Mae

Mae is a feminine name that acts as a respelling of May, connecting your little one to a lovely spring month. Signifying the beginning of the summertime and the onset of long and playful days, Mae is a name that beams with sunshine. Mae can also come from the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Egyptian name Mary, which holds a host of potential meanings, including "bitterness," "rebelliousness," "wished for a child," and "beloved."
Mae can also serve as an adorable nickname for the English monikers Mabel, meaning "lovable," and Margaret, meaning "pearl." From the Celtic Mael, Mae means "chief," "prince," or "servant of." All these endearments can give your little one plenty of inspiration throughout their life.
While Mae is traditionally viewed as a nickname only to some, we agree with The Bump member JemmaWRX when they say: "I personally think Mae works great as a stand-alone name.  Just because it only has three letters doesn't make it an insubstantial first name.  I think it's a beautiful, classic name."
Let your kiddo blossom with a name like Mae, and they'll undoubtedly have a full and vibrant adventure. With baby Mae by your side, you're sure to feel the fresh glow of the spring sun all year round.

Fun Facts About the Name Mae

• The Goddess Connection: As well as being a popular month-inspired name, one of Mae's roots tracks back to Maia, the name of a Roman goddess of fertility.
• A Vintage Favorite: According to Social Security Administration (SSA) data, Mae was a fan favorite in the 19th and early 20th century, having secured a spot in the Top 100 names up until 1920. As of 2025, it has yet to make it back to the Top 100.
• Mae-king Space History: Mae has a stellar spot in history thanks to Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space.
• Iconic Maes: Some of the most famous women had or chose the name Mae. Hollywood legend Mae West was born Mary Jane West, and legendary singer Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock.