Origin of the name May:

Originally used as a pet form of Mary and Margaret (pearl). More recently, however, it is usually associated with the name of the month, which is derived from the Latin Maius (the month of Maia, the Greek mythological goddess of increase). May is often bestowed as a middle name, or used as a name element in combination names such as Anna-Mae or May-Lynn. The name was borne by the popular actress Mae West (1892 - 1980). Her shapely bustline led to her name being used for an inflatable life preserver vest for use by RAF aviators downed at sea during World War II.

From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.Buy the book