May

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Origin:English
Names Ending in YShort NamesEnglish NamesOne Syllable Names
Generate more names like MayCompare with other namesFind similar names
How to pronounce the name May
Pronunciation guide for May
ARPA
M EY1
IPA
meɪ

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say May

Syllables (1)

M EY1

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

M
me (m)
EY1
ate (eɪ)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

meɪ

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of May

Structure

Character Count
3
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
33%
Name Family
may

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty3/10

Easy to pronounce

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name May
Unique character and personality of the name May

Name Personality

The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong

Key Characteristics

Length
Short

Concise and memorable

Rhythm
Monosyllabic

Simple and direct

Sound
Strong

Consonant-rich and crisp

Ease
Simple

Easy for most speakers

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
may

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

m×1
a×1
y×1

Most frequent letters in May

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
3/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does May compare to the average name?

May3/10 😊
3.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

May is easier than average by 2.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← May
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to May (root: may)

Current Name

May

Related Names (15)

Short variations:

Maya
Mayah
Mayak

Medium variations:

Maya-lee
Mayaar
Mayada
Mayako
Mayala
Mayalee
Mayalen
Mayalena

Long variations:

May-belle
Maya-georgia
Maya-grace
Maya-rose

May belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.

What does the name May mean?
The meaning and origin of May
English

noun 1. the month following April and preceding June

English

noun 2. thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in May's meanings

Primary Theme

🌿
Natural

Inspired by nature, elements, or the natural world

Theme Distribution

Natural
1

Key Themes

tree
flowers
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for May

Life Path Number

3
The Creative

Creative spirits who bring joy and inspiration through self-expression.

Expressive
Social
Artistic
Joyful

Most Common Letters

m×1
a×1
y×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
1(33%)
Consonants
2(67%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

m4
a1
y7

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named May
Famous individuals named May

No notable people named May are currently in our database.

How popular is the name May?
Popularity rankings for May around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Canadagirl#1051939-1939
Norwaygirl#871986-1986
United Kingdomgirl#4982012-2012
United Statesboy#9811903-1903
United Statesgirl#9641982-1982
Country Comparison
How May ranks across different countries

Showing top 5 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

Parents who like May also like these names
Names similar to May in style, sound, and origin
MayMay-belleMayaMaya-georgiaMaya-graceMaya-leeMaya-roseMayaarMayadaMayahMayakMayakoMayalaMayaleeMayalenMayalenaMayallMayalynMayamarieMayameenMayamikoMayanMayanaMayaniMayankMayannMayannaMayarMayaraMayard
What words rhyme with the name May?
Rhyming words for May
'kay
a
a.
aaa
aba
abbe
aday
ae
aggrey
aigner
aka
allais
allay
ama
anime
antigay
anway
array
asay
asea

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce May?
IPA: /meɪ/ ARPA: M EY1 This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in May?
May has 1 syllable.
Is May easy to pronounce?
May is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is May easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, May is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
What names are similar to May?
Names similar to May include: May-belle, Maya, Maya-georgia, Maya-grace, Maya-lee. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is May a good baby name?
May makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is May a boy or girl name?
May can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell May?
The name is spelled M-a-y. Common spelling variations include: May-belle, Maya, Maya-georgia.
What does the name May mean?
The name May means "May n 1: the month following April and preceding June 2: thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America [syn: {whitethorn}, {English hawthorn}, {may}, {Crataegus laevigata}, {Crataegus oxycantha}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with May?
Middle names that pair well with May include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with May?
Sibling names that pair well with May include: May-belle, Maya, Maya-georgia, Maya-grace. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce May?
Yes, May is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name May from?
May originates from English culture. English names developed from various sources including Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Old English roots. Many evolved from occupations, locations, or personal characteristics. Understanding a name's cultural origin provides insight into its deeper significance and the traditions it represents.
Is May suitable for a professional career?
May is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is May a long or short name?
May is a very short name with 3 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of May?
Common spelling variations of May include: Maya, Mayah, Mayak. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between May and May-belle?
May and May-belle are related names that share similar origins or sounds. May is spelled May while May-belle is spelled May-belle. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.