Surname Mai - Meaning and Origin
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Surprises and Unexpected Turns: Discovering the Winding Journey of my Surname, Mai, through an iGENEA DNA Test
Ever been curious about your genealogical origins? I chose to delve into this quest with a DNA test from iGENEA. The report I received, filled with unexpected turns and surprises, took me on a fascinating journey. Unveiling the history and diaspora of my surname, Mai, and discovering a vast and complex mosaic of my genetic heritage has been enlightening.
K. Mai
read moreMai: What does the surname Mai mean?
The origin of the last name Mai is uncertain, though some suggest that it could be derived from various European languages. It has been speculated that it could be derived from the Latin noun 'maio,' meaning a month, or from the Germanic word 'majgh,' which is related to the English 'may.' It could also originate from the Latin 'magus,' meaning wise and knowledgeable man. Additionally, it is possible that it derives from several Eastern European languages, such as the Slavic 'maje,' meaning blacksmith.
In the United States, the name Mai is most commonly seen with Asian-American families. In Korea, the surname Mai is believed to have come from the Yun clan. Japanese records suggest the name was brought into Japan by a Chinese scientist and philosopher during the Nara period in the 8th century, which may explain why the surname is so widely found among Chinese-Americans and Japanese-Americans.
The name is popular in many other countries, as well. It is common among families in the Philippines, where it is sometimes spelled "Mae." In Vietnam, it is spelled either "Me" or "Mai," and is a popular surname in the northern regions of the country. Additionally, variants such as "Meyer" and "Mayer" can be found in Central and Eastern Europe.
In all likelihood, the last name Mai is a combination of several different sources, including European, East Asian, and Southeast Asian cultures. Its many local variations offer an insight into the cultural journeys of those who use it.
Order DNA origin analysisMai: Where does the name Mai come from?
The last name Mai is most common in East and Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Vietnam, China, and Cambodia. It is derived from the Chinese surname "Ma". Mai can also be found in other countries in South Asia such as India and Nepal, where it is an anglicized form of the Hindu/Sanskrit name Mai or Maya.
In Vietnam, the surname Mai is often carried by those from ethnic minority groups like the Muong, Hmong, and Khmer, which makes it more common in certain parts of the country. In China, the surname started with the creation of the Ma clan in Qu County around the 3rd century BC. Since then, it has spread to other regions of the country.
In the United States, the surname Mai is relatively uncommon and can be found mainly among those who have immigrated from East Asia in the last fifty years. It is also present among some communities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other parts of the world where people of East Asian descent have settled.
Overall, the most common places to find the surname Mai today are in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, China, and Cambodia. Additionally, it is found in many other countries around the world where there is a presence of immigrants from those regions.
Variations of the surname Mai
The surname Mai has multiple variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Common variants include May, Mai, Maier, Meier, Maire, Meyer, Mayer, Mayers, Mayr, Myers, Myer and Meierhofer.
The origin of the surname can be traced back to Germany, where it originates from the German word “mei”, meaning “share/portion”. In many marriages, a portion of the family estate was divided among the sons, and the youngest and least successful sons were the ones who adopted the Mei/Meier/Mai/Mayer name. The spelling then began to vary among families who adopted the surname, with some opting for a more Eastern European spelling of Myers or Mayers.
The Mai surname is common among German, Jewish and Dutch populations. Many early immigrants to the United States with the surname are of German origin. The surname was also adopted by some family lines who had emigrated from German-speaking areas such as Prussia and Austria.
In other parts of the world, the surname has taken on many other spellings and derivatives. The name Myer is common in Australia, while the surname Meyr is found in South America. In the United Kingdom, the surname is also spelled Meyr.
Despite the different spellings, the surname is historically linked to the same origin. The variants, spellings and origins all demonstrate the rich history and diverse international presence of the Mai surname.
Famous people with the name Mai
- Mai Haruna: Japanese model and singer.
- Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim: French mathematician, physicist, and YouTuber.
- Mai Atafo: Nigerian fashion designer.
- Mai Yamane: Japanese singer and actress.
- Mai Fujisawa: Japanese singer-songwriter.
- Mai Kuraki: Japanese singer-songwriter and record producer.
- Mai lan Chu Hoi-Ling: Vietnamese judo practitioner.
- Mai Sacasa: Nicaraguan-American singer-songwriter and actress.
- Mai Charoenpura: Thai actress, singer, and businesswoman.
- Mai Ke: Taiwanese actress.
- Mai Inoue: Japanese voice actress.
- Mai Shoji: Japanese singer, guitarist, pianist, and actress.
- Mai Newfield: Australian actress.
- Mai Shiraishi: Japanese actress.
- Mai Kadowaki: Japanese voice actress.
- Mai Demizu: Japanese manga artist.
- Mai Goto: Japanese figure skater.
- Mai Koike: Japanese singer and actress.
- Mai Manyu: Japanese professional wrestler.
- Mai Isaka: Japanese television host, actress, and singer.