How to say it
MAE
/meɪ/
Feminine
Mae
Pearl; the month of May
What it means
A short form of Mary and Margaret, also tied to the month of May.
Mae began as a pet form of Mary and Margaret and ties in with the springtime month of May, named for the Roman goddess Maia. The Mae spelling carries old-Hollywood sparkle through Mae West. Sweet, vintage, and a favorite middle name. Just one bright syllable.
Popularity over time
peaked at #52 in 1892, currently #501 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
A short form of Mary or Margaret; also the month.
- Pop culture
Actress Mae West.
Spelling variants
- May
- Mai
- Maye
Names with the same feeling
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By style