Mai

♀ Girl

Mai Pronunciation

Mai is pronounced MY /ˈmaɪ/High

Meaning: Apricot blossom; from Vietnamese mai, the yellow flower of the lunar new yearHigh

In 30 seconds: One small syllable, several beautiful stories: the golden apricot blossom of Vietnamese New Year, the Japanese word for classical dance, and a Nordic pet form of Maria.

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Origin HighVietnamese, Japanese

MeaningApricot blossom; from Vietnamese mai, the yellow flower of the lunar new year

U.S. rank (2024)#3245 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births49 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1990

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,622

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Mai is a true international name. In Vietnamese it names the yellow apricot blossom central to Tet celebrations in the south of the country; in Japanese it is usually written with the character for traditional dance, or with characters for flowers and linen; and in Scandinavia it arose independently as a pet form of Maria, sister to May and Maja.

Vietnamese and Japanese immigration brought Mai to American birth records, where it also benefits from sounding like the English word 'my' and the month-name May. It remains an uncommon, quietly elegant single-syllable choice.

Did you know? In Vietnam, branches of hoa mai — yellow apricot blossom — decorate homes at Tet, the lunar new year, as symbols of prosperity, making Mai a name tied to celebration itself.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Mai — multi-origin etymology

Variations

MayMajMaja

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Mai Yamane (1958–present)
Japanese singer best known for vocals on the anime soundtrack Cowboy Bebop.

If you like Mai…

Mia— a fellow tiny, vowel-forward international favorite

Maya— shares the open m-vowel sound across many cultures

Sakura— a Japanese blossom name with the same floral spirit

Koi— the same nature feel

Mei— shares Mai's Japanese roots

→ See all names like Mai

Browse the whole category: All Vietnamese names → · All Japanese names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Mai?

Mai is pronounced MY (/ˈmaɪ/). Press play above to hear Mai said aloud.

How do you say Mai?

Mai is said MY (/ˈmaɪ/). Press play above to hear Mai said aloud.

What does the name Mai mean?

Mai means 'apricot blossom' in Vietnamese and 'dance' in Japanese; in Scandinavia it began as a pet form of Maria.

Is Mai a boy or girl name?

Mai is a girl's name in Vietnamese, Japanese, and Scandinavian use.

How popular is Mai?

Mai is an uncommon name in the U.S., most familiar in Vietnamese American and Japanese American families.