MallowbyNames

Mayre

MAIR · Likely a variant of May or Mary, meaning 'beloved' or 'bitter'; of uncertain origin.

Peak popularity
1911
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Mayre since 1911

Babies named Mayre per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3710192019602000Most births 1915Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s45
1920s46
1930s10
1940s6
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s5
1990s0
2000s0
2010s5
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Mayre is a rare name first recorded in the U.S. in 1911, with no subsequent peak beyond that year. It has never entered the top 1000 and remains a highly uncommon choice. Its trajectory has been stable, with sporadic use over the decades. The name's appeal lies in its simplicity and vintage feel, similar to more popular names like Mae or May. Without any clear etymology, Mayre may be a creative spelling of May, offering a unique alternative for parents seeking a short, feminine name with a touch of nostalgia.

Mayre is a rare variant of the name May, which itself is a short form of Mary or Margaret. Mary derives from the Hebrew name Miriam, of debated meaning (possibly 'beloved' or 'bitter'), while Margaret comes from the Greek word for 'pearl'. Mayre was occasionally used in the early 20th century, perhaps as a creative respelling to add distinction.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: May, Ree

Variants: May, Maire, Mae

Sibling names for Mayre

Names that share Mayre's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Hazel, Iris, Pearl, Ruth, Violet

Brothers: Earl, George, Ray, Roy, Walter

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mayre, our favorite little girl.

M is for Mayre…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mayre's letter becomes Mayre's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mayre's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Mayre mean?
Mayre is likely a variant of May or Mary, so its meaning is uncertain; it may mean 'beloved' or 'bitter'.
How popular is the name Mayre currently?
Mayre has not ranked in the top 1000 names in the U.S. in recent years. Its most recent recorded year was 2025, but it has always been extremely rare.
Is Mayre a boy or girl name?
Mayre is almost exclusively used for girls.