May: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days, celebrations honoring a patron saint or religious figure associated with a name, are a tradition in many cultures, particularly in Eastern Europe and some parts of Latin America. These days often involve festivities and are considered a personal holiday for the name bearer. The name May, rooted in ancient Roman traditions, carries a delicate and optimistic aura. Its origin speaks to themes of growth and renewal, while its mood is one of gentle sweetness. May has name days in Ukraine (January 26) and the USA (May 1).
Name Day: Dates by Country
May's name day is celebrated
on January 26 in Ukraine and
May 1 in the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
In the United States, May experienced a surge in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with the spring month and a sense of freshness. While its peak has passed, it remains a consistently used name, often chosen for its simplicity and classic charm. Globally, May is found in various cultures, frequently as a standalone name or as part of longer names, particularly in Europe and Latin America. It’s often perceived as a gentle and approachable name, lending itself well to both formal and informal settings. The name’s enduring appeal lies in its connection to nature and positive imagery. It continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a timeless and elegant name.
Name origin and meaning
The name May is derived from the Latin word ‘Maius’, relating to the Roman goddess Maia, associated with growth and springtime. It also has connections to the French month name ‘Mai’, which itself originates from the same Roman root. Historically, May emerged as an independent given name during the Victorian era, coinciding with a broader trend of naming children after months and flowers. This period saw a romanticization of nature and a desire for names that evoked beauty and innocence. The name’s simplicity and pleasant sound contributed to its widespread adoption.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
May is overwhelmingly considered a feminine name across most cultures worldwide. While extremely rare, it has occasionally been used as a middle name for boys, but this is uncommon. In English-speaking countries, and particularly in the USA, May is almost exclusively given to girls. In some cultures, like certain parts of Latin America, it might be used more flexibly, but the dominant association remains female. This strong gender association is deeply ingrained in societal norms and naming conventions.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name May evokes a sense of gentle sweetness and springtime freshness. It carries a delicate and optimistic vibe, suggesting a personality that is kind, approachable, and cheerful. There's a subtle elegance to May, hinting at grace and refinement. It feels light and airy, reminiscent of blooming flowers and warm sunshine. The overall mood is one of peaceful tranquility and understated beauty.
Mirror Magic: May & Yam
Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Yam: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: May
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: 3 – The Communicator.
Keywords: Creativity, joy, social expression, charisma, inspiration.
Positive Traits: Artistic, optimistic, outgoing, charming, entertaining.
Challenges: Can be superficial, scattered, or struggle with focus and discipline.
Life Path Meaning: A life of creative expression, communication, and optimism.
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: Jupiter - Expansion, Luck, Wisdom.
Jupiter is the planet of abundance, wisdom, and higher learning. Names ruled by Jupiter are often linked to individuals with a strong sense of optimism, generosity, and a love for adventure. These names carry a vibration of success, good fortune, and the pursuit of knowledge. People with Jupiter-ruled names often have a philosophical mindset and a natural ability to inspire others.
Name days: Name May
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 (May)
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 |
 USA | January | 21 | Agnes, Ethan, Inez, Mayer, Maynard, Ynez |
 Bulgaria | May | 1 | Ermelina, Ermen, Ermena, Ermenko, Maya, Tamara |
 France | May | 11 | Estelle, Mayeul |
| USA | July | 22 | Amaya, Magda, Magdalen, Magdalena, Magdalene |
| USA | July | 24 | Amalia, Amelia, Boris, Chris, Christa, Christen, Christian, Christiana, Christie, Christin, Christina, Christine, Christy, Chrysta, Cristian, Cristina, Declan, Kiersten, Kirsten, Kirstie, Kirstin, Krista, Kristen, Kristi, Kristian, Kristin, Kristina, Kristine, Kristy, Kristyn, Maya |
| USA | September | 21 | Maira, Maura, Maureen, Mayra, Mira, Moira, Moreen, Morena, Myra, Norna |
May's Enduring and Lovely Essence
In conclusion, May is a classic and enduring name with a rich history and a predominantly feminine identity. Its origins tie it to themes of springtime and growth, while its mood evokes a sense of gentle sweetness and optimism. The name’s consistent, though fluctuating, popularity demonstrates its timeless appeal. The presence of name days associated with May adds a cultural layer to its significance, marking a special occasion for those who bear this lovely name.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
Ukraine