybug: A cute nature-inspired pet name.
- M&M: A fun option if her middle name starts with M (e.g., Mae Marie).
Names Similar to Mae
If you love the vibe of Mae, vintage, short, and sweet, but want to explore other options, these names hit a similar note:
- Faye: Shares the rhyming sound and the mystical, vintage aura.
- June: Another month name that feels retro and sunny.
- Bea: Short for Beatrice, this has the same snappy, buzzing energy.
- Rose: The ultimate classic floral name that rivals Mae in timelessness.
- Claire: A one-syllable French classic that means “bright.”
- Daisy: A cheerful floral name with a similar “vintage cool” feel.
- Hazel: An earthy, nature-inspired vintage pick.
- Belle: Means “beautiful” and shares the single-syllable elegance.
- Tia: Short, sweet, and ends in a vowel sound.
- Ivy: A short botanical name that is currently very stylish.
Middle Names for Mae
Since Mae is a short, punchy first name, it pairs beautifully with longer, multi-syllable middle names. The rhythm usually works best with a 2-3 syllable middle.
Vintage & Classic Pairings
These combinations feel like they stepped out of a 1920s novel, elegant and timeless.
Nature-Inspired Pairings
Highlight the “springtime” meaning of Mae with these botanical and earthy middle names.
Modern & Spunky Pairings
Give the soft name Mae a modern edge with these energetic choices.
- Mae Bella
- Mae Everley
- Mae Harlow
- Mae Arwen
- Mae Nyx
- Mae Harper
Sibling Names for Mae
Mae fits into several style categories, making it easy to match with siblings. It works with “Grandpa/Grandma” names, nature names, and simple classics.
For a Brother
- Jack: The perfect male counterpart, short, classic, and sturdy.
- Emmett: Shares a similar vintage charm and softness.
- Arlo: A trendy, vowels-heavy name that sounds great with Mae.
- Samuel: A biblical classic that offers great nicknames (Sam and Mae).
- James: A timeless staple that never goes out of style.
- Matthew: Gentle and traditional.
- Patrick: A rhythmic name that pairs well with the short Mae.
- Henry: A very popular vintage revival that matches Mae’s era perfectly.
- Eric: Simple and strong.
For a Sister
- Isla: Short, sweet, and currently very fashionable.
- Cora: Another vintage name that has made a major comeback.
- Pearl: Matches the “old-fashioned gem” vibe of Mae.
- Addison: A more modern, surname-style contrast.
- Lucia: Offers a lyrical, melodic sound next to the punchy Mae.
- Janie: A sweet, retro nickname-name just like Mae.
- Olive: A quirky, nature-inspired vintage pick.
- Adele: Sophisticated and French-leaning.
- Ramona: Spunky and full of character.
Famous People Named Mae
The name Mae has appeared on marquees and history books for over a century. Here are some notable women who have defined the name:
- Mae West (1893, 1980): The undisputed queen of the double entendre. She was an American actress, singer, playwright, and comedian who became one of the biggest box office draws of the 1930s. She gave the name a sassy, bold reputation.
- Mae Jemison: An American engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut. She became the first African-American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
- Mae Whitman: A versatile American actress known for her work as a child star and her roles in Arrested Development, Parenthood, and Good Girls.
- Mae Questel: The legendary voice actress who provided the original voices for both Betty Boop and Olive Oyl.
- Mae Muller: A British singer-songwriter who represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.
- Mae Martin: A Canadian comedian and actor known for the acclaimed series Feel Good.
Mae in Pop Culture
While often spelled “May” in fiction, the sound of the name is ubiquitous in pop culture.
- Aunt May: The moral compass and beloved aunt of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) in the Marvel universe.
- Mae Borowski: The protagonist of the critically acclaimed video game Night in the Woods.
- Mae Mordabito: A character played by Madonna in the classic baseball film A League of Their Own.
- Mae: The mother of Elmo on the children’s show Sesame Street.
FAQs About the Name Mae
Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when considering this name.
What Is the Biblical Meaning of the Name May?
In the Hebrew Bible, the name May (often associated with Mary) can refer to a “wished-for child,” though Mary itself has meanings linked to “rebellion” or “bitter sea.” However, Mae as a standalone name does not have a direct definition in the Bible.
Is May the Same Name in Chinese (Mei)?
What Does May As the Last Name Mean?
As a surname, it is similar in origin and has the same meaning. Despite that, it also has English and Gaelic ties. It can be found in the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and many other countries.
Is Mae Short for Margaret?
Yes, historically Mae (and May) has been used as a nickname for Margaret. The connection likely comes from the “M” sound and the popularity of “Maggie” and “Maisie” evolving into the simpler “Mae.” However, today it is widely accepted and used as a standalone name.
What Is the Personality of the Name Mae?
The name Mae is often associated with a personality that is grounded, practical, and charming. In numerology, names associated with the number 5 (like Mae) are often linked to freedom, adaptability, and high energy. Culturally, the “Southern Belle” association gives it a vibe of hospitality and grit.
Which Spelling Is Better: Mae or May?
“May” is generally considered the nature/word name, directly referencing the calendar month. “Mae” is often viewed as the more “name-like” or vintage spelling. If you want a connection to Old Hollywood glamour, choose Mae. If you want a direct nature connection, choose May.
Is Mae a Rare Name?
Mae is not considered rare, but it is not overused. It sits comfortably in the “familiar but not trendy” zone. It is significantly less common than top names like Olivia or Emma, making it a great choice for parents who want a recognizable name that isn’t in every classroom.
What Flower Is Associated with the Name Mae?
Because the name is derived from the month of May, it is associated with the birth flower of that month: the Lily of the Valley. This flower symbolizes sweetness, humility, and the return of happiness, which aligns perfectly with the name’s meaning.
