Mai: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days, traditionally observed in various European and Catholic countries, mark the feast day of a saint or a specific calendar commemoration associated with a given name. The name Mai is a brief and elegant moniker with distinct histories spanning multiple continents. It holds origins ranging from the Vietnamese apricot blossom to the Nordic reference to the fifth month of the year. Mai carries a sophisticated and soft mood, reinforcing its overwhelmingly feminine identity. Appropriately, Mai celebrates its name day on May 2nd in Estonia and May 7th in Norway.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Mai's name day is celebrated
on May 2 in Estonia and
May 7 in Norway.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Mai maintains a relatively uncommon profile in the United States, often appearing as a derivative or short form of longer names. Historically, its presence in the US increased primarily due to immigration waves from Southeast Asia. While it is simple and concise, it has not reached the top tiers of popularity charts. Its brief structure makes it easily transferable across different cultural groups within the American melting pot. Records show it has been used consistently, though typically in low volumes, throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Name origin and meaning
The name Mai exhibits multiple distinct origins across various global languages, resulting in different interpretations. In Vietnamese, the name generally refers to the apricot blossom, a symbol of spring and the New Year. Conversely, in Nordic contexts, Mai is often a direct borrowing or derivation of the month of May. It can also be found in Japanese nomenclature, often written with characters relating to dance or linen. These diverse roots contribute to its widespread, yet regionally specific, presence worldwide.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Worldwide, Mai overwhelmingly functions as a feminine given name, particularly in regions like Vietnam and Japan where it is a standard choice for girls. However, due to its brevity and similarity to Nordic linguistic patterns, it is sometimes perceived as potentially unisex in Western European countries. In Scandinavian usage, while derived from the feminine month name, its structural simplicity does not inherently restrict it to a specific gender, though female usage remains dominant. Thus, Mai is fundamentally female, but possesses minor instances of cross-gender flexibility depending on the locale.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Mai inherently carries a soft, gentle, and highly elegant mood due to its smooth pronunciation. Its single syllable contributes to a minimalist and chic tone, suggesting efficiency and quiet strength. In cultures associated with flowers, it evokes images of nature and delicate beauty, lending it a romantic quality. Furthermore, its brevity gives it a modern, almost techy edge while retaining a classic, timeless feel. Overall, Mai projects an aura that is simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Mai
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 5 – The Freedom Seeker.
Keywords: Adventure, change, curiosity, independence, versatility.
Positive Traits: Adaptable, energetic, adventurous, progressive, dynamic.
Challenges: Can be reckless, restless, or avoid responsibility.
Life Path Meaning: A path of embracing change, exploration, and personal freedom.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 6 - The Nurturer.
Traits: Responsible, family-oriented, compassionate, protective.
Strengths: Caring, loyal, great at building harmony.
Challenges: Can be controlling, overly self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Mercury - Communication, Intelligence, Adaptability.
Mercury is the planet of intellect, speech, and agility. Names under Mercury’s influence often belong to individuals who are quick-witted, analytical, and articulate. They thrive in social interactions, learning environments, and dynamic situations where adaptability is key. These names tend to reflect intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to process information quickly.
Name days: Name Mai
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
Name days: Similar names (Mai)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Latvia | January | 11 | Arkadijs, Franciska, Smaida |
 USA | January | 28 | Carlotta, Charleen, Charlene, Charlotta, Charlotte, Charmaine, Manfred |
| Latvia | February | 13 | Maira, Malda, Melita |
 Estonia | February | 24 | Madi, Madis, Maido, Maidu, Mait, Mati, Matis, Mats, Matti, Mattias, Mäido |
 France | February | 28 | Romain |
 Spain | March | 25 | Abel, Anunciación, Encarnación, Gloria, Humberto, Maite, Rebeca |
 Finland | May | 5 | Maini, Melina, Melissa |
| Latvia | May | 10 | Maija, Mairita |
| Finland | May | 17 | Maila, Maili, Mailis, Maisa, Rebekka |
| France | May | 28 | Germain |
| Latvia | June | 1 | Astrids, Biruta, Junite, Mairita |
| Estonia | June | 10 | Amalie, Maali, Maila, Maile, Maili, Mailis |
| Latvia | June | 11 | Ingus, Mairis, Sigrida, Svens, Vidvuds |
| France | June | 15 | Germaine |
| USA | June | 15 | Alice, Alicia, Alisa, Alisha, Alison, Alissa, Allie, Allison, Allyson, Alyce, Alyse, Alysha, Alysia, Alyson, Alyssa, Germain, Germaine, German, Jermaine, Vidal, Vito |
 Greece | June | 17 | Felix, Ismail |
| Latvia | June | 20 | Imula, Maira, Rasa, Rasma |
| Latvia | June | 25 | Maiga, Milija |
| Finland | July | 2 | Kukka-Maaria, Maaria, Maija, Maiju, Maikki, Mari, Maria, Marika, Meeri, Riia |
| USA | July | 23 | Roma, Romaine, Roman, Romana, Romelia, Romeo, Romina, Seymour |
| Estonia | August | 1 | Maira, Maire, Mairi, Maris |
| Finland | August | 1 | Maire |
| Estonia | August | 27 | Maime, Maimi, Maimo, Maimu |
| Estonia | September | 2 | Maive, Maivi, Taive, Taivi |
| Finland | September | 5 | Mainio, Roni |
| Latvia | September | 6 | Balva, Magnuss, Maigonis |
| USA | September | 21 | Maira, Maura, Maureen, Mayra, Mira, Moira, Moreen, Morena, Myra, Norna |
| Latvia | September | 22 | Maigurs, Maris, Marisa, Mariss, Morics |
| Latvia | October | 11 | Maira, Monta, Silva, Tince |
| Greece | November | 4 | Ermaios |
| Estonia | December | 19 | Maarius, Mairo, Mario |
Mai A Global Name of Elegance
In conclusion, Mai is a name defined by its cross-cultural simplicity, maintaining a niche but present usage profile within the USA. Its dual origins, linking it to both floral symbolism and the month of May, provide it with rich historical texture. Functionally feminine across the globe, Mai projects a consistently soft, elegant, and timeless mood. The name reinforces this seasonal connection by observing its name days in early May across certain Scandinavian and Baltic regions. Mai stands as a prime example of a global name that bridges diverse linguistic traditions while retaining universal appeal.
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