Rising since 2004, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Mayes since 1914
Babies named Mayes per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 78 |
| 2020s | 82 |
Meaning & origin
Mayes is a rare given name that has seen a gradual rise in use since 2004. First recorded in 1914, it remained obscure for most of the 20th century. In 2025, it reached its peak rank of 5,608, with an estimated 1 in 106,755 newborn boys receiving the name. Its trajectory suggests growing interest, though it is still far from common. The name does not appear in any of the top states for the current decade, indicating its usage is widely scattered. Its origin is unclear, possibly as a variant of May or an English surname. Parents choosing Mayes are likely drawn to its short, distinctive sound and surname style.
Mayes is a rare given name that likely originated as a surname, which itself may derive from the Middle English personal name 'May' (a pet form of Matthew or Mary) or from the month of May. It has been used sporadically as a first name in the United States since the early 20th century, but remains uncommon.
“Mayes” around the world
Where Mayes lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Mays
Sibling names for Mayes
Names that share Mayes's style, for a brother or sister.
