May Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname May come from? What does the surname May mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name May and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname May Origin: What does the last name May mean?
The surname May has origins in both Germanic (Saxon) and Gaelic roots, with variations used in English-speaking countries and Germany. In Scotland, May is a sept of Clan Donald. The surname "May" is widespread in the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, and among Russians of German descent. It may also persist in areas of the Netherlands and France. YourRoots data indicates that the surname May first appeared in the United Kingdom in the early 14th century, and records show its presence in the United States and other countries, indicating a spread over the centuries.
By the 17th century, the May surname had significantly grown in records in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom in the early 18th century. The surname remains prominent worldwide, with a strong presence in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. YourRoots data showcases the global spread of the May surname, indicating its enduring legacy and widespread usage across various regions and cultures to this day.
May Last Name History: Where did the last name May come from?
Origin of May Surname: Where does the last name May originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname May first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “May” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name May: What does the May surname history look like in the early days?
The “May” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows May family records in countries like the United States, indicating a spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the May surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the May surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 18th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The “May” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and various others.
Explore May last name heritage and May surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME MAY
Famous People With May Surame?
Isabel May
Isabel May (born Nov 21, 2000) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like Alexa & Katie and 1883. Despite starting her acting career with limited experience, May quickly rose to fame for her compelling performances. She has received critical acclaim for her work and has been recognized as one of Hollywood's most promising young stars. With a growing list of film and television credits, May continues to impress audiences with her talent and versatility on screen.
Brian May
Sir Brian Harold May (July 19, 1947 - ) is a renowned English musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist who gained fame as the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen. Alongside Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, May co-founded Queen, contributing to hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You." Beyond music, he holds a PhD in astrophysics and is a dedicated animal welfare activist. Knighted for his contributions to music and charity, May continues to inspire fans worldwide with his timeless guitar work and scientific endeavors.
Ralphie May
Ralph Duren May (Feb 17, 1972 – Oct 6, 2017) was an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his extensive touring and comedy specials. May gained popularity from his appearances on shows like Last Comic Standing, The Wayne Brady Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He released several comedy albums and specials, including Girth of a Nation and Unruly. May's humor often touched on personal struggles, family life, and societal observations. Despite battling health issues like obesity and pneumonia, May continued to entertain audiences until his untimely death at the age of 45.
James May
James Daniel May (born Jan 16, 1963) is an English television presenter and journalist known for co-presenting the popular motoring program Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. He continued their partnership on the television series The Grand Tour for Amazon Prime Video. May has also hosted various programs on travel, science, technology, and more. With a background in music and journalism, he has a unique perspective that has entertained audiences for years. His meticulous driving style earned him the nickname "Captain Slow," but don't let that fool you - he's done some high-speed driving too!
Theresa May
Theresa Mary May (October 1, 1956 - ) is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019. She was the second female British prime minister and the first woman to have held two of the Great Offices of State. May was known for her leadership during the Brexit negotiations and her "strong and stable" approach. Despite facing challenges during her tenure, including terrorist attacks and political turmoil, May remained a resilient figure in British politics. In 2024, she was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness May of Maidenhead.
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