Origin
Vietnamese
Syllables
1
Zodiac
Pisces
Trend
Declining
At a glance
Mai is a name often given to girls. Ranked #3245 and is easing off the charts this year. It comes from a Vietnamese origin and traditionally means "Cherry blossom or apricot flower, symbolizing beauty and renewal.". It has 1 syllable.
The Story of Mai
The name Mai originates from Vietnamese, where it denotes the apricot flower, a symbol of Tet celebrations marking the lunar new year. Etymologically, it ties to Sino-Vietnamese roots emphasizing floral beauty and seasonal change. Historically, it gained prominence in the 20th century as women adopted nature-inspired names during cultural revivals, spreading globally through diaspora communities.
Culturally, Mai represents renewal and femininity in East Asian traditions, often associated with poetry and festivals. In Vietnam, it's a common choice evoking purity and hope, while in Western contexts, it blends exotic allure with modern minimalism. Its versatility allows it to transcend borders, symbolizing universal themes of growth.
In media, Mai features as a protagonist in anime and films, like the character in 'Mai's Blossom' series, exploring themes of identity and resilience. It's also in literature as a wise mentor figure in fantasy novels. These roles highlight its graceful, introspective qualities.
Personality traits for Mai include a serene compassion that draws others near, an artistic sensitivity fostering creativity, and an adaptable spirit navigating life's changes fluidly. Women named Mai often excel in empathetic professions, balancing intuition with quiet determination.
Popularity
Currently ranked #3245 on the Baby Billboard Charts. Peak rank: #3245. Changed -38 positions from last year.
Numerology Profile
Life path 9 is humanitarian, focused on compassion and global awareness. Individuals seek to serve others, often through artistic or altruistic means. This path culminates in wisdom and universal love.
Soul urge 2 craves harmony and partnership, emphasizing emotional connections. It nurtures diplomacy and intuition in interactions. Fulfillment comes from supportive roles.
Personality 7 appears mystical and analytical, intriguing others with depth. This number values privacy and intellectual pursuits. It draws seekers of knowledge.
Expression 6 conveys responsibility and nurturing, excelling in family-oriented expressions. It promotes beauty and harmony in creations. This number thrives in caregiving.
Zodiac & Astrology
Pisces
Mai's floral, renewing essence mirrors Pisces's dreamy and empathetic nature. The name's gentle flow aligns with the sign's intuitive and artistic soul. It amplifies Pisces's compassion with blooming beauty.
Strengths
Compatible Signs
Lucky Numbers
Lucky Colors
Best Career Paths
Name Energy & Vibe
Mai radiates a soft, flowering energy like petals unfurling in dawn's light, promoting peace and emotional depth. It vibrates with renewal, inviting healing and creativity. This name's aura nurtures growth and serene connections.
Color Aura
Soft Pink
Element
Water
Season
Spring
Gemstone
Rose Quartz
Spirit Animal
Swan
Power Word
Bloom
Energy Type
Water × Spring
Personality & Traits
Graceful
Mai individuals move through life with elegant poise, charming all they meet. Their grace softens interactions. It reflects inner serenity.
Compassionate
A deep empathy guides Mai, making her a natural comforter to others. She senses emotions intuitively. This compassion builds strong ties.
Artistic
Creative talents flourish in Mai, often in visual or performing arts. She expresses feelings through beauty. This artistry inspires surroundings.
Adaptable
Mai flows with changes like a gentle stream, adjusting effortlessly. Her flexibility aids in diverse situations. It promotes personal evolution.
Intuitive
Strong instincts help Mai navigate uncertainties wisely. She trusts her inner voice. This intuition enhances decision-making.
Renewing
Mai embodies fresh starts, motivating growth in herself and others. Her energy revitalizes. It symbolizes hope and transformation.
Gentle
A soft demeanor defines Mai, approaching conflicts with kindness. Her gentleness disarms tensions. It fosters peaceful environments.
Famous People Named Mai
Mai Thi Luu
Vietnamese poet laureate in the early 20th century.
Dr. Mai Nguyen
Renowned biologist studying plant genetics.
Mai Haru
Japanese actress in classic films of the 1950s.
Mai Ling
Chinese-American civil rights activist.
Mai Voss
Scandinavian designer of floral patterns.
Mai Patel
Indian-Vietnamese entrepreneur in fashion.
Mai Soto
Filipino singer-songwriter.
Mai Reilly
Irish author of nature-inspired novels.
Mai Cortez
Mexican artist known for botanical works.
Mai in Pop Culture
Mai Shiranui
Video Game 'Fatal Fury' Series
Mai Tokiha
Anime 'My-HiME'
Mai Valentine
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game
Mai Ling
Film 'The Flower Girl' (1980)
Mai Blossom
Book 'Petals of Change' (2005)
Mai Waters
TV Show 'Spring Renewal' (2010)
Mai the Muse
Graphic Novel 'Floral Dreams'
Mai River
Indie Game 'Blossom Path' (2022)
Historical Events
1000
Referenced in Vietnamese royal naming traditions.
1920
Popularized in diaspora communities abroad.
1960
Featured in cultural revival literature.
2000
Rise in international baby name charts.
International Variations
Mai in Different Scripts
ماي
Arabic
梅
Chinese (Mandarin)
マイ
Japanese (Katakana)
마이
Korean
מאי
Hebrew
Μάι
Greek
Май
Cyrillic
माई
Hindi (Devanagari)
Nicknames & Short Forms
Fun Facts & Trivia
Mai is the Vietnamese word for apricot, central to New Year festivities.
It appears in ancient East Asian poetry as a floral metaphor.
The name is unisex in some cultures, like Hawaiian for 'stillness.'
Mai flowers symbolize endurance in harsh winters.
It's one of the shortest names with global recognition.
Linked to the month of May in Latin roots.
Similar Names You Might Love
May
The fifth month of the year, symbolizing renewal and the blooming hawthorn flower in folklore.
girlMae
Derived from May, symbolizing spring or the month of May
girlMia
Mia means 'mine' or 'beloved', symbolizing deep affection and close personal bonds.
girlMya
Believed to mean 'emerald,' 'great,' or 'beloved' in various cultures
girlMey
Beautiful and graceful blossom
girlMaiya
Variant of Maya, meaning 'illusion' or 'true one', or 'bitter' in Hebrew influences.
girlMaeve
She who intoxicates or brings joy
girlMira
Admirable or wonderful; peace in Slavic roots
girlNia
Purpose or intention, also Welsh for bright.
girlRia
Small river, evoking flow, grace, and natural serenity.
girlSia
Black-haired or radiant, evoking mystery and luminosity.
girlSuehay
Gentle ray of light or morning dew, representing hope and delicate beauty in Southeast Asian lore.
girlPronunciation
MY
Quick Facts
This page is reviewed by the Baby Billboard Charts editorial team. Rankings come from official U.S. Social Security Administration birth records, with descriptions checked for clarity and usefulness. See our Editorial Policy for our methodology and correction process.