Research-backed
In This Article
- Origin, Meaning, And History of Mai
- How To Pronounce Mai?
- Phonemic Representation Of Mai
- Notable People Named Mai
- Mai On The Popularity Chart
- Popularity Over Time
- Rank Over Time
- Mai On MomJunction Popularity Chart
- Mai Name's Presence On Social Media
- Mai’s Mention In Fictional Works
- Names With Similar Sound As Mai
- Popular Sibling Names For Mai
- Other Popular Names Beginning With M
- Names With Similar Meaning As Mai
- Names Rhyming With Mai
- Acrostic Poem On Mai
- ‘Mai’ In QR Code
- Adorable Nicknames For Mai
- Mai’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- Mai’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- Mai Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- Infographic: Know The Name Mai's Personality As Per Numerology
- Mai In Different Languages
- Mai In Fancy Fonts
- Adorable ‘Mai’ Wallpapers To Share
- How To Communicate The Name Mai In Sign Languages
- Name Numerology For Mai
- Baby Name Lists Containing Mai
- Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Mai
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Look Up For Many More Names
Origin, Meaning, And History of Mai
The name Mai has varying meanings and origins based on language and culture. It means ‘water’ in Arabic, which is a variant of ‘ma.’ In Estonian, Norwegian, Danish, and Breton, Mai is a shortened form of the Latin name Maria, derived from the Greek name Mary, which is itself derived from the Hebrew name Miriam that refers to the sister of Moses in the Old Testament. Therefore, the name Mai can also mean ‘beloved’ or ‘love.’ In Japanese, it is associated with the meanings ‘dance’ or ‘linen robe’ and can combine ma meaning ‘real’ or ‘genuine’ and ai meaning ‘love’ or ‘affection.’ In Vietnamese, the name comes from the Sino-Vietnamese word that refers to the species Prunus mume, thereby giving Mai the meanings ‘plum’ or ‘apricot’.
The name Mai has additional meanings, such as ‘brightness’ in Japanese, ‘coyote’ in Native American, ‘flower’ in Vietnamese, ‘the month of May’ in English, ‘bitter’ in Hebrew, and ‘great’ in Latin. Its Chinese origin traces back to the Guangdong and Henan provinces, thus also deriving the meaning ‘wheat’. Mai is also a topographic name that refers to the largest city in northern Thailand called Chiang Mai.
The name Mai has different forms and variations in different languages. In Breton, it is the full form of Mari while in Danish, it includes variants such as Mari, Maria, Marie, and Miriam. The Estonian forms of this name include Maarika, Maarja, Maia, Maie, Malle, Mare, Mari, Maria, Marika, Maris, Marje, Marju, and Mirjam. In Norwegian and Swedish, Mai has similar forms including Mari, Maria, Marie, Miriam, and Maj, but in Catalan, it is known as Ona, and in Dutch, it is Jet. The English language has several diminutives and short forms such as Maie, Maia, Mayes, May, Maya, Mae, Mays, Maye, Maize, Maurie, Mo, Mollie, Molly, Pollie, Polly, and Reenie. The Irish form of Mai is Mallaidh, while in Chinese, it is equated with Mei, and with Ume in Japanese.
The name Mai is associated with fictional characters such as the student activist and performance artist Mai Hem from the 1994 Australian television program Heartbreak High, the quiet and deadpan Mai Minakami from the Japanese manga series Nichijou, and the impassive, bored, stoic noblewoman Mai from the Nickelodeon animated television programs Avatar: The Last Airbender and its sequels.
Mai
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How To Pronounce Mai?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Mai in English.
Phonemic Representation Of Mai
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Mai in American and British accents.
- In American English: /may/
- In British English: /maɪ/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Mai trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Mai might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
| Phoneme | Articulation |
|---|---|
| /m/ | Bringing both lips together. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
| /a/ | Tongue low back, open mouth. Airflow is continuous |
| /y/ | Tip of the tongue touching behind the lower front teeth and the middle raising towards the roof. Airflow through mouth |
Notable People Named Mai
This section covers people who have made the name Mai famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Mai KurakiSinger-songwriter and producer
- Mai Ezz EldinEgyptian actress
- Mai CharoenpuraSinger and actress
- Mai ZetterlingActress, and director
- Nakamura MaiJapanese synchronized swimmer, part of the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist swim team.
- Mai YamaguchiJapanese volleyball player, part of the 2012 Olympic bronze medal-winning team, the 2010 World Championship bronze medallist team, and the 2011 Asian Championship silver medallist team.
- Mai NakamuraJapanese backstroke swimmer, won a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke and a bronze medal as part of the 4x100-meter medley relay team at the 2000 Olympics.
Mai On The Popularity Chart
According to the US Social Security Administration, the name Mai has risen and dropped in popularity and ranking over the years. Take a look at the following graphs to understand how this name has fared over time.
Popularity Over Time
The name Mai was shared among 71 babies per million in 1980, followed by a rise in popularity to 254 babies per million in 1990. The name was least popular in 2017 when it was shared among 34 babies per million. However, in 2021, the name was shared among 58 babies per million.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
In 1980 the name was ranked at 1631 followed by a rise in ranking to 794 in 1990. This was followed by a fall in the names ranking to 4270 in 2017. However, in 2021, the name was ranked at 2893.
Source: Social Security AdministrationMai On MomJunction Popularity Chart
Know how popular the name Mai is among the MomJunction readers. We used a unique approach to gather relevant insights for creating this popularity chart by observing the interactions and interest around the name on our platform. See what the trend has been among our readers over these past years.
Mai Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Mai fares on that count.
Number of profiles on Facebook
Monthly global searches on Google
Mai’s Mention In Fictional Works
In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Mai in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Mai’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Mai’s performance in the fictional cosmos.
| Title | Character name | Role played by |
|---|---|---|
| Jellyfish and Lobster | Mai | Sergute Mariam |
| Healthy | Mai | Tuyen Do |
| Julun Yeti Reshimgaathi | Mai Desai (2014) | Sukanya Kulkarni |
| Breakwater | Young Mai | Kenna Flores |
| Your Brother. Remember? | Mai Lee | Jennie Oberzan |
| Breakwater | Mai | Te Ao o Hinepehinga |
| Igano Kabamaru | Mai Ôkubo | Mai Tachihara |
| Sheep | Mai Lin | Scarlett Su |
| The American War | Nguyen Thi Nhu Mai | Nguyen Thi Nhu Mai |
| Redlove: The Art and Consequence of Illusion | Mai - Special Agent | Cristina de la Diosa |
Names With Similar Sound As Mai
The name Mai is pronounced as ma-ee or mie. If you like the phonetic sound of this name, you may consider the following names with similar sounds.
Popular Sibling Names For Mai
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Mai, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Mai
Find matching brother names for Mai and create a wonderful team of siblings.
MamoruMareo Marise Maro Maru Masa Masahiro Masakazu Masao Masaru Girl Sibling Names For Mai
Looking for some suitable sister names for Mai? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
MachikoMaeko Maemi Maho Maiko Maiya Makaira Makiko Mako Mameha Other Popular Names Beginning With M
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter M to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Mai
The name Mai is a versatile name with multiple meanings. If you like the name’s symbolic associations, here are some more names to consider.
Names Rhyming With Mai
The significance of rhyming names extends beyond their aesthetic appeal and a good feel. The repetition and symmetry enhance their memorability. If you want your children’s names to be easily remembered or tune with your name, try some rhyming names. Here are such names that rhyme with Mai.
Acrostic Poem On Mai
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Mai with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Modest and matured, you make people allured.
Aspiring and working hard for true success.
Infectious laughter illuminating hearts with humor.
‘Mai’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Adorable Nicknames For Mai
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Mai.
- Mai-Mai
- Maiya
- Maimi
- Maizie
- Maiju
Mai’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Mai’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Mai. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
| Rashi (zodiac sign) | Simha (Leo) |
|---|---|
| Starting letters for Simha (Leo) rashi | M, TT |
| Representation | Lion |
| Element | Fire |
| Ruling body | Sun |
| Quality | Fixed |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Simha (Leo) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
| Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magha (Makha, Makam) | Leo (0 to 13.20 degrees) | Ketu | Ma, Maa, Mi, Mee, Mu, Me |
| Purva Phalguni (Pooram, Pubba) | Leo (13.20 to 26.40 degrees) | Venus | Mo, Ta, Taa, Ti, Tee, Tu |
| Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram, Utram) | Leo (26.40 to 30 degrees) | Sun | Te, Ta, Taa, To, Pa, Paa, Pi, Pee |
Mai Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Mai is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
MYou are introspective, diligent, and pragmatic. You love to be independent but can be quite a workaholic..
AYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
IYou tend to be emotional when it comes to work or life. You also can be quite forgetful, which impacts your work.
Infographic: Know The Name Mai‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Mai In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Mai in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Mai, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
| Name | Language | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Mai | English | en |
| 麦 | Chinese | zh-CN |
| माई | Hindi | hi |
| Mai | Spanish | es |
| Mai | French | fr |
| ماي | Arabic | ar |
| মাই | Bengali | bn |
| Mai | Portuguese | pt |
| май | Russian | ru |
| مائی | Urdu | ur |
| Mai | Indonesian | id |
| Mai | German | de |
| まい | Japanese | ja |
| माई | Marathi | mr |
| మై | Telugu | te |
| Mai | Turkish | tr |
| mai | Tamil | ta |
| Mai | Vietnamese | vi |
| Mai | Tagalog | tl |
| 마이 | Korean | ko |
| Mai | Hausa | ha |
| Mai | Swahili | sw |
| Mai | Javanese | jv |
| Mai | Italian | it |
| ਮਾਈ | Punjabi | pa |
| માઇ | Gujarati | gu |
| ไหม | Thai | th |
| ಮೈ | Kannada | kn |
| mai | Amharic | am |
| माई | Bhojpuri | bho |
| Mai | Yoruba | yo |
Mai In Fancy Fonts
Visualize your little one’s name in different captivating fonts. You can use these fancy styles on birth announcement cards, nursery decorations, personalized gifts, to name a few. Select the perfect font from these options for a touch of personalization.
- Double Struck Font𝕄 𝕒 𝕚
- Bold Script Font𝓜 𝓪 𝓲
- Fancy Style 35 Fontm α ï
- Fancy Style 7 FontΜ Δ Ɨ
- Love FontM♥ a♥ i♥
- Black Square Font🅼 🅰 🅸
- Hand Writing 2 FontM α ι
- X Above Bellow FontM͓̽ a͓̽ i͓̽
Liked our fancy fonts for Mai? Why not go a step forward with these beautiful posters? They are perfect to download and use as display pictures or social media posts! You may also use them as part of decorating your child’s room. These personalized wallpapers celebrate the positive vibes of the name, offering a unique way to show how much this name means to you. What’s more! You have multiple options here to choose depending on your mood or occasion.
Mai 3D Wallpaper
Download
ShareMai Birthday Wallpaper
Download‘I Love Mai’ Wallpaper
DownloadStylish Mai Wallpaper
DownloadMai Name Initial Wallpaper
DownloadHow To Communicate The Name Mai In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Mai
In Sign Language
Mai
In Braille Alphabet
Mai
In Morse Code
Mai
In Barcode
In Binary
01001101 01100001 01101001
Name Numerology For Mai
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Mai, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
The name you give a child at birth is like their numerological DNA - it is a blueprint of who they are, their talents and character traits, their likes and dislikes, and much more. So choose carefully and, if possible, consider an ancestral name, especially one that belonged to an ancestor who did well and lived a good life. But consult a numerologist for more insight and perhaps a little fine-tuning by changing a letter or adding a middle name.
Baby Name Lists Containing Mai
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Mai and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
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- 120 Popular Vietnamese Last Names Or Surnames, With Meanings›
Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Mai
Discover the presence of Mai in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.
| Movie title | Other titles | Release year |
|---|---|---|
| Have You Ever Been Afraid? | Hai mai avuto paura?, Hai mai avuto paura? - Have you ever been afraid? | 2023 |
| Oh! My Ghost | O! Mai Goseuteu | 2022 |
| My Broken Mariko | Mai burôkun Mariko, マイ・ブロークン・マリコ | 2022 |
| My Small Land | Mai Sumoru Rando, Minha Pequena Terra, Moja mała ojczyzna, 나의 작은 나라, マイスモールランド, 少女的孤島, 芳寸之地 | 2022 |
| Drive My Car | Brauc ar manu auto, Conduis mon char, Doraibu mai kâ, Drajv maj kár, Ha'Na'heget shel Mar Yûsuke, Keyra bílinn minn, Povezi me, Vezess helyettem, Карай колата ми, Керуй моїм авто, Сядь за кермо моєї машини, Сядь за руль моей машины, 드라이브 마이 카, ドライブ・マイ・カー, 在車上, 驾驶我的车 | 2021 |
| My Daddy | Mai dadi, マイ・ダディ | 2021 |
| Sasaki, in, mai main | Myśląc o Sasakim, Sasaki in maimain, Sasaki in My Mind, Sasaki, in, mai main, 佐々木、イン、マイマイン | 2020 |
| Bitiya Chhathi Mai Ke | 2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the name Mai?
The name Mai means ‘dance’ or ‘water.’
What is the origin of the name Mai?
Mai has Japanese and Arabic origins.
How to pronounce the name Mai?
Mai is pronounced as ‘mey.’
Is Mai typically used as a standalone name, or is it usually a nickname for another name?
The name Mai is a standalone name with roots in different languages. However, it can also be used as a short for longer names such as Maria or Maia.
Is Mai used as both a boy’s and girl’s name, or is it typically used for one gender?
Mai has diverse roots, such as in Japanese, Vietnamese, and Arabic; in most languages, it is considered a feminine name. Hence, Mai is mostly used as a girl’s name.
References
- Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
