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May is that time of the month when nature seems the calmest and is in a stage of renewal. And if your baby is due in this fifth month, here are a few May baby names to help you choose the right one. Many personalities of significance were born in May, known for their dedication and contribution to their fields. Our list includes such names and a few others that remind us of the sunshine-filled month of May. Moreover, the names reflect the cheerful vibe of the month, with the growth of freshly bloomed flowers and crisp, fresh air. Read on to find our list of baby names for this month.
May Baby Names For Boys
1. Quintus
May is the fifth month of the year and Quintus, the Latin name meaning ‘fifth’ was traditionally given to the fifth child in the family. This name fits well with the masculine Roman names like Maxim and Titus, both of which have been climbing the popularity charts. Quinn and Quincy are the best nickname ideas for Quintus.
2. Hawthorn
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Besides Lily, Hawthorn is one of the birth flowers for the month of May. The trees and shrubs of Hawthorne are also called May trees because they bloom in this month. The meaning of this English name is ‘where the hawthorn trees grow’. American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne is its most famous bearer.
3. Emerson
Names beginning with the syllable Em are in fashion. This dignified and somewhat serious name is reminiscent of the month of May. It’s also associated with the transcendental thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson. It means ‘son of Emery’.
4. Mace
Even though Mace originated as a short form (after appearing in the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians), it is perfectly capable of standing up on its own. It is a great nickname option for parents who are planning to keep Mason as their sons’ given name.
Sharing their love for this name, Parents April and Luke write about why they chose to add Mace to their son’s name. When the couple adopted their son Emmanuel from Uganda, they wanted his unique name. April and Luke wanted to add a part of their legacy to the name, and they decided upon the name Mace. April says, “Not long after we made the decision to adopt from Uganda, Luke came up with a great boy name that just stuck! To be completely honest with you, we have been calling Our Baby by this name for months now, even though we were not sure if Our Baby would be a boy or a girl. So we are so excited to finally let you all in on our little secret that “Our Baby” will henceforth be referred to as Mace!
“Though this was just a coincidence, we love this about his name! Also, Luke is a HUGE Star Wars fan and was actually named after a Star Wars character, Luke Skywalker. Not Luke in the Bible :). He decided it was appropriate to carry on this tradition by naming his son after a Jedi as well (i)!”
5. Mason
Mason is one of the most beautiful May baby names for boys. It is the second most popular name in the US and might even top the chart in the coming year. This name is mega popular with the parents even without sounding trendy and cool.
Did you know?6. Derby
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The Kentucky Derby, America’s most famous horse race, has been held every year in May since 1875. It comes from an English name, meaning ‘park with deer’. Derby is a lighthearted and spirited British-accented name. In the UK, it is pronounced as Darby. Derby will sound amazing with an O surname.
7. Addison
Joseph Addison, the English essayist, playwright, and poet was born on 1st May. He is remembered for founding the Spectator Magazine. Addison means ‘son of Adam’. Dr. Addison Shepherd from the TV series Grey’s Anatomy is the famous namesake for this name.
8. Baxter
Here’s another May born historical character for you. Whine Edwin Baxter was an English translator, lawyer, botanist and antiquarian. Originally, Baxter was an English occupational surname for the baker. But the addition of X is adding more pizazz and uniqueness to the original name. Bax is the safest nickname for Baxter.
9. Alexander
The famous 18th century English poet and writer Alexander Pope was born on 21st May 1688. This name of tradition has been in the top 25 list since 1991 and is still in the top 10. As per the Greek legend, Paris was given the name Alexander by the shepherds when he defended their flocks against robbers.
10. Benjamin
Benjamin Spock was an American pediatrician whose book, Baby and the Child Care, is one of the bestsellers of all time. This Biblical name enjoyed widespread favor for years and is still strong and attractive enough to make a decent first name for your son.
11. Henri
Henri Rousseau, also known as Le Douanier, was the French, post-impressionist painter. This French variation of Henry hovered around the top 100 for the past 40 years and is currently at its highest point. Its popularity and stylishness have increased to the point that every other boy is named either Henri or Jack.
May Baby Names For Girls
1. Maia / Maya
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The month of May is named after Maia, the Roman and Greek goddess of spring. The Romans consider Maia to be the incarnation of Mother Earth. The names, Maya and Maia, sound the same, but they differ in meaning and popularity. Maya is a Hebrew name meaning water, and Maia is a Greek name meaning mother. Both the names are perfect for girls born in May.
2. May
The name May, (yes, it is a name), was once used as a nickname for Mary or Margaret, but now stands strong on its own. This simple, one syllable name is packed with an old-fashioned charm.
Trivia3. Emerald
The color green is evocative of springtime, and Emerald, as most of you must know, is the deep green birthstone for May. The name Emerald has Persian origins, and means ‘green’. You can even consider Esmeralda, the striking Spanish variation of Emerald for your May born daughter.
4. Victoria
Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday honoring the longest reigning monarch Queen Victoria. The celebration occurs every year on 25th May, which also marks Queen Victoria’s birthday. This timeless and popular Latin name wears well on women of all ages. Tori, Rory, and Vicky are the best nickname options.
5. Macy
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Macy is one of the several M names rhyming with the month of May. Singer Macy Gray popularized this name, and it now ranks #288. You can also see it as an alternative to Stacy and Tracy. The meaning of this English surname is ‘hill’.
6. Mabel
The name Mabel has a cheeky charm to it. It originated as a short form for Amabel, which was once a French name for lovable. But as the time passed, Amabel lost its ‘A’ and became Mabel. This Victorian name was very popular in the UK from the mid-19th to early 20th century.
7. Audrey
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The name Audrey is, and will forever, be associated with the timeless beauty Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn is also a May baby. She was born on 4th May 1929. This German name, meaning ‘noble’, has a simple elegance to it.
8. Mary
May is the official month of Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. This makes Mary an appropriate name for a baby girl born in the month of May. This New Testament name held the top spot until the 20th century.
9. Pilar
The Spanish classic name meaning ‘pillar’ honors the Virgin Mary. It feels more exotic and appealing than Mary. Since it is rarely heard, it will make a unique choice.
10. Caitlin
Caitlin Jean Stasey, the Australian actress, best known for her role in the movie ‘Neighbours’ was born on the 1st of May. The Welsh and Irish version of Catherine, Caitlin was a highly popular name in the 80s. It rocketed from obscurity to the height of popularity in about a decade. The meaning of this lovely name is ‘pure’.
So why wait? Start shortlisting your favorite names for your baby, the source of love and happiness in your life. What is your favorite May baby name? Tell us by commenting below!
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do May-inspired baby names reflect the changing of seasons?
May-inspired baby names are all about the calm and serenity that the weather of May brings along with it. The names inspired by this month usually signify purity, the blooming of flowers, and royalty.
2. What are some creative ways to incorporate the month of May into baby naming?
May-inspired baby names can be very well used as given names, middle names, and nicknames. Parents can also use these names along with other traditional or contemporary names and make an interesting combination.
3. What are some names inspired by May holidays or events?
Some names inspired by May holidays include May or Mae for May Day (May 1), Victoria for Canadian Victoria Day (May 25), Nico or Nicolas, meaning ‘victory of the people,’ for the Mexican Cinco de Mayo (May 5), Mary for Mother’s Day, also celebrated in May, and Anakin, Luke, or Leia for Star Wars Day (May 4).
4. What are some unique names for May babies?
Some interesting and uncommon May baby names include Pilar and Maia for girls and Baxter and Hawthorn for boys.
5. What are some astrological influences on May baby names?
May is associated with the zodiac signs Taurus and Gemini. Taurus is characterized by stability, practicality, and kindness, while Gemini is associated with adaptability, intelligence, and sociability. You may name your May baby based on these traits. Some suggestions for Taurus are Venus, Esmeralda, Gaia, Adam, Caleb, and Ethan. For Gemini, you can consider Heidi, Naomi, Laverne, Paul, Walt, and Morgan.
We hope that this list of May baby names will help you pick out an impressive name for your little one. May is considered to be one of the most peaceful months of the year, and if you find joy and peacefulness in this month, naming your baby inspired by it would be a good choice. Names such as Emerson, Maya, or Caitlin bring out the essence of the month of May and could also be related to several well-known and successful personalities. So scroll through the list and choose the name that catches your eye.
Infographic: May-Inspired Names For Girls And Boys
Born in the month of the transitioning season of summer and spring, May babies are known to be strong-minded. So, if your baby is born in May, check out the infographic below for some sweet and powerful baby names that will perfectly suit your sweetheart. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Due to the association with the month, May baby names often reflect a sense of calmness, renewal, and purity.
- Names like Hawthorn and Emerald are directly inspired by elements associated with May, such as birth flowers and birthstones.
- Some May baby names, like Maia, Mary, and Benjamin, are inspired by mythology and religion.
- Parents also consider naming May babies after famous personalities. Examples include Addison, Alexander, and Victoria.
Illustration: May Baby Names: 21 Names For Babies Born in May
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. What’s in a name?https://ourstolove.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/whats-in-a-name/
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