The name Mae is an English feminine given name with origins dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old French name Marie, which in turn comes from the ancient Hebrew name Miryam. Miryam is thought to be composed of the Hebrew elements mar "drop, bitter, or beloved" and yam "sea".

Mae was originally a medieval diminutive or pet form of the name Mary, emerging as a distinct name in its own right in the 18th century. One of the earliest recorded examples of Mae as a given name is found in the baptismal records of St. Mary's Church in Beverley, Yorkshire, England, where a Mae Palfrayman was christened in 1761.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mae became a popular name in the United States, peaking in popularity around the 1920s. Some notable historical figures named Mae include Mae West (1893-1980), the American actress, playwright, and sex symbol; Mae Jemison (born 1956), the first African American woman to travel into space; and Mae C. Jemison (1918-1993), the first African American woman to serve as a United States Ambassador.

Other famous individuals named Mae throughout history include Mae Busch (1891-1946), an Australian-born Canadian actress who appeared in numerous silent films; Mae Murray (1889-1965), an American actress, dancer, and producer who was one of the most famous stars of the silent film era; and Mae Zetterling (1925-1994), a Swedish actress, director, and novelist.

While the name Mae has waned in popularity in recent decades, it continues to be used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, its connection to the more traditional name Mary, and its associations with notable historical figures who have borne the name.