The name May has been around for centuries and is a popular name for girls. It’s a short and sweet name that has a lovely ring to it. But is May short for Mary? This is a common question that many people ask. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of the name May and Mary and discover if there’s a connection between the two.
The origins of the name Mary
Mary is a name of Hebrew origin and means “bitter” or “wished-for child”. It is a biblical name that is well-known as the name of Jesus’ mother. There are many variations of the name Mary, such as Maria, Marie, and Miriam. The name has been popular throughout history and is still a common name today.
The origins of the name May
The name May is of English origin and means “the fifth month.” May was named for Maia, the Roman Earth goddess. May was not originally used as a name for girls, but rather it was the name of a month. Later, it became a common nickname for Margaret and Mary.
The connection between May and Mary
So, is May short for Mary? The answer is yes and no. May is not a direct diminutive of Mary, but rather it is a nickname. May is a common nickname for Margaret, which is related to the name Mary. Margaret comes from the Greek word “margarites”, which means “pearl.” Mary and Margaret were both popular names during medieval times, and it’s likely that they were used interchangeably.
How popular is the name May?
May is a popular name for girls today, although it’s not as common as it once was. According to the Social Security Administration, May was ranked as the 478th most popular name for girls in the United States in 2020. While it’s not at the top of the list, it’s still a lovely name that many parents choose for their daughters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, May is not short for Mary in the traditional sense of being a direct diminutive. May is a nickname that was commonly used for Margaret, which has a connection to the name Mary. While May is not as common a name for girls as it once was, it’s still a lovely name that many parents choose for their daughters. Whether you choose May for its connection to the Roman Earth goddess or simply because you like the sound of it, it’s a name that has a rich history and a bright future.
FAQ
What does the name may mean in the Bible?
The name May is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the meaning of the name May can be derived from its Hebrew roots. In Hebrew, the name May can be spelled as מֵאָה, which can be translated to mean “wished-for child.” This meaning can be seen in the story of Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel. Hannah was barren and prayed to God to give her a child. Her prayers were eventually answered, and she gave birth to a son whom she named Samuel, meaning “heard by God.” Samuel was a wished-for child, just like the meaning of the name May.
Additionally, the name May can also be derived from the Hebrew word מֵרִירִי, which means “bitter.” This meaning can be seen in the book of Ruth, where Naomi changes her name to Mara, which means “bitter,” after experiencing many hardships in her life. The name May could be interpreted as a reference to the bitterness that can often be found in life.
Another possible meaning of the name May in the Bible could be derived from the Hebrew word מָרַד, which means “rebellion.” This meaning can be seen in the story of King David’s son Absalom, who rebelled against his father and attempted to take the throne for himself. The name May could be interpreted as a reference to rebellion and defiance.
While the name May is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its Hebrew roots provide several possible meanings based on different words and stories in the Bible. The name May can be interpreted as a reference to a wished-for child, bitterness, or rebellion, depending on the chosen derivation.
Is Sally a nickname for Mary?
No, Sally is not a nickname for Mary. Sally is a name that is primarily used as a nickname for Sarah, not Mary. The origin of Sally as a nickname for Sarah can be traced back to England and France, where it was derived by replacing the R in Sarah with an L.
On the other hand, Mary has its own set of nicknames, which include Molly and Polly. The most common nickname for Mary is Molly. The origin of Molly as a nickname for Mary is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Ireland.
It is important to note that nicknames often have multiple origins and can vary based on cultural or regional differences. However, in general, Sally is not considered a nickname for Mary.
Additionally, it is interesting to note that while Sally has been a popular name in the past, it has declined in popularity in recent years. The name may still be associated with the beloved Peanuts character Sally Brown, who never ages, but in reality, the name is not as commonly used today.
