Mae

What does Mae mean?

Mae is a compact name that carries two close ideas from its original usage. It is traditionally linked to the Roman goddess Maia, and by extension to the month of May. The image is one of spring, growth and warmth, so the name often evokes a sense of renewal and early summer brightness.

As a given name Mae feels warm, approachable and quietly elegant. It sits comfortably with vintage choices and also reads as fresh and modern on a child today. If you like short names with a soft sound and seasonal associations, Mae has a gentle charm that feels both familiar and refined.

Historical Context

The name Mae emerged as a given name in English-speaking countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often as a spelling variant of May. Its deeper root is the Latin name Maia, associated with a Roman earth goddess connected to growth and fertility, and to the month we now call May. The month itself was named for Maia, tying the name to seasonal renewal and the arrival of spring.

Mae was popular in anglophone countries as a genteel, compact alternative to longer names. In some cases it was used as an informal form of names that begin with M, though its main identity remained tied to the month and the goddess. Over the twentieth century it appeared in literature, film and popular culture, helping to keep it in public awareness. In recent decades Mae has been embraced by parents looking for short, vintage names that feel both warm and refined.

Popularity of Mae over time

In 2025, Mae was given to 108 girls in the UK and 594 girls in the US. Mae has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now an uncommon girls' name especially in the US.

What do parents think of Mae?