Origin & Meaning of the Mai Surname
What does the last name Mai mean?
The surname Mai carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,445 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mai ranks as the #2,075 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mai come from?
The Mai surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Mai name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mai trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Mai |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,075 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,445 |
| Per 100K People | 5.91 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mai
According to the US Census, the Mai surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,445 Americans with the Mai last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 11.32% |
| Black | 0.55% |
| Hispanic | 1.14% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 85.47% |
| Native American | 0.11% |
| Two or More Races | 1.4% |
Popularity of Mai Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mai surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mai surname increased by 5,418 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mai Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mai ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Mai Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Mai Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mai
- ✓ The Mai coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mai families live today
- ✓ Notable Mai bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Mai
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mai.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Mai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mai
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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