May Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

May Name Meaning: Derived from the given name 'Matthew'. Also a meaning for 'Great Mother'.

This name was sometimes given to someone born or baptized in the month of May. Could also refer to someone of a 'sunny disposition'.

Discover how your May ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

May Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the May family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 598
Female Servant 403
Independent 283
Labourer 234
Male Servant 202
Farmer 137
Shoe Maker 100
Carpenter 64
Dress Maker 61
Tailor 54
Ag Labourer 54
Laundress 48
Servant 41
Blacksmith 35
Mariner 31
Gardener 30
Brick Layer 28
Weaver 28
Clerk 28
Butcher 26
Grocer 26
Mason 26
Miner 26
Apprentice 25
Painter 25

May Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 May 100% 138,201
2 Mayo 75% 13,780
3 Amey 50% 6,672
4 Amy 33% 5,324
5 Moy 67% 4,009
6 Moye 50% 1,439
7 Meigh 20% 1,403
8 Maye 75% 881
9 Mye 33% 384
10 Maay 75% 214
11 Emey 50% 174
12 Mey 67% 148
13 Aamey 40% 141

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The surname May is the most popular version of all its varients

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