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Last Name Mai

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What is the origin of the last name Mai?

The surname Mai is of Germanic origin, specifically from Middle High German "mah" meaning "great" or "large". It was often used as a nickname for someone who was tall, strong, or wealthy. It can also be a diminutive form of the given name Margarete (Margaret) in some regions. The spelling variations include Mai, Maye, Mae, and Maie among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mai

The meaning and origin of the last name Mai

The surname Mai is of Germanic origins, deriving from the Old High German name "Mago" or "Mahi", which translates to 'great' or 'mighty'. Over time, this personal name evolved into the patronymic Mae, Maai, or Mai, in various regions of Germany. The name spread across Europe with the migration of the Germanic tribes and was later carried by settlers to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the surname Mai can be found in many parts of the world, reflecting its long history and diverse origins. It is primarily concentrated in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, as well as among German-speaking communities in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mai

The surname Mai is predominantly found in Germanic and Slavic-speaking regions, with significant concentrations in Germany, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. It also appears frequently in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Belarus. In the English-speaking world, it is less common but can be found among populations of German or Eastern European descent, including those in the United States and Canada. The name may also appear in other regions as a result of migration or assimilation, such as South America and Australia. Additionally, variations of the surname exist across various cultures, including Maihac (Armenia), Mái (Vietnam), and Ma'ayan (Israel).

Variants and spellings of the last name Mai

The surname Mai has several variants and spellings in different regions and languages. Some common variations include: May, Mey, Mae, Maie, and Maai. These variations arise due to differences in transliteration from other languages or dialects, as well as regional pronunciation and spelling differences over time. For example, the French form is often "Mey," while the German form might be "Maier." In some cases, variations may also reflect changes in spelling conventions over centuries, such as the addition or removal of diacritical marks. Additionally, surnames are often altered due to immigration and assimilation, leading to further variants. Despite these differences, all these forms are essentially derived from the same root name: Mai.

Famous people with the last name Mai

Notable individuals bearing the surname Mai include:

1. Mai-Wan Ho (born 1936), Hong Kong molecular biologist, genetic engineer, and futurist, known for her work on the concept of epigenetics.
2. Mai Ling (born 1945), Chinese-American actress who starred in films such as "The Sand Pebbles" and "Enter the Dragon."
3. Mai Titi (born 1960), French singer, actress, and television personality of Vietnamese descent.
4. Mai Yamaguchi (born 1982), Japanese tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 17 in 2005.
5. Mai Arada (born 1967), Japanese professional wrestler, best known for her work in the American professional wrestling promotion WWE.
6. Maya Wiley (born 1962), American civil rights attorney and politician, a prominent voice on issues of racial justice, economic equity, and digital inclusion.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including science, entertainment, sports, and politics, reflecting the versatility and global reach of the Mai surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Mai

The surname Mai has Germanic roots, originating from the Middle High German word "mahhe," meaning "great." It was often used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a mill or a meadow, or it could have been an occupational name for a miller. The earliest recorded instances of the surname Mai can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany, where many bearers of the name still reside today. The family tree expanded as Germans emigrated across Europe and the world during the Middle Ages, with significant populations now found in France, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, Austria, and various countries in South America. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Mais migrated to England and Ireland, where they established prominent families in both countries. Notable individuals with the surname Mai include the German mathematician Otto Ludwig Mai (1839-1892), and the Austrian diplomat and politician Ernst Mayr von Melnhof (1765-1840).

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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