MyNameList

    Mai

    Also spelled: May, Maja

    Pronunciation: MY

    ♀ Female
    Japanese, Vietnamese, Old Norse, Hawaiian

    Meaning

    good, beautiful, dance, plum

    Origin

    Kuman

    The Story Behind Mai

    The name Mai has multiple independent origins. In Japanese, it means 'dance' (舞) or 'plum' (麻董). In Vietnamese, it refers to the 'apricot blossom' (mai), a flower significant during Tết (Lunar New Year). As a Scandinavian name, it is a short form of Maja or Maria, meaning 'bitter' or 'rebellious'. In Hawaiian, Mai means 'good' or 'beautiful'. This multiplicity of origins contributes to its widespread use and varied cultural associations.

    The name's simplicity and pleasant sound have likely contributed to its adoption across different cultures, sometimes as a given name in its own right and other times as a diminutive. Its diverse meanings offer a rich tapestry of interpretations, from natural beauty to artistic expression, depending on the linguistic context.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Stable
    Era:Contemporary
    Popular in:Japan, Vietnam, Denmark, Norway

    Popularity Trends

    Is Mai Right for Your Baby?

    Mai is a Soft, Elegant, Exotic name for girls that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables1
    LengthShort
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Regions Where Mai Is Used

    East Asian
    Southeast Asian
    Scandinavian
    Polynesian / Pacific Islander

    Name Vibe

    Soft
    Elegant
    Exotic
    Gentle

    Famous People Named Mai

    • Mai Kuraki, Japanese singer-songwriter
    • Mai Zetterling, Swedish actress and film director
    • Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim, German chemist and science communicator
    • Mai Hontama, Japanese tennis player
    • Mai Davika Hoorne, Thai actress and model

    Mai in different fonts

    MaiDancing Script
    MaiCaveat
    MaiSatisfy
    MaiPacifico
    MaiGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Mai:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Mai, you might also like names with these styles:

    Short and sweet
    Nature names

    Related Names

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Mai

    What does Mai mean?

    Mai means "good, beautiful, dance, plum". It is derived from Kuman.

    What is the origin of Mai?

    Mai originates from Japanese, Vietnamese, Old Norse, Hawaiian. Its cultural origin is Kuman.

    Is Mai a male or female name?

    Mai is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Mai?

    Mai is pronounced "MY".

    What language does Mai come from?

    Mai comes from Japanese, Vietnamese, Old Norse, Hawaiian.

    Is Mai a popular name?

    Mai is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is stable.

    What are variants of Mai?

    Variants of Mai include May, Maja.

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