Mae is an English name meaning “she who intoxicates” or “mead-woman” through its Irish background, or symbolizing spring, growth, and fertility through its ties to the Roman goddess Maia. Parents exploring baby name meanings and origins often appreciate how this short name blends antique charm with simple warmth. Primarily used in English-speaking countries as a feminine given name, Mae also enjoys widespread favor as a middle name. Its balance of vintage style and brevity gives it a familiar, approachable feel for modern families.
Meaning and Origin
Mae is a feminine given name used primarily across English-speaking countries. One major background for the name connects it as a variant of May. Through this pathway, the name is associated with Maia, the Roman goddess who symbolizes spring, growth, and fertility. This association brings natural imagery and seasonal freshness to the name.
In other instances, Mae developed as an anglicized or modern form of the traditional Irish name Maeve. Maeve comes from the Old Irish name Medb, which carries the striking meaning of “she who intoxicates” or “mead-woman.” This gives Mae two entirely separate cultural roots, allowing parents to choose between a serene spring association and a spirited Celtic heritage.
Beyond its standing as an independent given name, Mae functions as a diminutive for several classic longer names. It has long served as a familiar pet form for Mary, Margaret, and Mabel. The name initially gained strong popularity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and it continues to be cherished today as a vintage-style given name and as a favorite middle name choice.
Pronunciation
Mae is pronounced as a single syllable: MAY. The name rhymes with day, ray, bay, and stay. Because it consists of one smooth vowel sound following a soft consonant, it is easy to pronounce across different regions and languages.
Popularity in the US
Mae first appears in 1880, and across all years it is most often given to girls, with a total of 114,835 US girls receiving the name since that opening year. The name reached its peak rank of #52 in 1892 during a period of widespread favor. By 1950, Mae stood at #287 with 737 babies, before dipping to #1,509 with 79 babies in 1980. The name began a steady climb at the turn of the century, ranking #1,409 with 132 babies in 2000 and #979 with 259 babies in 2010. That upward movement continued into recent years, with Mae reaching #576 with 511 babies in 2020 and climbing to its latest rank of #501 with 594 babies in 2025.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Mae |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #287 | 737 |
| 1980 | #1,509 | 79 |
| 2000 | #1,409 | 132 |
| 2010 | #979 | 259 |
| 2020 | #576 | 511 |
| 2025 | #501 | 594 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Because Mae is already a concise, single-syllable name, standard short forms are rarely needed. Families often create affectionate pet names by repeating syllables, such as Mae-Mae, or by using informal initial callings like M or Mimi. In most daily settings, the name is used in its complete three-letter form without modification.
Famous People Named Mae
- Mae West: An American stage and screen actress, singer, and playwright who achieved major renown during the early and mid-twentieth century.
- Mae Jemison: An American engineer, physician, and astronaut who became the first African American woman to travel into space.
- Mae Whitman: An American actress known for her extensive roles across television, major motion pictures, and animated voice performances.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair naturally with Mae include Grace, Rose, Jane, Elizabeth, and Alice.
For brothers and sisters, fitting vintage choices include Henry, Clara, Thomas, Nora, and Jasper.
FAQ
Which root words lie behind the name Mae?
The primary root words connected to Mae are the Old Irish Medb and the Roman name Maia. Through the Irish name Maeve, Medb provides the meaning “she who intoxicates” or “mead-woman.” Through the variant May, Maia connects the name to the Roman goddess of spring, growth, and fertility.
What variant forms are associated with Mae?
Mae is frequently regarded as a variant of May. It also appears as a modern anglicized form of the Irish name Maeve, and it serves as a diminutive for traditional names such as Mary, Margaret, and Mabel.
How many babies have received the name Mae in total?
A total of 114,835 girls in the United States have received the name Mae since 1880. Across all years, it has been given most often to female babies, maintaining an ongoing presence from the late nineteenth century into modern times.
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