Mai
Mai is a girl's name of Japanese origin.
Meaning
Depending on kanji or language root, typically means 'dance', 'apricot blossom', or 'linen'.
Origin and history
Mai is a short, cross-cultural name found predominantly in Japanese and Vietnamese traditions, as well as European languages. In Japanese, it is often written with kanji meaning 'dance' or 'linen', while in Vietnamese it refers to the yellow apricot blossom. In the United States, it remains a rare and gentle choice.
Popularity in the United States
5,677 babies in the United States have been named Mai since 1880. It ranks #2270 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1785.
States where it is most popular
- CA (50 %)
- MN (14.9 %)
- WI (11.4 %)
- TN (6.8 %)
- TX (5.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 12 |
| 1890-1900 | 30 |
| 1900-1910 | 29 |
| 1910-1920 | 83 |
| 1920-1930 | 128 |
| 1930-1940 | 94 |
| 1940-1950 | 45 |
| 1950-1960 | 77 |
| 1960-1970 | 107 |
| 1970-1980 | 252 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,586 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,656 |
| 2000-2010 | 746 |
| 2010-2019 | 516 |
| 2020-2029 | 316 |
Famous people named Mai
- Mai Charoenpura: Singer, Actress
Fun facts
- Mai is independently used in Japanese, Vietnamese, and Arabic, as well as being an old Estonian short form for Margaret.
- In Vietnamese culture, the 'mai' flower represents spring, prosperity, and good luck for the Lunar New Year.