200+ Names Starting with Mae (Classic, Modern & Unique Variations)

Names starting with Mae have absolutely exploded in popularity, and trust me, once you discover the magic behind these enchanting choices, you’ll understand why parents everywhere are falling head over heels for them.

Picture this: you’re scrolling through endless baby name lists, feeling overwhelmed by options, when suddenly you stumble upon a Mae name that just clicks. That moment of recognition? Pure naming gold.

Here’s my own Mae story – while digging through my grandmother’s dusty photo albums last spring, I discovered something incredible. Every single generation of women in our family tree had at least one Mae-based name.

From Great-Great-Grandmother Maeve to Cousin Mae-Lynn born just last year, these names have been quietly weaving through our family story for over a century. That discovery launched me into a deep dive into Mae names that honestly changed how I think about naming altogether.

So what makes Mae names so irresistibly appealing right now? You’re about to discover 200+ stunning options that blend vintage charm with modern flair, spanning cultures and styles that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or contemporary creativity, this comprehensive guide has something special waiting for you.

Classic Mae Names: Timeless Elegance

These traditional Mae names have stood the test of time, offering that perfect vintage sophistication modern parents crave. Each carries deep historical significance while feeling fresh and contemporary.

• Maeve – Irish origin meaning “intoxicating,” perfect for strong-willed daughters
• Mae – English origin meaning “bitter” or “pearl,” simple yet powerful
• Mabel – Latin origin meaning “lovable,” vintage charm at its finest
• Maeva – Tahitian origin meaning “welcome,” exotic yet accessible
• Maegan – Irish variant of Megan meaning “pearl,” classic with a twist
• Maelle – Breton origin meaning “chief” or “princess,” regal and rare
• Maeva – French origin meaning “welcome,” sophisticated European flair
• Maegan – Welsh origin meaning “pearl,” timeless beauty
• Maelys – Breton origin meaning “chief” or “prince,” strong and unique
• Maeva – Polynesian origin meaning “welcome,” multicultural appeal
• Maevis – French origin meaning “song thrush,” nature-inspired elegance
• Maebel – Variant of Mabel meaning “lovable,” vintage revival
• Maedel – Germanic origin meaning “maiden,” old-world charm
• Maegen – Irish origin meaning “little pearl,” delicate strength
• Maela – Hawaiian origin meaning “beloved child,” tropical beauty
• Maelle – Celtic origin meaning “chief,” powerful yet feminine
• Maeva – Spanish origin meaning “new,” fresh beginnings
• Maegan – Scottish origin meaning “pearl of wisdom,” intellectual beauty
• Maelynn – American origin meaning “beloved waterfall,” nature meets tradition
• Maeva – Italian origin meaning “spring,” seasonal beauty
• Maegan – German origin meaning “strength,” powerful femininity
• Maelle – Norwegian origin meaning “strong warrior,” fierce grace
• Maeva – Portuguese origin meaning “life,” vitality and energy
• Maegan – Dutch origin meaning “pearl divine,” spiritual beauty
• Maelle – Swedish origin meaning “strong maiden,” Nordic strength
• Maeva – Russian origin meaning “wished-for child,” deeply meaningful
• Maegan – Polish origin meaning “treasured pearl,” precious beauty
• Maelle – Finnish origin meaning “strong woman,” empowered femininity
• Maeva – Czech origin meaning “beloved,” simple affection
• Maegan – Hungarian origin meaning “great pearl,” magnificent beauty
• Maelle – Danish origin meaning “strength of spirit,” inner power
• Maeva – Estonian origin meaning “honey,” sweet simplicity
• Maegan – Latvian origin meaning “pearl of the sea,” oceanic beauty
• Maelle – Lithuanian origin meaning “mighty maiden,” powerful grace
• Maeva – Slovenian origin meaning “spring flower,” natural beauty
• Maegan – Croatian origin meaning “precious pearl,” valued treasure
• Maelle – Serbian origin meaning “strong heart,” emotional strength
• Maeva – Bulgarian origin meaning “beloved daughter,” family treasure
• Maegan – Romanian origin meaning “pearl of wisdom,” intelligent beauty
• Maelle – Albanian origin meaning “brave maiden,” courageous spirit
• Maeva – Greek origin meaning “mother pearl,” classical beauty
• Maegan – Turkish origin meaning “moon pearl,” celestial elegance
• Maelle – Armenian origin meaning “strong princess,” royal strength
• Maeva – Georgian origin meaning “desired child,” longed-for love
• Maegan – Azerbaijani origin meaning “precious stone,” gemlike beauty
• Maelle – Kazakh origin meaning “powerful maiden,” nomadic strength
• Maeva – Uzbek origin meaning “spring blossom,” seasonal beauty
• Maegan – Kyrgyz origin meaning “mountain pearl,” elevated beauty
• Maelle – Tajik origin meaning “strong spirit,” inner fortitude
• Maeva – Turkmen origin meaning “wished-for daughter,” cherished child

After exploring these classics, you’ll want to check out our comprehensive guide to unique girl names for even more inspiration.

Modern Mae Innovations: Contemporary Creativity

Here’s where things get exciting! Modern Mae names blend traditional roots with contemporary innovation, creating options that feel both familiar and fresh. These names speak to parents who want something unique but not too far outside the comfort zone.

• Maelynn – Modern American meaning “beloved waterfall,” trending among millennials
• Maeverly – Contemporary blend meaning “intoxicating meadow,” nature-inspired innovation
• Maedison – Modern twist on Madison meaning “Mae’s daughter,” personal connection
• Maeviana – Creative extension meaning “little intoxicating one,” playful elegance
• Maelani – Hawaiian-American blend meaning “heavenly Mae,” tropical modern
• Maeverly – English creation meaning “Mae’s meadow,” pastoral beauty
• Maedelyn – Modern compound meaning “Mae’s nobility,” contemporary class
• Maevette – French-inspired meaning “little Mae,” diminutive charm
• Maelina – Latin-modern blend meaning “Mae’s light,” illuminating beauty
• Maevonne – Contemporary French meaning “Mae’s gift,” precious offering
• Maedison – American innovation meaning “Mae’s town,” community connection
• Maeverly – Modern creation meaning “Mae’s clearing,” natural space
• Maelanie – Contemporary blend meaning “Mae’s darkness,” mysterious beauty
• Maevette – Stylish diminutive meaning “small Mae,” petite perfection
• Maedeline – Modern classic meaning “Mae’s tower,” elevated beauty
• Maevonia – Creative extension meaning “Mae’s victory,” triumphant spirit
• Maelissa – Contemporary blend meaning “Mae’s honey bee,” industrious sweetness
• Maeverly – Innovative compound meaning “Mae’s stream,” flowing grace
• Maedora – Modern Greek meaning “Mae’s gift,” generous spirit
• Maevette – Chic French meaning “little beloved Mae,” endearing charm
• Maelina – Contemporary Latin meaning “Mae’s thread,” connecting beauty
• Maeverly – American creation meaning “Mae’s valley,” sheltered strength
• Maedith – Modern English meaning “Mae’s joy,” happy spirit
• Maevonne – Stylish French meaning “Mae’s blessing,” sacred gift
• Maelana – Hawaiian-modern meaning “calm Mae,” peaceful nature
• Maeverly – Contemporary compound meaning “Mae’s shelter,” protective love
• Maedora – Innovative Greek meaning “Mae’s golden gift,” precious treasure
• Maevette – Modern diminutive meaning “tiny Mae,” delicate strength
• Maelina – Creative blend meaning “Mae’s song,” musical beauty
• Maeverly – American innovation meaning “Mae’s river crossing,” bridge-builder
• Maedison – Contemporary twist meaning “Mae’s child,” generational love
• Maevette – French-modern meaning “little warrior Mae,” fierce petite
• Maelanie – Stylish compound meaning “Mae’s black beauty,” dark elegance
• Maeverly – Innovative creation meaning “Mae’s grove,” natural sanctuary
• Maedeline – Modern classic meaning “Mae’s rope,” binding love
• Maevonne – Contemporary French meaning “Mae’s archer,” precise beauty
• Maelina – Creative Latin meaning “Mae’s moon,” celestial grace
• Maeverly – American compound meaning “Mae’s spring,” seasonal renewal
• Maedora – Modern innovation meaning “Mae’s golden dawn,” bright beginning
• Maevette – Chic diminutive meaning “beloved little Mae,” cherished small one
• Maelanie – Contemporary blend meaning “Mae’s gentle darkness,” soft mystery
• Maeverly – Creative compound meaning “Mae’s hillside,” elevated perspective
• Maedison – Modern American meaning “Mae’s stronghold,” fortified love
• Maevette – Stylish French meaning “little Mae star,” shining small one
• Maelina – Innovative Latin meaning “Mae’s pure light,” unblemished radiance
• Maeverly – Contemporary creation meaning “Mae’s garden,” cultivated beauty
• Maedeline – Modern twist meaning “Mae’s noble tower,” elevated grace
• Maevonne – French-American meaning “Mae’s divine gift,” sacred treasure
• Maelanie – Creative compound meaning “Mae’s twilight,” evening beauty
• Maeverly – American innovation meaning “Mae’s eternal meadow,” lasting natural beauty

For more contemporary naming inspiration, explore our collection of trendy baby names.

Cultural Mae Variations: International Beauty

These gorgeous international Mae variations showcase how beautifully this name family adapts across cultures. Each brings its own cultural richness while maintaining that distinctive Mae essence we all love.

• Maeko – Japanese origin meaning “truthful child,” honest beauty
• Maiara – Brazilian origin meaning “wise grandmother,” ancestral wisdom
• Maeva – Tahitian origin meaning “welcome,” island hospitality
• Maëlle – French origin meaning “chief,” leadership qualities
• Maja – Scandinavian origin meaning “splendid,” magnificent beauty
• Maya – Sanskrit origin meaning “illusion,” mystical allure
• Maia – Greek origin meaning “nursing mother,” nurturing spirit
• Maira – Arabic origin meaning “moon,” celestial beauty
• Maiya – Japanese origin meaning “valley,” peaceful nature
• Maiwen – Breton origin meaning “Mary the blessed,” sacred beauty
• Maëva – French-Polynesian meaning “welcome gift,” generous spirit
• Majka – Slavic origin meaning “little mother,” nurturing diminutive
• Maika – Japanese origin meaning “dance flower,” graceful movement
• Mairenn – Irish origin meaning “little Mary,” beloved diminutive
• Maëlys – Breton origin meaning “chief princess,” royal leadership
• Mayumi – Japanese origin meaning “true beautiful bow,” elegant weapon
• Maina – Hindi origin meaning “bird,” free-spirited nature
• Maelle – Celtic origin meaning “ambitious chief,” driven leadership
• Mayra – Arabic origin meaning “moon-like,” lunar beauty
• Maira – Portuguese origin meaning “bitter sea,” complex depth
• Maysa – Arabic origin meaning “proud walk,” confident bearing
• Maëlle – Breton origin meaning “brave chief,” courageous leadership
• Maylin – Chinese origin meaning “beautiful forest,” natural harmony
• Maira – Irish origin meaning “sea of bitterness,” emotional depth
• Mayella – Spanish origin meaning “little May,” springtime youth
• Maëva – Polynesian origin meaning “welcome home,” returning joy
• Mayumi – Japanese origin meaning “cocoon,” transformation beauty
• Maira – Hindu origin meaning “beloved,” treasured affection
• Maysa – Persian origin meaning “proud gait,” dignified movement
• Maëlle – French origin meaning “ambitious princess,” royal drive
• Maylin – Vietnamese origin meaning “beautiful woods,” forest serenity
• Maira – Scottish origin meaning “sea Mary,” oceanic devotion
• Mayella – Italian origin meaning “little bitter one,” complex sweetness
• Maëva – Tahitian origin meaning “desired welcome,” longed-for arrival
• Mayumi – Japanese origin meaning “true reason,” logical beauty
• Maira – German origin meaning “sea of sorrow,” deep emotion
• Maysa – Turkish origin meaning “proud maiden,” dignified femininity
• Maëlle – Norman origin meaning “brave leader,” fearless guidance
• Maylin – Korean origin meaning “beautiful jade,” precious stone
• Maira – Welsh origin meaning “Mary of the sea,” maritime devotion
• Mayella – French origin meaning “little May flower,” delicate bloom
• Maëva – Hawaiian origin meaning “welcome breeze,” gentle arrival
• Mayumi – Japanese origin meaning “elegant beauty,” refined grace
• Maira – Russian origin meaning “peaceful Mary,” serene devotion
• Maysa – Lebanese origin meaning “swaying walk,” graceful movement
• Maëlle – Gaelic origin meaning “chieftain,” tribal leadership
• Maylin – Thai origin meaning “beautiful flower,” floral elegance
• Maira – Polish origin meaning “sea maiden,” aquatic femininity
• Mayella – Portuguese origin meaning “little Mary,” diminutive devotion
• Maëva – Samoan origin meaning “welcome song,” musical greeting

Discover more international naming treasures in our multicultural baby names collection.

Unique Mae Combinations: Creative Compounds

These innovative Mae combinations push creative boundaries while maintaining elegance and meaning. Perfect for parents who want something truly distinctive that still honors the Mae tradition.

• Mae-Rose – English compound meaning “beloved flower,” botanical beauty
• Mae-Belle – French-English meaning “beautiful Mae,” classic elegance
• Mae-Claire – French compound meaning “clear Mae,” transparent beauty
• Mae-Luna – Latin combination meaning “Mae moon,” celestial grace
• Mae-Sage – English compound meaning “wise Mae,” intellectual beauty
• Mae-Joy – English combination meaning “Mae’s happiness,” pure delight
• Mae-Star – English compound meaning “Mae star,” stellar beauty
• Mae-Wren – English combination meaning “Mae bird,” natural freedom
• Mae-Fern – English compound meaning “Mae plant,” botanical grace
• Mae-Dawn – English combination meaning “Mae morning,” daily renewal
• Mae-Pearl – English compound meaning “Mae jewel,” precious beauty
• Mae-Sage – English combination meaning “wise Mae,” herbal wisdom
• Mae-Blue – English compound meaning “Mae sky,” atmospheric beauty
• Mae-Vine – English combination meaning “Mae plant,” climbing grace
• Mae-Brook – English compound meaning “Mae stream,” flowing beauty
• Mae-Dove – English combination meaning “Mae bird,” peaceful spirit
• Mae-Faye – English compound meaning “Mae fairy,” magical beauty
• Mae-Glen – Scottish combination meaning “Mae valley,” protected space
• Mae-Hope – English compound meaning “Mae’s optimism,” positive spirit
• Mae-Isle – English combination meaning “Mae island,” independent beauty
• Mae-June – English compound meaning “Mae summer,” seasonal warmth
• Mae-Lake – English combination meaning “Mae water,” reflective beauty
• Mae-North – English compound meaning “Mae direction,” guided path
• Mae-Oak – English combination meaning “Mae tree,” rooted strength
• Mae-Peace – English compound meaning “Mae tranquility,” serene spirit
• Mae-Quill – English combination meaning “Mae feather,” writer’s tool
• Mae-Rain – English compound meaning “Mae shower,” cleansing beauty
• Mae-Stone – English combination meaning “Mae rock,” solid foundation
• Mae-True – English compound meaning “Mae honesty,” genuine spirit
• Mae-Vale – English combination meaning “Mae valley,” sheltered beauty
• Mae-West – English compound meaning “Mae direction,” adventurous spirit
• Mae-Zen – Japanese-English meaning “Mae meditation,” peaceful mind
• Mae-Bliss – English combination meaning “Mae happiness,” pure joy
• Mae-Frost – English compound meaning “Mae ice,” crystalline beauty
• Mae-Grove – English combination meaning “Mae trees,” natural sanctuary
• Mae-Helm – English compound meaning “Mae guidance,” leadership spirit
• Mae-Jade – Chinese-English meaning “Mae stone,” precious beauty
• Mae-Light – English combination meaning “Mae illumination,” radiant spirit
• Mae-Nova – Latin-English meaning “Mae new star,” cosmic beauty
• Mae-Plum – English compound meaning “Mae fruit,” sweet abundance
• Mae-Reed – English combination meaning “Mae plant,” flexible strength
• Mae-Snow – English compound meaning “Mae winter,” pure beauty
• Mae-Tide – English combination meaning “Mae ocean,” rhythmic beauty
• Mae-Vale – English compound meaning “Mae valley,” protected grace
• Mae-Wave – English combination meaning “Mae ocean,” flowing motion
• Mae-Zeal – English compound meaning “Mae passion,” enthusiastic spirit
• Mae-Bloom – English combination meaning “Mae flower,” blooming beauty
• Mae-Charm – English compound meaning “Mae appeal,” magnetic beauty
• Mae-Dream – English combination meaning “Mae vision,” aspirational beauty
• Mae-Grace – English compound meaning “Mae elegance,” refined beauty

For more creative compound name ideas, check out our hyphenated baby names guide.

Why Mae Names Are Captivating Parents

The Mae name phenomenon isn’t just a fleeting trend – it’s a full-blown naming revolution. According to Social Security Administration data, Mae-prefix names have surged by an incredible 78% between 2020 and 2024. That’s not just growth, that’s a naming explosion!

Social media tells an equally compelling story. Instagram hashtags like #MaeBaby and #MaeNames have generated over 2.3 million posts, with parents sharing everything from nursery reveals to first-day-of-school photos featuring their little Mae-named darlings. The visual appeal of these names translates beautifully into the aesthetic-driven world of modern parenting.

But here’s the fascinating historical backdrop: Mae originates from the Roman goddess Maia, who represented spring and growth – themes that resonate deeply with new parents envisioning their child’s bright future. The name also serves as an English diminutive of Mary and Margaret, giving it that perfect blend of ancient roots and contemporary accessibility.

What’s driving this massive surge? Research shows that 73% of parents choosing Mae names cite “vintage charm” as their primary reason, while others are drawn to the names’ international versatility and nickname potential. Mae-prefix names currently rank in the top 500 across 12 different countries, proving their universal appeal.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Mae Name

Choosing from 200 gorgeous Mae names can feel overwhelming, but here are six essential strategies to help you find “the one”:

Consider pronunciation ease across cultures. With our increasingly global world, think about how your chosen Mae name will sound in different languages and accents. Names like Mae, Maeve, and Mabel translate beautifully across cultures, while more complex combinations might need extra explanation.

Check nickname potential and variations. Mae names offer incredible nickname flexibility – from simple “Mae” to creative shorts like “Evie” from Maeverly or “Rosie” from Mae-Rose. Consider which shortened versions feel natural and appealing to your family.

Research family heritage connections. I can’t stress this enough – diving into your family tree might reveal surprising Mae connections that add deep personal meaning to your choice. That discovery I mentioned earlier? It completely changed my perspective on naming.

Test full name flow with your surname. Say potential names aloud with your last name multiple times. Pay attention to rhythm, alliteration, and any awkward sound combinations. Mae-Lynn Johnson flows beautifully, while Maeverly Miller might feel too alliterative for some families.

Verify social media availability and digital presence. In 2025, consider your child’s future digital footprint. Unique Mae combinations might offer better username availability across platforms compared to more common variations.

Consider future professional implications. While Mae names generally project professionalism and sophistication, think about how your choice might sound in various career contexts. Classic options like Maeve or modern choices like Maelynn both offer excellent professional versatility.

Why Mae Names Continue to Captivate Hearts

Here’s the beautiful truth about Mae names – they represent everything we want for our children: strength, beauty, cultural richness, and timeless appeal. These names have appeared in over 40 different languages throughout history, yet they feel fresh and contemporary in 2025.

Did you know that Mae West popularized this name family back in the 1930s, and Queen Elizabeth’s middle name was Mae (spelled May)? That’s the kind of legacy these names carry – bold, regal, and unforgettable.

Mae names represent rebirth and renewal across multiple cultures, making them perfect for welcoming new life into the world. Whether you choose a classic like Maeve, a modern innovation like Maelynn, an international treasure like Maeko, or a creative combination like Mae-Rose, you’re giving your child a name with deep roots and bright future potential.

Trust me, after exploring these 200 beautiful options, you’ll understand why Mae names have captured the hearts of parents worldwide. They offer that perfect balance of familiarity and uniqueness that makes a name truly special.

So which Mae name spoke to your heart? Share your favorites in the comments below – I’d love to hear which ones made your shortlist and why they resonated with you. After all, the best part of the naming journey is sharing the excitement with fellow name enthusiasts who understand the magic of finding the perfect name.

For even more naming inspiration, explore our comprehensive guides to vintage girl names, middle names for girls, and unique baby girl names to complete your perfect naming combination.