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Mae

Girl name · 96 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Mae: 96 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 12 births in 2025.

Mae is a name with multiple roots, most often seen as a variant of May, which derives from the month of May—itself named for the Roman goddess Maia, associated with growth and spring—or as a short form of Mary or Margaret. Famous bearers include the iconic actress and screenwriter Mae West, known for her wit and glamour, and astronaut Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space. The name also shares its root with the Isle of May, a bird sanctuary off Scotland’s east coast. A charming note: Mae has long been a popular middle name in Scotland, offering a sweet, timeless link to nature and renewal.