May: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days serve as cultural celebrations, offering individuals a special day associated with the saint or calendar date linked to their given name. The succinct and classic name May boasts a history of steady usage, particularly in the United States where it peaked as a popular choice in earlier decades. Its origins are tied to the fifth month and the Roman goddess Maia, lending it a meaningful connection to spring and vitality. Carrying a mood that is elegant, soft, and nature-inspired, May resonates with simple beauty. Furthermore, those named May often observe their name day on May 1st in the USA or January 26th in Ukraine.
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
The name May has maintained a quiet presence in the United States throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. It experienced its peak usage much earlier, often seen as a traditional and succinct nickname for names like Mary or Mabel. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, May was relatively common, reflecting the trend for short, simple names. While it is less frequent today than it was a hundred years ago, it remains a recognized and easily spelled choice. Its brief structure gives it a timeless quality, ensuring its continued, albeit moderate, use across generations in the US.
Name origin and meaning
The name May is primarily derived from the English name of the fifth month of the year. This month's name itself is historically traced back to the Roman goddess Maia, a figure associated with spring, growth, and fertility. Another possible etymological route views May as a diminutive form of the classical name Mary. When considered as a modern English word, it often evokes imagery related to the blooming season and youthful energy. Therefore, its intrinsic meaning connects it deeply to the concepts of renewal and flourishing nature.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Worldwide, May is overwhelmingly recognized and classified as a female given name. In English-speaking countries, its usage as a stand-alone name is strictly feminine, capitalizing on its soft, single-syllable sound. However, in certain Asian languages, particularly Vietnamese, the name Mai (often transliterated similarly) can be found used for either gender. Historically, its use as a nickname for female names like Mabel or Margaret solidified its feminine identity in the West. Therefore, while it has some regional variations in transliteration or usage, its default gender identity remains strongly female across most Western cultures.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name May carries an intrinsically soft and elegant vibe due to its connection with the pleasantness of springtime. It projects a tone that is both traditional and effortlessly romantic, avoiding complexity with its short, sweet structure. There is a delicate, nature-like mood associated with the name, suggesting freshness and gentle beauty. Unlike more modern choices, May feels grounded and classic, offering a quiet strength rather than an overt, playful energy. This simplicity gives the name a refined and timeless personality.
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 A Classic Name Summary
The name May is a classic, single-syllable feminine name that has historically maintained a modest profile in the US, rooted in simplicity and tradition. Derived from the name of the month and ancient connections to the goddess Maia, its origin speaks to renewal and fertile growth. Its inherent mood is defined by its soft elegance and strong nature-like tone, projecting a gentle yet timeless presence. Classified strongly as a female name globally, May offers a graceful choice across generations. The name also provides a dual name day celebration, being observed on May 1st in America and January 26th in Ukraine.
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