The Mays Family History

What Does the Mays Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Mays has its roots in both England and Germany, deriving from the Latin word ‘maius’ and the Old French ‘mai,’ which both signify the season of spring, often associated with optimism and renewal. Variants of the name include Maye, May, and Mai. The Mays lineage in England is believed to have originated in Sussex County, from which it subsequently dispersed to other regions, including Norfolk, Essex, London, Yorkshire, and Lancashire. In Scotland, individuals bearing the Mays surname established themselves in areas such as Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, Fife, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire. In the United States, the Mays families can trace their beginnings to Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Noteworthy individuals with this surname include actress and model Dorothy Mays, professional baseball player Willie Mays, English race car driver Raymond Mays, professional basketball player Travis Mays, Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Mays, Clear Channel Communication founder Lowry Mays, race car driver Rex Mays, professional football player Lee Mays, and musician Lyle Mays.