Origin & Meaning of the May Surname
What does the last name May mean?
The surname May carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 103,306 bearers in the 2010 US Census, May ranks as the #304 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname May come from?
The May surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 May name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of May trace back to Unknown. 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 | May |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #304 |
| US Count (2010) | 103,306 |
| Per 100K People | 35.02 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of May
According to the US Census, the May surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 103,306 Americans with the May last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.55% |
| Black | 9.57% |
| Hispanic | 3.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.22% |
| Native American | 0.73% |
| Two or More Races | 1.89% |
Popularity of May Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the May surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the May surname increased by 1,580 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your May Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your May ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the May Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full May Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of May
- ✓ The May coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where May families live today
- ✓ Notable May bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to May
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with May.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as May.
Frequently Asked Questions About May
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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