Girl Name · Japanese Origin
Mai
Mai is a girl baby name of Japanese origin, meaning "Dance, plum". It currently sits in the Rare tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Mai often also consider Mae.
Mai meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Dance, plum
Origin: Japanese naming roots help connect Mai to related Japanese baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Mai as M·A·I, with 3 letters and a girl usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Mai is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Mai variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Maia, Maie, Maiy.
- Nicknames: Mai works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Mai with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Mai middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Mae, May, Maya, Maia, Maye — full picks on the sibling names for Mai guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Mai? Browse our names like Mai guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Mai
What does the name Mai mean?
Mai means "Dance, plum" and is of Japanese origin.
What is the origin of Mai?
Mai originates in Japanese naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Mai?
Mai has 3 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Mai a boy's or girl's name?
Mai is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Mai in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Mai sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Mai?
Names that share Mai's sound and style include Mae, May, Maya, Maia, Maye.
What middle names pair well with Mai?
Good middle-name fits for Mai pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Mai is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Mai is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Mai?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Mai share its rhythm without rhyming — Mae, May, Maya all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.