Find out how popular the first name Mayme has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mayme by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Mayme is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mayme.

The history of the first name Mayme

The name Mayme is an English feminine given name that originated in the late 19th century as a variant spelling of the name Mary. It is thought to have derived from the French form of Mary, which is Marie. The name Mary itself is of Hebrew origin, coming from the Hebrew name Miryam, meaning "bitter" or "beloved."

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the name Mayme gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It was seen as a more modern and unique variation of the traditional Mary, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mayme can be found in the 1880 United States Census, where a small number of individuals were listed with this spelling. Some of the earliest notable individuals with the name Mayme include Mayme Ream (1858-1914), an American painter and art instructor who lived during the late 19th century.

Another early bearer of the name was Mayme Gehru (1892-1955), an American actress and singer who performed on Broadway in the early 20th century. Mayme Whitmore (1892-1992) was an American actress and vaudeville performer who had a long career spanning several decades.

In literature, one of the earliest references to the name Mayme can be found in the novel "The Damnation of Theron Ware" by Harold Frederic, published in 1896. The novel features a character named Mayme Skinner, who plays a significant role in the story.

Throughout the 20th century, several other notable individuals bore the name Mayme. Mayme Revere (1900-1989) was an American actress and singer who appeared in Broadway musicals and films during the 1920s and 1930s. Mayme Claxton (1914-1997) was an American golfer who won several tournaments in the 1940s and 1950s.

While the name Mayme was relatively popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its usage declined in the latter half of the 20th century and into the present day. However, it remains a part of the historical record and a unique variation of the classic name Mary.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mayme was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mayme, please contact us.

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