Find out how popular the first name Mayu has been for the last 35 years (from 1990 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mayu by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Mayu is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mayu.

The history of the first name Mayu

The given name Mayu has its origins rooted in Japanese culture and language. It is believed to have emerged sometime around the 7th century CE during the Asuka period of ancient Japan.

The name Mayu is derived from the Japanese word "mayu" which translates to "eyebrow" or "eyelash." This connection to physical features suggests that the name may have initially been used to describe someone with particularly striking or beautiful eyes or eyelashes.

Mayu can also be traced back to the Japanese word "mayuru," which refers to a type of peacock. In this context, the name may have been associated with grace, beauty, and the vibrant colors of the peacock's feathers.

While there are no direct references to the name Mayu in ancient Japanese texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have been in use among the nobility and upper classes during the Heian period (794-1185 CE).

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mayu can be found in the historical records of the Kamakura Shogunate (1185-1333 CE), where a noblewoman named Mayu no Tsubone was mentioned as a lady-in-waiting to the shogun's wife.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mayu, including:

1. Mayu Watanabe (1891-1975), a Japanese author and poet known for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and femininity.
2. Mayu Takeuchi (born 1982), a Japanese voice actress known for her roles in popular anime series such as "Ouran High School Host Club" and "Fairy Tail."
3. Mayu Iizuka (born 1991), a Japanese professional tennis player who has won several singles and doubles titles on the ITF Women's Circuit.
4. Mayu Watanabe (born 1994), a Japanese singer and member of the popular J-pop girl group AKB48.
5. Mayu Tsuruta (born 1998), a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed with the World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion.

The name Mayu has maintained its popularity in Japan over the centuries, with its meaning and associations evolving to reflect contemporary cultural values and ideals.

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 Mayu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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