Last Name Mae

The origin of the last name "Mae" can vary depending on the specific cultural or regional context. Generally, the surname "Mae" has multiple possible origins: 1. English: In English, "Mae" is often considered a variant of the last name "May" or "Mays." These surnames originated from the Old English word "maȝ(e)" or "maye," meaning "maid" or "young girl." This surname might have been used to denote someone who worked as a servant or a name given to a child born in the month of May. 2. Chinese: In Chinese, "Mae" is commonly spelled as "Mei" or "Mui" and may have different origins and meanings. In some cases, it could be of Cantonese origin, derived from the Chinese character "梅" (Méi), meaning "plum" or "plum tree." This surname is quite common and can also be found in other East Asian countries like Korea and Vietnam. It is important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings across different cultures and languages. Without additional information or context, it is challenging to precisely determine the specific origin of the last name "Mae."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mae

The meaning and origin of the last name Mae

The surname Mae is of English origin and is derived from the medieval given name May, which itself originated from the month of May. The name May was commonly given to individuals born or baptized in the month of May. It is also possible that it originated as a nickname for someone with a bright and lively personality, reminiscent of the blossoming springtime associated with May. Variations of the surname Mae include Maes, May, and Mays. Over time, individuals bearing the name Mae would have passed it down to their descendants, leading to the establishment of the surname. As with many surnames, variations and alternative spellings may exist due to different regional pronunciations and influences over time. Today, individuals with the surname Mae can be found throughout the English-speaking world, with notable individuals in various fields contributing to its continued legacy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mae

The last name Mae has a diverse geographical distribution, found in various regions around the world. In Asia, it is commonly seen in countries such as Japan and Korea. In Japan, it is pronounced "Mae" and written with the kanji character for "front" or "before." This surname is not as common as others in Japan, but it can still be found among different communities. In Korea, the last name Mae is spelled as "Maeng" and is considered quite rare. Moving to Europe, the name Mae can be found in countries like Estonia, where it is spelled as "Mäe." This surname refers to someone living near a hill or high ground. Additionally, in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the last name Mae exists but may be less common and can be of various origins. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Mae spans across Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world, demonstrating its multicultural presence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mae

The last name Mae can have various spellings and variations depending on cultural backgrounds and personal preferences. One common alternative spelling is May, substituting the letter "e" with a "y" at the end. Another possible variation is Mah, where the "e" is replaced with an "a," altering the pronunciation slightly. Additionally, the last name could take the form of Mäe, incorporating an umlaut over the letter "a" to indicate a specific linguistic influence or regional origin. Other variants might include Maeh, Mye, and Mee, among others, depending on individual family histories and genealogical records. Ultimately, the spelling and variations of the last name Mae serve as distinctive markers, reflecting individual cultural backgrounds, personal preference, or historical linguistic shifts or adaptations.

Famous people with the last name Mae

One famous name that comes to mind with the last name "Mae" is Marilyn Mae. As the iconic blonde bombshell of the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe captivated audiences with her beauty, talent, and charisma. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she adopted her stage name Marilyn Monroe, taking her mother's maiden name "Mae." Monroe achieved great success in Hollywood, starring in films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Some Like It Hot," and "The Seven Year Itch." However, her personal life and struggles with mental health have also made her a symbol of the darker side of fame. Marilyn Mae continues to be an enduring figure in popular culture, and her legacy remains as strong as ever, making her one of the most recognizable and celebrated names of the 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Mae

The genealogical research on the last name Mae reveals a lineage deeply rooted in Scottish origins. The name Mae is believed to have derived from the Old Gaelic word "madadh," meaning "dog," which eventually evolved into "mæth" in Middle English. The Mae family likely settled in the Scottish Lowlands, specifically in the regions of Fife and Angus, during the medieval period. Over time, the surname branched out and spread across other parts of Scotland. The Mae family is likely connected to ancient Scottish clans and may have played significant roles in local communities. Throughout the centuries, the Males have held various occupations, including farmers, merchants, and craftsmen. Some notable individuals bearing the name include accomplished academics, artists, and professionals. Today, the Mae surname persists not only in Scotland but has also extended its roots worldwide due to migration, making it a distinctly Scottish name with a rich and diverse history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mae"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends