Mae

Origin

English diminutive form of Margaret or Mary, rooted in Latin 'Magdalena' meaning 'of Magdala'. The name gained popularity in early 20th-century English-speaking countries, including Australia, as a simple, elegant modern name. While primarily of European origin, 'Mae' is sometimes chosen in Australia for its vintage charm and brevity.

Meaning

'Pearl' or 'rebel' — in Australian English contexts, 'Mae' often connotes delicacy, innocence, or a vintage aesthetic; it is commonly associated with purity and simplicity.

Pronunciation

/meɪ/ (Australian English pronunciation, with a long 'a' as in 'say') — Stress on the single syllable, smooth and flowing sound, common in Australian and UK English.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 12 August (Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary)
• 15 August (Assumption of Mary)
• 26 July (Feast of Saint Anne)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with mae:

• Charlotte and Mae
• Chloe and Mae — popular in Australia for their soft, vintage vibe
• Emma and Mae — classic and timeless combinations

Fun Facts

• The name 'Mae' saw a resurgence in Australian fashion and pop culture in the early 2000s, often used to evoke vintage or retro aesthetics.
• In Australian literature, characters named Mae are often portrayed as gentle, artistic, or introspective.
• Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins has a song titled 'Mae' which contributed to the name’s contemporary recognition.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name mae:

• Gentle
• Artistic
• Innocent
• Vintage
• Elegant

Aesthetic Qualities

Simple, elegant, vintage — visually appealing with a clean, minimalist look suited to contemporary and classic styles in Australian design and fashion.

Geographical Distribution

Most prevalent in urban areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting a trend towards vintage and classic names in these regions. Slightly less common in rural areas.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical skills — often considered a lucky and spiritually significant number in numerology.

Astrological Connections

Aligns with the Moon and Pisces, associated with sensitivity, imagination, and emotional depth in astrology, popular traits for those named Mae in Australia.

Historical Context

Historically popularised during the 19th and early 20th centuries through Christian influence and Victorian fashion. Famous Australians with the name include singer Mae Busch (1891–1969) and the actress Mae Whitty, though less common today.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, with similar forms appearing in French ('Mae'), German ('Maja'), and Scandinavian countries, often maintained as Mae or May.

Famous People Named mae

• Mae Busch (Actress)
• Mae Jemison (American astronaut, popular among Australian science communities)
• Mae West (American actress with cultural influence in Australia)

Popularity in Australia