May
How to say it: MAY · /ˈmeɪ/
From English month May, from Latin Maia goddess of spring - also nickname for Mary and Margaret.
May was the 364th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 183 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1880s, its births are up about 30% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #322 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #364 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 183 |
| Share of births | 1 in 3,708 |
| Peak decade | 1880s |
| Change over 10 years | +30% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #322 |
| In France, 2025 | #231 among girls’ names, 30 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once at a high in the 1880s, May now stands far below that peak yet remains in solid use. A rise looks likely in the next few years.
What goes with it
Light and soft with a gentle glow and a seasonal association. June matches its style charmingly.
Nicknames
- MayMay
- Mae
Honouring a May in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called May is about 1 in 155.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Norwegian.
In France: #231 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named May
- May Calamawy (born 1986)Egyptian-Palestinian actress
- May Whitty (1865–1948)English actress
- May Robson (1858–1942)Australian-born American actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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