Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Mai
GirlJapanese, Vietnamese· “dance (Japanese); flower (Vietnamese); May”
- Meaning
- dance (Japanese); flower (Vietnamese); May
- Origin
- Japanese, Vietnamese
- Pronunciation
- MY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #3,016
- US babies 2025
- 55
- Best rank
- #792 (1881)
- Peak year
- 1990
Meaning and origin of Mai
Mai is a Japanese and Vietnamese name that is usually said to mean “dance (Japanese); flower (Vietnamese); May”.
Mai is a short name used in several languages with different meanings. In Japanese, it can mean dance, among other meanings depending on the characters. In Vietnamese, mai refers to the yellow apricot blossom that is a symbol of the Lunar New Year. In German, Scandinavian and French, Mai is the name of the month of May. It is pronounced MY. In Japanese it also begins longer names such as Maiko and Maika, and in English it sits close to May and Maya.
Other spellings with the same sound: My.
Popularity over time
Mai has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years. Its best national rank was #792 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 1990, when 254 were named Mai. In 2025, 55 babies were named Mai, and it ranked #3,016 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,425 in 1920, #4,182 in 1950, #1,630 in 1980, #2,228 in 2000, #2,962 in 2010, and #3,016 in 2025. Of the 5,677 US girls named Mai since records began, 29% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 1,586 babies. Since 2010, 832 more have been named Mai.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lissette, Monika, Portia, Chynna, and Leandra.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mai ranked highest in California and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1807 | 12 |
| Texas | #2820 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mai is usually pronounced MY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with M and ends in “-ai”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include My.
Middle names for Mai
A few middle names that flow with Mai: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mai
Similar names
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TY
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Mei Girl
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Anh Unisex
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Sarai Girl
suh-RY
“my princess” · Hebrew
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Kaya Girl
KY-uh
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Kairi Girl
KY-ree
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Mika Girl
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Kami Girl
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“short form of Camille; Japanese "divine spirit"” · English
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Lists that include Mai
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mai mean?
Mai is a Japanese and Vietnamese name that is usually said to mean “dance (Japanese); flower (Vietnamese); May”.
What is the origin of the name Mai?
Mai has Japanese and Vietnamese roots. Mai is a short name used in several languages with different meanings.
Is Mai a popular name?
Not especially. Mai ranked #3,016 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Mai a boy or girl name?
Mai is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mai?
Mai is usually pronounced MY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings