Surname Maye - Meaning and Origin
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Maye: What does the surname Maye mean?
The surname Maye is of English and French origin. Derived from the Middle English and Old French term "maie", it refers to the month "May". It was often given as a nickname to someone born or baptized in the month of May. The surname could also be occupational, referring to an individual who participated in May Day celebrations, like being a dancer or a performer in medieval age. The surname Maye is also found in Ireland, where it is popular in County Mayo. However, its origin there could be different, possibly derived from the Irish Gaelic O'Midheach, which means "descendant of the May". Therefore, the meaning of the surname Maye may vary according to its geographical and historical context.
Order DNA origin analysisMaye: Where does the name Maye come from?
The surname Maye is of English origin, derived from the Middle English given name, Maie. It is a variation of the name May, which is associated with the month of May, and was often given to children born in this month. It has references dating back to the early 13th century where it appears in old tax registers and rolls. The name Maye, however, is not common and is quite rare.
The surname Maye could also have French origins. In France, it could be topographic for someone who lived by a spring or well, from Old French ‘Maie’ meaning a 'physician' or 'healer'. Another possible derivation is from the word "maire", meaning mayor, a chief officer of a town, given to a person who held this post.
As of today, individuals with the last name Maye can be found in many English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. However, it's not particularly common in any specific region or country. The spread of this surname today is likely due to the migration of individuals from England and France to other parts of the world over centuries.
Variations of the surname Maye
The surname Maye may have multiple variants and spellings, revealing the richness and diversity of its origins. These include May, Mae, Mei, Mays, Mai, and Meigh. Other possible forms could include Mayes, Maie, or Meay.
The surname Maye has multiple origins around the world. In English, it’s a patronymic surname derived from the medieval personal name "Mai" or "Mey", itself a variant of May or Matthew. It might also be derived from the month "May", denoting people born or baptized in this month.
In Irish, the name Maye is often an anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Miadhacháin, meaning 'descendant of Miadhachán', a personal name derived from "miadhach", meaning 'honorable'.
French families with the name Maye might have inherited it from ancestors named "Mai" (signifying the month of May) as a nickname or taken from the place of residence.
In Chinese, "Mei" is a common surname meaning 'beautiful' and could have been Anglicized to Maye by some families.
Each variant or spelling reflects a unique cultural history, influenced by different geographies, languages, and customs.
Famous people with the name Maye
- Ruth Mayeux: American journalist
- Diane Maye: Retired British Army colonel
- Roger May: English professional footballer
- Maye Musk: Canadian-American dietitian and businesswoman
- Jennie Maye: American singer and songwriter
- Gavin May: English rugby union player
- Louis Mayeux: fluent French-speaking early pioneer of Bakersfield, California
- Walter Maye: American jazz trumpet player
- Brody Maye: Australian Instagram influencer
- Tiffany Maye: American actress and dancer